Dispatch 35 - BSA Update from the banks of the Boteti River - Botswana

The Boundless Southern Africa Expedition to link 2 oceans, 9 countries, 7 transfrontier conservation areas, more than 30 nature and game reserves and the communities in and adjacent to these areas is proving a great success - Thanks for the support. The Rite to Sight campaign, the provision of mobile libraries, learning materials, Lifestraws for purified water, lapdesks, the Boundless Art Competition, the One Net One Life malaria prevention campaign and the lead up to 2010 through the Boundless Soccer Challenge are indeed making a difference in the lives of thousands of people living in areas adjacent to or within Transfrontier Conservation Areas. Apart from the valuable community work, our clear expedition objective is to highlight the importance of Transfrontier conservation and conservation generally across Africa and to create a Boundless Southern Africa Expedition Route for future generations to embrace nature, culture and community.

The support from Ministers of Environment and Tourism, from heads of conservation and community leaders is heart-warming. Proof of this are the hundreds of messages recorded in the Scroll of Peace and Goodwill for Conservation that we are carrying on our 120-day journey across Mama Africa. These include the following:

'To Boundless Southern Africa, a Goodwill message to all… Prosperity, Health and Environment' Miss South Africa

'God Bless you and all your team members in your superb work.' Jenny Crawford, editor Wildside Magazine.

'Boundless is the greatest opportunity…a concept that will enhance our ties with African neighbours,' Macford Sibandze, Minister of Toursim, Swaziland.

'Together we can conserve biodiversity and link nature, culture and community on behalf of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife we wish our heritage to live forever, a very big thank for your visit.' Ntombifuthi Luthuli

'At Giants Castle we stand in the shadow of the highest point in Africa, South of Kilimanjaro. This is the roof of the subcontinent. This roof will give protection to, and inspire, the Boundless Expedition on its amazing journey exploring nature, culture and community in this great Africa of ours.' Roger Porter, KZN Wildlife

'Good luck with your Boundless Adventure, what you are doing really does make a difference, keep up the amazing work! Best wishes from all at South Africa Natural History Unit.'

Wishing you and your team another fantastic adventure, from your friends at the Natal Witness' Dave Erasmus.

'It is awesome what you are doing for our country and our people and all those in the rest of Africa', Kim Ferguson

'Thank you for the opportunity to be part of this journey of discovery, Boundless are the opportunities, we all have to live. Conservation is the way of living with all things - in peace, you are living this dream - to be - for others. Godspeed on your travels through the Transfrontier conservation areas. The spirit of the mountain is in the wind. Listen to it!!!.' Dr Gideon Groenewald, Lesotho Tranfrontier Conservation Area Facilitator, Peace Parks Foundation.

'May the Boundless journey grow from strength to strength,' Jan Oberholzer, Maluti Drakendberg Conservation Area

'It's an honour and a privileged to wish you a great trip in the name of Peace and Goodwill', Illana Strauss Dillon and the rest of the team at Explore Magazine.

'I have never in my life before experienced something of this nature… there has never been a better time to conserve our natural and cultural heritage. It is only through cooperation, humility and forgiving each other that we may realise our dream. Let us keep nature, culture and community intact for posterity.' Paul Maluke Mkofo, Maluti Drakensberg Peace Parks Facilitator

Good to have you in iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Thanks for all the good work for conservation and community.' Herbert Mtembu, Director Park Operation, iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

'I would like to convey my words of gratitude to Mr Kingsley Holgate and his Boundless Team for today's event. This will make history for our future generations and be of great benefit to both South Africa and Mozambique.' Inkosi Mabhudu II - Israel Tembe, traditional leader of the Tembe people. Boundless Southern Africa Expedition is something that we at Kruger National Park have been waiting for, for many years - now it is finally happening. Congratulations to you and your team for the effort and time you are putting into this - you have all our support. William Mabasa, Communications manager, Sanparks

'Please pass on the good word of conservation - it is music to our ears, go well and good luck.' Bheki Zwane, media directior, Sanparks

'There is no better way and no better group than yourselves to support 'responsible tourism'" Gigu Varghese, Head, Business development, SA National Parks.

'Your expedition has challenged me to appreciate and make an effort to know my country better, thank you.' Seisa Tsime, radio presenter, Ultimate FM, Lesotho.

'Dear Kingsley and entourage, on behalf of the people from Beitbridge and in particular the Maramani community and the Limpopo Shashe Transfrontier Conservation Area we thank you very much for the community day, the footballs and other items you have distributed amongst the community - may God Bless you,' Albert Mbedezi, CEO Beitbridge Rural District Council.

'Nature, culture and community, (wow) At last the world has taken the first large leap towards saving our planet. Kingsley and your team we congratulate you for bringing environment issues to the attention of the world. Lets all work towards and environmentally friendly world that is sustainable.' Minister of environment and natural resources, Zimbabwe, Francis Nhema.

'Long live beautiful Botswana, the land of our forefathers. Let us conserve fauna and flora for our future generations, to the visiting delegation led by Mr Kingsley, you are welcome. Thank you and safe journey', Sidigeng Harrigare Kgamane, Bangwato Tribal Authority

'May God Bless you on your valuable journey to Botswana.' Motlhagodi Molomo, Botswana High Commissioner to South Africa.

'We thank you for your support for the community. It was a great honour to have you in our village.' Chief Rebagamang Rancholo

'Congratulations - this is one of the most noble and exciting initiatives that will benefit all our people … and insure that conservation is brought together in the nine countries comprising of South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, Angola… As politicians we support this initiative, it will bring benefit to the peoples of our countries - Namibian minister of water and environmental affairs.