Who We Are

Our Ethos

South Africa is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world with regards to species richness & endemism. Conservation & sustainable utilisation strategies of South Africa’s biological diversity is thus crucial in the preservation of fragile ecosystems whilst fostering economic growth & sustainable development.

Lessis Nature Reserves stemmed from an idea to formalise a strategy to assist in wildlife population & conservation efforts due to the devastating effects poaching has inflicted on this country. Lessis Nature Reserves forms part of an interconnected group which owns, supports & manages 25 private reserves which have been acquired over the years, since 1959.  To date this commitment has resulted in millions of Rands in investment towards these reserves as well as its surrounding communities. Socio-economic development in these local areas has also flourished as it has led to a growing demand for ecosystem preservation & management services which the group has established & manages to ensure the highest standards and quality is upheld.

Core Values

    • Preserve areas of unique, natural beauty and relatively untransformed landscape

    • Contribute to the protection of important vegetation & habitats in order to ensure species stability

    • Provide protection for threatened & endangered species of plants & animals.

    • Provide important ecosystem services especially in terms of water services provided by the Limpopo River to downstream users

    • Overall Ecosystem goods and services (Resources, water, soil etc.)

    • Protection & preservation of nationally important historical sites

    • Protect important living heritage including spiritual and ritual values for the Venda & Sotho nations. This includes cultural traditions, oral history & rituals as well as indigenous knowledge and cultural landsapes

    • Grave & burial sites must be protected and preserved

    • Contribute to the local economy through seasonal job opportunities

    • Medium scale tourism with the potential to increase

    • Environmental and cultural awareness programmes

    • Protected Area Expansion with economic benefits

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