Eco-Logical Intelligence Lifetime Achievement

The Eco-Intelligence Lifetime Achievement Award is an honour bestowed upon an individual who consistently embodies the core principles of Eco-Logical thinking.

This prestigious accolade acknowledges a visionary leader who exemplifies the seven V.I.R.T.U.E.S of Eco-Logical thinking:

V - Vision for a sustainable future,
I - Interconnected and integrated thinking,
R - Regenerative relationship with Nature,
T - Embrace of Three-Dimensional Intelligence (Intellectual, Emotional, & Intuitive),
U - Ubuntu behavior,
E - Ethical consumerism, and
S - Commitment to sustainability for the well-being of People, Planet, and Profit.

We are pleased to announce that this year's recipient of the Eco-Logical Intelligence Lifetime Achievement Award is Dave Varty, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of conservation and his unwavering dedication to the principles of Eco-Logical thinking.

A more befitting recipient is hard to imagine, especially given how his self-effacing modesty belies a fierce commitment and passion for wildlife conservation, an instinctive feel for the eco-tourism business, and a curiosity that defines this relentless warrior.

Dave and Londolozi’s commitment to social development was reflected by none other than former President Nelson Mandela, who in 1995 wrote, “During my long walk to freedom, I had the rare privilege to visit Londolozi. There I saw people of all races living in harmony amidst the beauty that Mother Nature offers. There I saw a living lion in the wild. Londolozi represents a model of the dream I cherish for the future of nature preservation in our country.”

His achievements and contributions in the field of conservation include the following advising governments, NGOs and the private sector on issues related to conservation and tourism development, serving on many different structures in both the conservation and tourism field and has even written a few books.

The Londolozi model has been replicated across Africa and elsewhere. Of course, many of these replications have been as a result of Dave’s own drive and commitment, such as when he set up the spectacularly successful Conservation Corporation (now called &Beyond), the Phinda Game Reserve, lodges in Tanzania, and many other initiatives.

Dave is a relentless visionary who has done so much to enhance conservation, eco-tourism, land-use practices and inclusive benefits for all, both in their own initiatives and those of the many that have learned from the Londolozi model. He has inspired so many people to become “the very best versions of themselves, and to ask themselves, “How can I be of service?”