Partners

Fauna and Flora International
visit www.fauna-flora.org

Fauna and Flora International (FFI) is the world's oldest conservation organization. Established in 1903, they helped to turn the twentieth century into the most important age for conserving life on earth.

Their mission is 'to conserve threatened species and ecosystems world-wide, choosing solutions that are sustainable, are based on sound science and take account of human needs.'

FFI currently supports more than 140 projects in over 60 countries worldwide. Basing its activities on local needs, FFI equips local partners with the means to develop appropriate solutions. By ensuring the active participation of all stakeholders, FFI enables local people to realize their own aspirations for their environment and long-term future.

reeab FFI established the Arcadia Fund in 1998 to purchase non-protected areas of high biodiversity value that are under immediate threat. In 1999, a major donation from the Arcadia Fund, with support from The Conservation Foundation, The Countryside Restoration Trust and a concerned individual, enabled FFI to help purchase Flower Valley. Now, working with the Flower Valley Conservation Trust, FFI is helping to pioneer innovative concepts such as sustainable biodiversity-based business initiatives, and is meeting the challenge of reconciling the often-conflicting needs of conservation and development without compromising sustainability.

Through FFI's partnerships, Flower Valley has received invaluable funding and technical support.

The FFI Global Business Partnership aims to work with leading multinationals in the commercial and industrial sector that have a significant impact on biodiversity. Flower Valley has benefited greatly through the FFI/British American Tobacco Biodiversity Partnership, which is founded on a mutual interest in exploring and developing the role of business in conservation and management of biodiversity. The partnership is designed as a model of good practice in NGO governance as well as corporate governance.

Through its professional expertise in the floristry sector, Otley College in Suffolk, UK, is helping to create an economically viable product that will appeal to the market place.

The Wildlife Land Trust of the Humane Society of United States supported the participatory development of a conservation management plan for Flower Valley.

EarthVoice has provided invaluable technical assistance in program development for the Flower Valley Conservation Trust

The Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) advances Australia's national interest by assisting developing countries to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development. Thanks to AusAID, the Flower Valley Early Learning Centre was moved from a small dark corner into a light newly built classroom.

Amicus' charity, The Learning Fund, focuses on providing support and training to people in need, both nationally and internationally, as well as to those who are improving their own or others' environment and standard of living. www.aeeu.org.uk/learningfund

Open Gate is a UK organization with an interest in education and the environment.

Friends of the Fynbos
Generous donations have been received from members of FFI and from Friends of the Fynbos. These personal 'votes of confidence' help to inspire and encourage us in our everyday work, reminding us that what we are doing in our own small valley on the southern tip of Africa, is important to people all over the world.

Shell Foundation
visit www.shell.com

To reinforce its commitment to sustainable development Royal Dutch/ Shell launched the Shell Foundation in London on world Environment Day on 5 June 2001.

"Through sustainable development we integrate the economic, environmental and societal aspects of our business to achieve financial success, safeguard our environment and develop our reputation as partner and provider of first choice for all of our stakeholders. Sustainable development is not just about environment and social concerns, it's very much about economic performance too. For these reasons it makes good business sense."

Flower Valley is officially one of Shell's 'Legacy' Projects to mark the World Summit on Sustainable Development. Shell, recognising the importance of a strong trading operation to support the conservation and community initiatives in Flower Valley, donated the funds to vastly improve working and living conditions for the community, to support niche market development and upgrade operational equipment. Most importantly, these improvements allow Flower Valley to become a strong player in the marketplace for sustainably produced goods.

To prove their commitment to Strategic Partnerships in Business, Shell will be stocking Flower Valley fynbos bouquets and handmade cards in their Shell Select stores in 2003.

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