Dear Friends of African Parks,

The process of refocusing and “Africanising” African Parks has been successfully completed. We are widely recognized as one of the most innovative and successful conservation organizations. As a result of this many parks are offered to us to manage them. We feel honored by these developments.

However, because of personal reasons I will no longer be able to actively contribute to this fantastic organization. That is why I will step down as Chairman of African Parks as per 1st September 2008. I am delighted that Huibert Boumeester (48) will succeed me. With a wide experience of international business – Huibert is a former Board Director of ABN Amro Bank – he has travelled extensively throughout Africa, and we feel he is the best man to take the lead in the continued expansion of the organization. I am sure that his uncle, Paul van Vlissingen, would have been proud to see his nephew follow in his footsteps.

I know African Parks has a bright future - currently the executive team are busy concluding the agreement for the management of Bangweulu Wetland Park in Zambia, and there will be more before the end of the year. I thank all of you for the fantastic co-operation. Never to forget.

Piet Klaver.