Thousands of elephants die of thirst every year in Botswana. But with Living Oasis, a plan to create watering holes along the elephant trails, we can save them.
March 31, 2017
H.E. Mr. David John Newman
Ambassador
Embassy of the Republic of Botswana
1531-33 New Hampshire Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20036
Subject: Living Oasis
Dear Ambassador Newman,
Thank you most kindly for your interest in our project, Living Oasis, a series of ponds we hope to create in Botswana to provide drinking water for the elephant herds there.
We envision these ponds to be approximately 75 feet in diameter, which will be filled with water from a well drilled by a local contractor. These ponds will have as little impact upon the ecosystem as possible.
The following is a simplified itemization of the steps to their creation:
1. The first step in the process, of course, is to find a location. While the greatest point of need is our guiding factor, we would not want to build a pond in an area, for example, that is difficult for the BDF to protect. It seems National parks, therefore, may be prime locations.
2. Once a latitude and longitude has been determined, we will obtain hydrological and topographical maps. Then we will visit wells near the area and talk with locals about the water quality and degree of difficulty to drill in the area.
3. Next will be the contracting of a local individual or company to drill the well, which we expect to be around 100 to 200 feet. Upon successfully finding a suitable amount of water, we will select pumping methods such as a windmill or solar pump.
4. We will then excavate a basin for the pound. The challenge in this step may be bringing heavy equipment to an area with limited access. In such cases, demolition has been recommended for the excavation.
This sounds rather unconventional but it has been successfully employed by one of our advising aqua biologists in a case where a basin was needed in a remote area.
5. If the soil has a clay consistency, we will then pack down the basin so that it will hold water more readily. If the soil does not have clay, we may need to bring clay in.
6. Once the basin is ready, we will flood it and remain at the site for a few days to see how it holds water. If retention is satisfactory, we will continue to observe the pond in anticipation of herd usage, possibly monitoring it with cameras.
7. Based upon the facts gathered from this first catalyst, we will then plan our next oasis.
I cordially invite you to ask any question or provide suggestions about this proposed process. And, when you are able to do so, introducing us to the appropriate person(s) within the Republic of Botswana would be so very beneficial.
Thank you again, sir, for your interest in this project.
Respectfully,
Phillip Hathaway, MLA
Founder and Chairman
