People can play an essential role as change-makers for the restoration of harmonious coexistence on Earth.

Linda Tucker’s primary research on the White Lions, dating back to 1991, highlighted the importance of Lions in humanity’s evolution as well as the vital role that humankind is being invited to play in the restoration of harmonious coexistence at this time.

Understanding that our paradigm of the world impacts how we behave towards it, the Trust encourages an ecocentric approach that allows humanity to re-align in right-relationship with Nature and to become LionHearted. LionHeartedness is that quality of fearlessness inspired by love and respect for the Natural world that enables us to transform the Human world for the better.

Since its inception, LionHeartedness has informed the ethos of the Trust and its people as well as a range of eco-cultural educational programs (both for local and global communities).

We are calling for funding to support three areas within our eco-cultural programs  fostering the growth of innovative, eco-centric leaders:

1. LIONHEARTED LEADERSHIP

FUNDING TARGET – US$200,000.00 (±R3,700,000.00)

Many people are paralyzed today, frightened and confused about how to live in a world where destruction seems inevitable. The 13 Laws  of LionHearted Leadership™, inspired by the sacred White Lions, Nature, and Indigenous wisdom, provide the template of true leadership, offering the key to restoring not only ourselves but equally our environment, the exquisite web of interdependent Life we call our ecosystem. The world needs LionHearted Leaders like never before – those who are committed and empowered to transform our human world through love and respect for Nature.

• StarLion Centers: The Trust’s StarLion eco-cultural education program plays an important role in its efforts to protect our wildlife region and achieve ‘revival beyond mere survival’: restoring health and pride to the human world, and abundance to the natural kingdom, through the adoption of LionHearted action. Since its inception, and with the White Lions as core inspiration, the Trust has been establishing eco-cultural education centres in the underserved neighbouring rural communities surrounding our wildlife reserves. These lively education hubs are called “StarLion Centers” (inspired by the ancient myth that White Lions came from the stars). In 2007 three of our StarLion centres presented to Nelson Mandela – and the reach of our program has been growing ever since.Initially, the Trust constructed infrastructure, including classrooms, boreholes and ablution facilities, establishing nurseries and food gardens as nutritional hubs. However, while we continue to support structural upgrades at our StarLion Centres, our focus is now primarily on extra-curricular training founded on the 13 Laws of LionHearted Leadership.

• Academy of LionHearted Leadership: The Trust’s eco-cultural education is not limited to young learners. In 2012 the Academy was launched, and in 2020 it was taken online.

• Traditional Knowledge Keeper Centre: Indigenous cultures, both globally and in Africa, have always understood the intricate interconnection and interdependence of all life; that each individual – and species – is dependent on the health of the system as a whole. This is the core of Ubuntu – “I am because you are.” The “you” referred to is not merely the human collective, but this web of life on which we are all dependent. This understanding inspires a deep reverential relationship with Nature, which is at the core of LionHearted Leadership.

2. THE WHITE LION INTERPRETATION CENTRE

FUNDING TARGET – US$200,000.00 (±R3,700,000.00)

According to the ASSEGAIA model for the protection of Sacred Natural Sites, the sensitive rural areas surrounding sacred natural ecosystems should be seen as “Thrive Zones” rather than “Buffer Zones” (a term that evokes human-wildlife conflict). Activities within the Thrive Zones need to be sensitive and protective of the Sacred Natural Site and could include: heritage interpretative and information centres; transformational travel experiences; permaculture and regenerative agricultural models for sustainable production and education; as well as meaningful and connective experiences with Nature.

Since its inception, the Trust’s outreach programs have encouraged respectful, ecologically sustainable activities that support meaningful human interrelationship with these sites, aiming to help stimulate conscious decision making aligned with harmonious coexistence.

These “Thrive Zones”, ignited by  White Lions, seeded by the Trust and amplified through the ASSEGAIA Alliance have gained a momentum that promises an alternative ecologically sustainable model for Earth and all her sentient beings.

• The White Lion Interpretation Centre: An important next step is to create a space where visitors are offered experiential learning opportunities within the Thrive Zone. Because of its proximity to the local community and schools, Mbube (our southernmost property) has been selected as the site for this initiative. Additionally, it will double as a training centre for our LionHearted Leadership™ program and for permaculture and other agroecological learning initiatives.
  Architectural plans by award-winning architect, Peter Rich, have been drawn up and an EIA is currently being conducted. Peter, along with Linda Tucker and our Trustees, have visioned an incredibly beautiful and inspiring space where visitors are taken on a LionHearted journey to rediscover their relationship with Nature and are given the opportunity to realign their intentions in service of Mother Nature.

3. REJUVENATION OF EXISTING BUILDINGS

FUNDING TARGET – US$1,500,000.00 (±R27,750,000.00)

Besides the general periodic upgrades, refurbishments and maintenance required for all the buildings on the various properties under the Trust’s care, with the expansion of the Trust’s portfolio of territories, we have inherited a number of buildings in need of serious rejuvenation. The vision is for these buildings to provide opportunities for people to re-connect and re-align with Nature, either through immersive peak experiences, or through an array of operational hubs driving the Trust’s goals and vision. As the aim of the Trust is to reduce its footprint, we have decided to make every effort to avoid adding to this infrastructure and rather repurpose and rejuvenate existing structures.

• Malachite: This property’s unique lodge overlooking the seasonal Ngalatobasa  river was designed and built by award winning architect, Sylvio Rech, more than 40 years ago. Built by master tradesmen, the design amplifies the distinctive natural elements in the landscape and show-cases a royal African aesthetic. Rediscovering this forgotten gem in the middle of pristine biodiverse landscape is a “Lost Arc” experience in the Kingdom of the White Lions. Unfortunately, upkeep of the structures by the previous owners was sorely lacking and we need to revive this masterpiece to its former glory. Furthermore, a few additional units are required in order to accommodate our curated ecocentric group experiences and gatherings. This non-commercial lodge will host select guests who share our ethos and wish to contribute to a future of harmonious coexistence.

• Sunlands: This property has an exploitative history reflected in the vast hodge-podge of crumbling eclectic structures upon it. Although it is a renovator’s delight, its regeneration will take a lot of imagination and a matching budget. Satisfying all its own energy and water requirements, this off-grid property will eventually become home to the Trust’s head office, housing the needs of our Permaculture Centre, the administrative pulse, and our maintenance and mechanics departments.

• Other Trust Properties: Over the years, with the Trust’s growth, there is now a need to upgrade staff accommodation on our older properties. In addition to simple structural upgrades, we are beginning to move all our properties off-grid, especially with regards to electricity needs.