Of major focus within the Umbabat Privare Nature Resaerve (UPNR) is socio-economic impact (SEI) in local communities surrounding the region and the UPNR.
Socio-economic impact refers to the combined social and economic effects of projects, events, programmes, and even policies, in a community or society - both intended and unintended. Local communities rely enormously on surrounding game reserves and protected areas for job security and creation, education, local business activity, development and support - and these factors are deeply interconnected with conservation efforts regionally.
Some of the local projects, schools and initiatives supported by the UPNR include the Mpumalanga Scouts (organisation dedicated to empowering and educating young individuals by teaching life skills, developing character, training in citizenship, and developing qualities in all scopes of life), Tsakane Special School (a public education centre catering for students with special education needs, including learning difficulties and physical disabilities), Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing injured or orphaned wildlife, and promoting conservation education), and Elephants Alive! (conservation organisation dedicated to ensuring the survival of elephants and promoting co-existence between humans and elephants), amongst others. The support given to these projects comes from the Umbabat SEI Projects Programme.
After floods earlier this year, the UPNR donated 90 blankets and 90 Food Socks (dehydrated food sachets that can feed a family of 4 per sachet) to 45 Mpumalanga Scouts and their families who were negatively affected by the heavy rains. Further, following on from the previously sponsored capitation fees for 3,382 Mpumalanga Scouts, a donation of equipment was made towards the Mpumalanga Scouts, including 10-man tents, storage boxes, camper tables, books and gas cooker tables. Stationery was donated to Tsakane Special School, and a cash donation was made to Elephants Alive!, further to a previous donation of equipment to Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in December 2025.
The UPNR is proud to support local organisations and communities in ongoing development.
Words by Tess Woollgar. Images courtesy of Wimpie and Stacey Pretorius.