Ep 04 - Damien Mander. Finding purpose on the frontlines in the war against poaching.
This episode doesn't pull any punches. Damien calls it how he sees it. It comes with a pretty strong language warning. The audio quality is poor, as Damien was in Zimbabwe on an operation during the interview.
Using his life savings and funds raised from the liquidation of his investment properties acquired through nine years of military service and private military employment, Mander founded the International Anti-Poaching Foundation 2009. He personally funded the start-up and initial running costs, built a ranger training academy at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, and bought a two-seater aircraft as well as vehicles for anti-poaching work.
At the IAPF, Mander has operated in South Africa, Kenya, Australia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, establishing crack anti-poaching units by putting local indigenous forces through specialist tactical training programs. Since 2015, Mander’s work has focused on a community-oriented approach to anti-poaching efforts, and introducing local African women into the workforce through the use of wildlife ranger training and positions. He has also provided Ted Talks on his work with the organisation.
His TedTalk is awesome!
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