A remarkable story of conservation has been unfolding for over five decades.
This year, the Eco-Logic Awards honoured Dave Varty with their prestigious Eco-Intelligence Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising not just one man’s journey but also the testament to the power of collective action and unwavering dedication to our natural world.
Starting with just R62 in the bank and a vision that seemed almost impossible in 1972, Dave, Shan, and John Varty transformed their family’s Sparta Hunting Camp into what we all know today as Londolozi Game Reserve – a name meaning “protector of all living things.” This transformation wasn’t just about changing a business model; it was about pioneering a new way of thinking about our relationship with nature.
Early Safari Adventures Forging The Sand River
The success of Londolozi demonstrates that when we give nature a real seat at the boardroom table, extraordinary things happen. As Nelson Mandela observed during his visit in 1991, Londolozi became more than a game reserve – it emerged as a model for the future of conservation, where people of all races could live in harmony with the natural world.
But what makes Dave Varty’s story particularly inspiring is its emphasis on the power of small, persistent steps. From those first uncertain days at Londolozi to advising governments, establishing new reserves across Africa, multiplying pockets of light and consulting on wildlife projects as far afield as Brazil and India, each achievement was built on countless small actions, unwavering determination, and the resilience to keep going when the path seemed unclear.
Londolozi Model Of Conservation, ahead of its time – 1985
The Eco-Logic Awards, through their panel of 13 diverse and respected judges, recognise these qualities of persistence and vision. They understand that true ecological intelligence isn’t just about grand gestures – it’s about the daily commitment to making better choices for our planet, one decision at a time.
Dave’s journey reminds us that conservation isn’t a solitary pursuit. From early mentors like Winnis Mathebula, who taught him to partner with nature, to collaborations with visionaries like Mark, Tara, and Jessica Getty and working alongside organisations like the Peace Parks Foundation, every success has been built on the strength of partnerships and shared wisdom.
South African NGOs continue to exemplify this collaborative spirit. Organisations like the Working for Water Project and the Endangered Wildlife Trust demonstrate how collective action can create lasting change. They show us that when we combine grit with vision and individual determination with collective effort, we can achieve what might once have seemed impossible.
As we face unprecedented environmental challenges, Dave Varty’s lifetime of work offers an important lesson: the wisdom we need often lies in nature itself. By giving the natural world a genuine voice in our decisions – whether in business, government, or community projects – we open ourselves to solutions that have been refined over millions of years.
The Eco-Logic Awards remind us that every person committed to environmental stewardship, whether working in a small community project or leading international initiatives, is part of a larger movement. Through determination, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to learning from nature, we can create the change our planet desperately needs.
In honouring Dave Varty, we celebrate not just one man’s achievements but the power of collective action and the importance of giving nature a true voice in shaping our future. His journey shows us that with enough grit, vision, and respect for the natural world, we can all be protectors of all living things.
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on When Nature Has a Seat at the Table ~ Celebrating Dave Varty’s Eco-Logic Lifetime Achievement