SKÅL International Land and Marine Biodiversity Award
As an Affiliated Member of UN Tourism , whose mission is to promote reliable, sustainable, and universally accessible Tourism, Skål International created the Sustainable Tourism Awards following the United Nations declaration of 2002, to spotlight best practices globally. Skål International has adopted the UN Tourism Global Code of Ethics in Tourism and supports the ST-EP initiative Sustainable Tourism-Eliminating Poverty). Skål International is also affiliated with other important international organizations including PATA , IIPT , The Code , ECPAT and WTTC among others.
Monkeyland's Bold Leap Toward a Future Where Wildlife Owns the Land They Call Home
On October 17th, 2024, the South African Animal Sanctuary Alliance (SAASA) received one of the highest recognitions in the global travel and tourism industry – the prestigious SKÅL International Land and Marine Biodiversity Award in Izmir, Turkey. This award is a beacon of hope, innovation, and validation for Monkeyland, SAASA’s flagship sanctuary in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa. It celebrates an unprecedented initiative that could redefine conservation: enabling animals to own the land they inhabit.
A World-First Conservation Milestone
The award honours Monkeyland’s groundbreaking “Buy a Square Meter of Forest for the Monkeys” campaign. This project represents the first true real estate initiative for animals, granting primates – and the ecosystems they sustain – autonomy over their habitat. The campaign exemplifies visionary conservation by addressing one of the most fundamental vulnerabilities of wildlife sanctuaries worldwide: land ownership.
Situated in the lush Garden Route, a coveted region known for its biodiversity and scenic beauty, Monkeyland’s 22-hectare forest faces long-term uncertainties. Despite ethical stewardship today, the land and its inhabitants could become vulnerable to urbanization or human exploitation in decades to come. This campaign directly counters that risk by transferring ownership to the primates themselves, ensuring the land is managed in perpetuity for the benefit of its rightful inhabitants.
Securing Land, Safeguarding Futures
At its core, the campaign ties tangible land acquisition to wildlife preservation. Through an innovative crowdfunding model, supporters worldwide can purchase square meters of Monkeyland’s forest, represented on detailed maps. Each map contains 2,000 plots, and the project has already mapped out over 200,000 square meters for sale. Currently nearing its 20th map, this initiative has gained momentum, galvanizing conservation enthusiasts globally.
But it’s more than a fundraising tool – it’s a paradigm shift. By granting ownership to the monkeys, SAASA is addressing the root causes of habitat loss and ensuring the forest remains a sanctuary not just for primates, but for countless species, from frogs and shrews to birds and insects. It is a model of ecological interdependence that reinforces the essential relationship between land security and biodiversity conservation.
Why the SKÅL Award Matters
The SKÅL International Sustainability Awards are a prestigious recognition of exceptional efforts in tourism to balance environmental responsibility with economic viability and social equity. Winning the Land and Marine Biodiversity Award is a testament to Monkeyland’s unique approach to conservation – a seamless integration of animal welfare, ecosystem preservation, and innovative financing mechanisms.
For SAASA, the accolade affirms its belief in long-term solutions that transcend reliance on human goodwill. As SAASA co-founder and marketing manager Lara Mostert puts it:
“This achievement isn’t just a win for us – it’s a win for a global conservation movement that prioritizes the rights of animals and the ecosystems they depend on.”
A Legacy Beyond Monkeyland
The implications of this project extend far beyond Monkeyland. SAASA envisions the campaign as a global pilot project, setting a precedent for sanctuaries worldwide. Imagine a future where wildlife reserves across continents replicate this model, ensuring that ecosystems remain untouched by deforestation, urban encroachment, or agricultural expansion.
By tying conservation directly to land ownership, the initiative challenges the traditional framework where human needs and commercial interests dictate the fate of wildlife. It asks a profound question: What if animals could hold the title deeds to their homes?
Looking Ahead
While the campaign’s momentum is promising, SAASA acknowledges the challenges ahead. Raising sufficient funds to secure all 22 hectares – and eventually more land – requires sustained global support. Yet, as the Afrikaans saying goes, “Die aanhouer wen” – perseverance wins.
SAASA’s leadership remains steadfast in its mission. The long-term vision isn’t just about conserving land but about transforming mindsets. It’s about fostering a world where humans and wildlife coexist as equal stakeholders in the planet’s future.
An Invitation to Join the Movement
As SAASA basks in the glow of its SKÅL Award, the message to the world is clear: Conservation must evolve. The future of our planet depends on bold, collaborative efforts to secure habitats, protect biodiversity, and uphold the rights of all species.
Through its “Buy a Square Meter” campaign, Monkeyland invites individuals, families, schools, and businesses to join this transformative journey. With every square meter purchased, supporters are not only securing a patch of forest but becoming part of a pioneering legacy that redefines conservation for generations to come.
Together, we can give wildlife not just a home but the ownership and security they need to thrive.
