NOURISH

Growing Resilient Wildlife Communities

ABOUT NOURISH Nonprofit

OUR STORY

Nourish (South Africa) was created in 2011 as a platform linking conservation with community priorities, developing integrated, sustainable solutions to the issues that undermine conservation: wildlife crime, poverty, low levels of education, and food insecurity.

We hope to create change where it matters most -

in the minds of the young people and communities who will determine the future of our planet.

Nourish’s focus is to connect communities to conservation through education, enterprise, and tourism. This addresses key challenges in the region, including poverty and poaching.

With a deep-rooted understanding, built over years of hands-on work with rural communities, we built the Nourish Eco Village to provide an alternative—a place where community members can access learning, skills training, and income-generating opportunities that offer a different path. One that strengthens local support for conservation because basic needs are met.

THE CHALLENGE

Sustained underdevelopment and unemployment remain the key challenges facing the rural wildlife villages adjacent to the Kruger National Park. These situations of rural poverty are not simply isolated circumstances of material deprivation but are perpetual situations of dis-empowerment.

The conservation area of the Kruger National Park and the surrounding private nature reserves have issues just as big as those that lie in the communities. Illegal wildlife trade has become a daily threat to conservation with rhino poaching, as well as lion, elephant, pangolin, and vulture. Animals are being killed for their horns, hide, bones or skins in an effort to generate income to support their families.

Mission

To build flourishing, connected communities where people and nature thrive together.

We envision a world where rural communities living alongside protected areas are empowered with dignity, opportunity, and the skills to create resilient futures — forging a lasting connection between conservation and community upliftment.

Vision

To empower communities by creating pathways out of poverty through eco villages that integrate holistic education, enterprise development, environmental stewardship, and skills building.

At Nourish, we believe that lasting transformation begins at the roots. Through sustainable, community-driven programs, we work to redefine what it means to build a better, more connected world — from the ground up.

Values

Ubuntu

We act with shared humanity and care.

Sustainability

We steward resources for the long term.

Inclusion

Everyone belongs and has a voice.

Resilience

We adapt and persevere.

Integrity

We are honest and accountable.

Impact-Driven

We measure what matters and learn.

NOURISH FOUNDER STORY

SARAH BERGS

Sarah was born and bred in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve and this bush upbringing has remained close to her heart as she has navigated the foundation of her nonprofit organisation, Nourish. Now living a life of passion in Hoedspruit, Sarah looks back on her many opportunities from a point of privilege and gratitude.

Starting Nourish over ten years ago remains a pivotal point in Sarah’s life and the development of the organisation’s Eco Village is now a product of pride. While continuing to build and manage various projects that unite community and conservation at Nourish,