2012-01-27 : Experiencing Conservation in Action

Dutch Postcode Lottery Group Visits Liuwa and Majete

The Postcode Lottery team and representatives from African Parks touch down at Liuwa Plain: From left to right: Robert-Jan van Ogtrop, Chairman of African Parks, Raquel Seybert, Park Manager of Liuwa, Boudewijn Poelmann, Novamedia Founder and CEO, Annemiek Hoogenboom, People's Postcode Lottery Country Director, Harold Zwaal, Novamedia Commericial Director and Imme Rog, Friends Dutch Postcode Lottery MD.

Dutch Postcode Lottery Group Experiences Conservation in Action

In January a high-level delegation from Novamedia Postcode Lotteries (holding company of the Dutch National Postcode Lottery) paid a visit to Liuwa and Majete to experience the African Parks' conservation model in action. The Dutch Postcode Lottery was launched in 1989 to raise money for charities that work to create a fairer greener world, and has become one of African Parks' most significant donors.

At Liuwa Plain in western Zambia, the delegation got to experience the plains in all their richness and diversity, with thousands of wildebeest and zebra moving through the park. They were introduced to the Liuwa-Mussuma trans-frontier project, met the local Barotse Royal Establishment chief and accompanied the Zambian Carnivore Programme during a hyaena collaring exercise. The group - comprising of Novamedia founder and CEO, Boudewijn Poelmann, commercial director, Harold Zwaal, People's Postcode Lottery country director, Annemiek Hoogenboom, and Friends Dutch Postcode Lottery MD, Imme Rog, - also had the thrilling experience of witnessing wild dogs hunt and kill two wildebeest in quick succession.

At Majete in Malawi the delegation was welcomed at the new Mkulumadzi luxury lodge and learnt about the rehabilitation of what was once a totally depleted park. A highlight of the visit was the release of two leopards into Majete, named "Bou” and "Lady Anna” in honour of Boudewijn and Annemiek who assisted in the release of the leopards from their holding bomas.

Novamedia CEO Boudewijn Poelmann and People's Postcode Lottery country director Annemiek Hoogenboom take part in the leopard release into Majete

African Parks would like to thank the Dutch National Postcode Lottery for its significant funding commitment to our seven parks, helping us to successfully conserve 4.1 million hectares of wildlife land on the African continent.

Novamedia CEO Boudewijn Poelmann helps wildlife vet Ian Parson collar a hyaena at Liuwa Plain National Park