Many animal species are under threat of extinction due to different factors – from global warming to deforestation to other causes.

This includes some of the most iconic African wildlife species, such as rhinos and elephants, that are disappearing at an intimidating rate. For these species in particular, though, the main factor behind this threat is poaching.

The specific value of rhino horns is greater than gold on the black market: poaching a rhino can be life-changing for people living in impoverished communities where gainful employment is rare.

When faced with the short-term solution offered by poaching, it will be difficult to influence their decision if they have not been exposed and educated to wildlife and the longer term benefits of conservation.

The situation is so serious that on average, 3 rhinos a day are poached in Africa: at this rate, rhinos will become extinct by 2026.

Founded the GCC in 2015 by Matt Lindenberg, Global Conservation Corps (GCC) is committed to tackle the poaching crisis, by investing in both people and wildlife. The mission is to empower the rangers, conservationists, and communities of South Africa to defend and benefit from their national heritage.

To save the rhinos and fellow wildlife species by working with communities neighboring national parks to take ownership of the animals surrounding them. If people are educated and exposed to wildlife, they’ll protect it

GCC supports the heroic rangers that put their lives at risk every day to defend wildlife and give future generations an opportunity to see these animals in the wild. They are the last line of defense between the survival and extinction of rhinos, elephants and other iconic animals. Garmont will supply the rangers with quality footwear that provides comfort and protection during their long periods of standing and walking.

Officially launched in January 2019, the Future Rangers Program engages school children aged five through eighteen from rural communities with the goal of building their awareness and love of nature by teaching them about careers in conservation, the value of wildlife and how to become a custodian of their national heritage.

Thanks to Garmont’s support, the program will double the number of schools and children involved in the project, including the full-time employment of educational facilitators from the local communities. This means that thousands of children will be offered a conservation curriculum every single week and have a chance at leading a meaningful future career in conservation.  

Garmont is proud to give back, both to nature and to the future generations. We believe that the real difference is in empowering people through education, development and training. That is what we are doing with GCC, and what we aim to do in future projects in the coming years: create bridges and remove obstacles for people to reconnect with nature and rediscover their ‘stay wild’ attitude.

We want to drive the passion of every outdoor lover to push the mental barriers of ordinary life, and find it in their everyday – whatever that may be. This is the philosophy behind our “stay wild” motto. Because you don’t have to be extraordinary to do extraordinary things. That’s the spirit that led us to South Africa, to become involved in something that apparently has little to do with our business.”