NAIROBI, KENYA – 29th September, 2025 - The Safari Defenders Initiative (SDI), a powerful new coalition of sustainable tourism leaders, has announced its official launch as a Kenyan-based non-profit, confirming its mission to drive $1,000 per square kilometer per year in regenerative tourism revenue into Africa’s remote and underfunded conservation areas.
Founded by Purple Elephant Ventures, SDI unites the expertise of over 20 sustainable and regenerative tourism partners in transforming the economic model for more than 6,000 protected areas that struggle with funding gaps and lack meaningful community impact.
Addressing the Silent Crisis
Meeting the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework’s 30x30 target requires closing the $700 billion annual conservation financing gap and delivering equitable benefits to communities stewarding biodiverse landscapes. In Africa, conservation areas need a minimum of $1,000/km²/year for sustainability; community-conserved areas need five times more. Most operate below this threshold with underperforming models.
“The traditional model of conservation finance and equitable benefits to local communities is failing, leaving critical ecosystems and millions of community livelihoods at risk,” said Job Odhiambo, CEO of SDI. “With the important role of private sector partnerships increasingly becoming clear in transforming the Africa conservation model, SDI is harnessing the expertise of 20+ sustainable tourism partners to strengthen tourism in Africa’s remote conservancies, driving sustainable financing and tangible community benefits.”
The Power of the Coalition and the Model
SDI's unique approach is built on the collective strength of its founding partners, which include leaders in ecotourism, sustainable mobility, technology, and supply chain management. The coalition will work directly with Conservation Area Management (CAM) organizations through a proprietary 4-Step Process:
Focusing on Holistic Impact
SDI’s tagline, "Strengthening Tourism. Safeguarding Wildlife. Thriving Communities," highlights its commitment to its mandate:
The initiative’s vision is to achieve 100% financial sustainability for Africa’s conservation estate, moving the sector from reliance on charity to reliance on robust, regenerative commerce.
Call to Action for Partners and Conservation Areas
SDI is now formally registered and operational, actively seeking partnerships with conservation areas ready to embrace a new financial future and private sector partners committed to measurable impact.
Conservation Area Management
Organizations are encouraged to inquire about the initial assessment and planning phase. Impact Investors and Tourism Leaders are invited to join the coalition and deploy their expertise and capital to where it is needed most.
About Safari Defenders Initiative (SDI)
The Safari Defenders Initiative (SDI) is a powerful coalition of leading sustainable and regenerative tourism businesses and experts dedicated to transforming the economic model for Africa’s underfunded conservation areas. Launched by Purple Elephant Ventures, SDI provides end-to-end support, from destination branding and infrastructure planning to financing and impact measurement, to achieve its mission of driving $1,000 per square kilometer per year in tourism revenue into every protected area in Africa.
Contact:
Kevin Gisore
Chief Communications Officer
kevin@purpleelephant.ventures
https://www.safaridefenders.com