David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation: A Creative Collaboration
I am delighted to announce a new creative partnership with David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF), a charity close to my heart and importantly at the forefront of holistic conservation across Africa and Asia. Operating in 15 countries and with a combined partnership reach of over 300 million people in 2020, their belief in using art as a conservation tool is one I passionately agree with. Over the course of the year we will be launching a variety of fundraising initiatives and collaborations
The Importance of Collaboration
As a wildlife photographer my career is reliant on the natural world. Were I not a photographer I dread to think what I would do instead - look no further than my grades at school to reinforce this. Since I was 18 there has been little deviance on the path I have chosen and it is one I hope to continue along for many years ahead.
Organisations like DSWF, who do so much to conserve the regions and communities in which and with whom I work, are vital in enabling me to continue my dream. Since their inception in 1984, by their founder the late David Shepherd, DSWF have granted over £10.5 million to conservation projects in Asia and Africa. David recognised early on the need for an holistic approach; involving the people and communities living in such close proximity to endangered wildlife which is vital to the success of any conservation initiative.
A painted wolf, one of DSWF’s flagship species, photographed in Mkomazi NP, Tanzania, 2019
Our Partnership
It is this principle, coupled with DSWF’s value on art as a way of engaging audiences with conservation that makes me so excited by our new partnership. Over the course of this year we will be launching a collection of fundraisers, including; exclusive print sales, a collaboration with world renowned artist Emily Lamb (granddaughter of David and DSWF Art Patron) as well as shining a spotlight on some of their affiliated conservation projects. Perhaps most excitingly from my point of view this includes working with The Pangolin Project in Kenya, documenting their work protecting the world’s most trafficked animal.
As we emerge from 2020 many of us will want to never speak of it again, understandably so. For DSWF though as the world began to look increasingly inward, looking out for number one, their outreach only increased, recognising that actually 2020 could well be a catalyst for change. More people than ever have realised the need for a recalibration of our relationship with nature and that the all encompassing means by which DSWF operate becomes more crucial on a daily basis.
DSWF’s unwavering stance on ending illegal wildlife trade is vital in protecting the 400,000 remaining African elephants
“As global leaders promise to put wildlife and the climate at the heart of post Covid-19 recovery plans, it is our job to keep wildlife safe until such a time when ecologically minded architects are able to rebuild our outdated pedestal”
The figures speak for themselves, in 2020 alone DSWF, through their ground-based conservation partners, reached over 300 million people in China and Vietnam as they campaigned to end the demand for wildlife consumption. Almost 100,000KM2 of African wilderness is being protected thanks to DSWF efforts and perhaps most importantly 20,000 children in Africa and the U.K are being taught about the ever-increasing need for wildlife conservation.
It is my sincere hope that, together with DSWF, my images are able to help make 2021 an even more successful year than 2020. Engagement and awareness are crucial to their mission and we have a platform to nurture that.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you not only for your unwavering support last year, but also in anticipation of your backing this year. It makes such a difference and I am forever grateful.
Wishing you all a happy 2021,
