Eco Defense Group is excited to announce the initial phase in its program to support the newly formed “SEAM Team” in Table Mountain National Park.
Standing for “Sea, Air, Mountain,” the SEAM team is an elite group of Ranger recruits being trained for the strategic purpose of countering the poaching and criminal threats facing Table Mountain National Park. This is a radical new and highly effective approach to conserving the national park and its pristine wilderness, unique to Africa and a proclaimed, Natural World Heritage Site.
The SEAM team is a multi-discipline clandestine unit implementing a diversity of skillsets and capabilities. Eco Defense Group is proud to offer support and training where necessary and collaborate on the evolution of all three teams under the SEAM program.
Working with strategic US-based partners like Cloud Defensive, Vortex Optics, Otte Gear, ANR Design, Altus, Muddy Shutter Media, Altama Boots and Kay Foye Knives as well as private sponsors, and implementing US-special missions unit training expertise, Eco Defense Group is highly invested in the successful implementation of this noble program and has made it a 2022-2023 priority.
“The SEAM program is an evolution not just in capability but in thinking, and we’re grateful to South Africa National Parks for the invitation to be part of this exciting project,” says Eco Defense Group president Nathan Edmondson. “Development of this team and the protection of Table Mountain is a globally important mission.”
International syndicate-backed crime has risen sharply and has become a significant threat to Southern Africa wilderness following the COVID travel shutdowns. South Africa National Parks has faced substantial loss of tourism revenue and faces ongoing cancellations from international travelers.
“Dynamic thinking is a must, and the SEAM leaders are ensuring a bright future with this modern and ambitious program,” says Edmondson. “We invite our sponsors to join us in this project—what the SEAM Rangers do, they do on behalf of and to benefit the entire international community. Eco Defense Group is proud to continue to support South Africa National Park and is committed to an ongoing investment in equipping, training and supporting the SEAM Team.”
Previously Eco Defense Group has developed a Fast Rope Program for Table Mountain National Park and in 2021 delivered and developed a Marine Protection Unit at Addo Elephant National Park.