A Watch Wednesday of a different kind this week.
Over the last two years, Dereck has, every week without fail, penned the words used in our weekly Watch Wednesday missives, been the inspiration behind the visuals, and together, our team have ensured that, like clockwork, we have shared these moments of inspiration, care and joy with you. A true labour of love and dedication for which we are all appreciative.
This week, as the Great Plains family, we want to share that Dereck and Beverly Joubert headed across to New York, their first international trip since the pandemic broke, to receive the 2021 Explorers Club Medal.
The Explorers Club is a multidisciplinary, professional society dedicated to advancing field research, scientific exploration, and resource conservation. Since its inception in 1904, its members have traversed the earth, the seas, the skies, and even the moon. First to the North Pole, first to the South Pole, first to the summit of Mount Everest, first to the deepest point in the ocean and first to the moon’s surface – all accomplished by Explorers Club Members.
The Explorers Club Medal is their highest honour bestowed and recognises extraordinary contributions made directly in the field of exploration, scientific research, or to the welfare of humanity. As described by filmmaker James Cameron at the awards’ 2013 Annual Dinner, the Explorers Medal is the “Academy Award” for Exploration. The list of previous honorees includes many of the greatest explorers of all time, from Neil Armstrong to Sir Edmund Hillary.
As you know, Dereck and Beverly Joubert are the passionate co-founders of Great Plains, that unique conservation tourism company built around bespoke, caring, meaningful and considerate values. Together, they have created, designed and now operate thirteen stunning owned and partner safari properties in Kenya, Botswana and Zimbabwe, along with the company’s foundation, The Great Plains Foundation, which strives to preserve and protect landscapes, wildlife, and the communities which rely on them in Africa. As National Geographic filmmakers, the duo has more than 40 produced films, 12 published books, and many scientific papers; Dereck and Beverly are the founders of the Big Cats Initiative, Project Ranger, and their charity Great Plains Foundation.
“The finest explorers in the world over generations of adventurers have been associated with two great organisations, The Explorers Club and the National Geographic Society. So, being honoured here and being a part of both makes us so very proud, knowing that the years of hardships, injuries, failures, near deaths, cuts, bruises, broken bones and other mishaps are being seen as just what you do in this unique ‘club’ to achieve the successes- and that is what makes an explorer I guess.” commented Dereck Joubert
Join us in congratulating and thanking them for their tireless dedication to providing leadership, support, and aid to our entire staff, partners, communities, and wildlife initiatives.
Humbled,
Your Great Plains Family