Appeal for support:

BirdLife South Africa has trained upwards of 200 community bird guides. Those who are still actively guiding are currently being denied all guiding work by the national lockdown. Local and international tourism is expected to slump for several months, even after the lockdown is lifted. This is a devastating blow to our community bird guides who rely on local and international ecotourism (i.e. non-essential travel) in order to support themselves.

BirdLife South Africa is raising relief funding for guides who need to sustain themselves and their families through this challenging period. We are appealing to all our supporters, especially those who have experienced the wonderful skills of our guides, to contribute to the pooled funds. If you would like to reach out to a specific guide you are welcome to do so privately. All funds received will go directly to the guides.

BirdLife South Africa is contributing R20,000 in seed funding to this initiative in solidarity with our community bird guides.

How To Donate

Donations to the Community Bird Guide Relief Fund can be made to the general BirdLife South Africa bank account using the reference format “BG_initials_surname”. All donations are eligible for a Section 18A tax certificate (please email proof of payment to bookkeeper@birdlife.org.za including your full name, postal address, and the date and value of your donation).

BirdLife South Africa bank details:

 

Alternatively, please use the SnapScan code below. Please make sure to change the reference on your payment to “BG_initials_surname” before processing the payment otherwise we cannot track it. Also note that we pay an admin charge on any of these payments, so EFT is preferred.

For non-SA donors, you can use your credit card to donate here. Please select “Community Guide Training” to donate to this cause.

Application process

BirdLife South Africa will administrate the Community Bird Guide Relief Fund. Funds collected will be pooled and then distributed based on an application process. Guides who would like to apply for extra funds will need to fill in an online form HERE or email their responses to the questions on the application form to andrew.deblocq@birdlife.org.za. Each application will be reviewed by at least two BirdLife South Africa staff members, including the Avitourism Project Manager and one of either the Chief Executive Officer, Head of Finance and Operations, and Head of Conservation. The process has also been approved by the Chairman and will be overseen by the Honorary Treasurer of BirdLife South Africa, Manuela Krog.