Conservation Lab

The Conservation Lab is a non-commercial event aimed at strengthening the bridge between tourism and conservation. We're assembling a team of influencers and innovators in government, travel, conservation, technology, marketing and finance to come together for two full days. The usual conference model simply will not work, so we are adopting a radical unconference model (think Davos meets Burning Man) involving only active participants, which will generate and maximise collaboration, fresh thinking and innovation in African conservation.

The campaign
#WeCanFightOurWayBack
The challenges facing African conservation are complex, multiple and increasingly serious. As a result, it often feels as though conservation is losing the game 5-1 and the clock is ticking down to the final whistle! However, with so many talented, committed players available and with amazing resources out there, we believe that if we come together as a team, we can fight our way back!

The players
The event is already attracting an all-star line up; players who have already committed include...

Travel industry
Colin Bell (Africa's Finest); Stefano Cheli (Cheli & Peacock); Chania Frost (Elewana); Ross Kennedy (Africa Albida); Beks Ndlovu (African Bush Camps); Graham Boynton; Praveen Moman (Volcanoes Safaris); Calvin Cottar (Cottars' 1920's Safari Camp); Keith Vincent (Wilderness Safaris); Kim Nixon (Asia 2 Africa Safaris).

Conservation
Emmanuel de Merode (Virunga National Park); General Johan Jooste (Kruger National Park); Ian Michler (Blood Lions); Paula Kuhumbu (Wildlife Direct); Black Mambas anti-poaching unit; Aleksandra Orbeck-Nilssen (Nanofasa Namibia trust); Hanli Prinsloo (I AM WATER ocean conservation).

Technology
Innovators including Conservation Drones, Pembient and Air Shepherd.

Partners
Botswana Tourism
Botswana Tourism will be hosting a networking lunch where the Honourable Tshekedi Khama, Minister of Wildlife, Environment and Tourism for the Republic of Botswana, will be participating in the Conservation Lab personally. With numerous discussions ongoing, we also expect other ministers and key policy influencers from across the region to join us.

Spier
Spier Hotel and Wine Farm will be our host for the two-day event. As one of the continent's oldest wine farms, situated in picturesque Stellenbosch - the inspirational centre of South Africa's innovation hub - the hotel makes the perfect grounds for our high impact game days.

Bizcommunity
Bizcommunity - this fast-growing, leading, B2B site of choice in Africa will be a media partner for the event.

Africa Geographic
Africa Geographic, publishers for over 20 years of award-winning magazines and blogs about natural history and travel, will be a media partner for the event

If you are actively involved in conservation work or if you would like to nominate an industry colleague who you feel will be able to contribute to an event of this level, please get in touch immediately.

Date: 30 April 2016 to 02 May 2016
Venue: Spier Hotel and Wine Farm, Stellenbosch, Cape Town