The Woolworths Trust has made a R100 000 donation to the Landmark Foundation in support of its Leopard and Predator Conservation Project. The funds will specifically be used in the development of an enabling environment for the production of ‘Predator-Friendly’ livestock farming. There is still significant persecution of predators such as Leopards, Caracals, Jackals, Eagles and Vultures in South Africa. Over the past three years, the Landmark Foundation has worked particularly to promote and facilitate the humane capture, relocation, tracking and release of leopards as alternatives to the unacceptable killings that result from the use of gin-traps and poison bait. The support of The Woolworths Trust is a mark of the retailer’s commitment to its recently announced ‘Good Business Journey’ – a systemic initiative that aims to ensure sustainable growth for the company and all its stakeholders. Woolworths has pledged to enhance its environmental focus over the next five years through programmes that accelerate environmental conservation and protect biodiversity. The sponsorship of the Landmark Foundation’s project involves the development of a ‘Predator-Friendly’ Code of Conduct and Producer’s Manual for South Africa’s meat producers. In addition, a major workshop, bringing together farmers, conservationists and wildlife specialists, will be convened to explore holistic approaches to predator control and the implementation of biological sustainable farming practices. Director of the Landmark Foundation, Dr Bool Smuts comments: “We are delighted that Woolworths has joined forces with our cause to protect Leopards and other threatened predator species from unnecessary and cruel killings. As conservationists we cannot do this alone. This sponsorship is a significant step towards successfully protecting valuable species.” ENDS Issued on behalf of: The Woolworths Trust Issued by: liquidlingo Communications Contact: +27 21 424 1530