Leofoo Promotes Taiwan–Eswatini Rhino Diplomacy
Delegation from Taiwan’s Diplomatic Ally, the Kingdom of Eswatini, Visits Leofoo Tourism Group to Deepen Cooperation in Sustainable Tourism and Conservation
A delegation from the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs of the Kingdom of Eswatini—Taiwan’s diplomatic ally in Africa—recently paid a special visit to Leofoo Tourism Group (TWSE: 2705) for an in-depth exchange and site tour.
The visit recognized Leofoo’s outstanding achievements in advancing international “rhino diplomacy” initiatives and sustainable tourism, which have garnered growing international attention. Beyond strengthening cooperation in sustainable tourism and wildlife conservation, both sides also explored expanded collaboration in talent development, industrial investment, and product trade, continuing to promote bilateral exchange and mutually beneficial growth between Taiwan and Eswatini.
Longstanding Ties Between Leofoo and the Kingdom of Eswatini
The Kingdom of Eswatini shares a deep and longstanding relationship with Leofoo. Since His Majesty King Mswati III personally visited Leofoo in the past, exchanges between the two sides have remained frequent. In 2018, a delegation of Eswatini children visited Leofoo Village Theme Park and the Wildlife Park.
This time, H.R.H. Princess Temaswati Tiffany Dlamini, Senator of the Eswatini Parliament, returned to Leofoo together with her husband, underscoring the royal family’s strong recognition of Leofoo’s contributions to tourism, conservation, and sustainable development.
Conservation as a Bridge: Advancing Trade and Talent Collaboration
The delegation was led by Hon. Jane Mkhonta-Simelane, Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs of the Kingdom of Eswatini, and included six members, among them Ted Reilly, Royal Conservation Advisor to the Kingdom.
During the visit, the delegation toured Leofoo Safari Park, Leofoo Resort Guanshi, and the Leofoo Satoyama Community, while engaging in in-depth discussions on talent exchange, tourism investment, and product cooperation. Both sides expressed hope that Leofoo’s mature experience across the sustainable tourism service value chain could help upgrade Eswatini’s tourism industry. They also explored using Leofoo’s International Rhino Diplomacy Program as a foundation to expand academic and conservation partnerships, further strengthening cross-border professional talent collaboration.
Minister Mkhonta-Simelane remarked that Leofoo’s achievements in wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism were highly impressive. She expressed optimism that future cooperation could extend further into business, education, and conservation, jointly building an industrial ecosystem that balances economic value with sustainability.
Eswatini Delegation Praises Leofoo’s Sustainability Achievements
After gaining deeper insight into how Leofoo integrates wildlife conservation, sustainable agriculture, and tourism experiences, Minister Mkhonta-Simelane highlighted Leofoo’s exemplary model of sustainability-driven tourism.
In addition to rhino conservation, Leofoo has established the Leofoo Satoyama Community as a sustainability demonstration site, promoting the integrated concept of “living, production, and ecology.” Through circular economy practices, Leofoo has successfully processed 421 metric tons of animal waste and kitchen leftovers with zero external disposal, converting them into organic fertilizer via patented technology.
This initiative not only significantly reduces waste management costs but also achieves carbon reduction benefits equivalent to the annual carbon absorption of two Da’an Forest Parks, earning high praise from the Eswatini delegation for Leofoo’s tangible and impactful climate action.
Leofoo Sets a New Model for Cross-Border Diplomacy Through Rhino Conservation
Leofoo Safari Park is among the very few institutions worldwide equipped with comprehensive expertise in rhino breeding, veterinary care, and international transfer, and is the only conservation facility in Taiwan with proven rhino export experience.
This year, Leofoo officially launched the International Rhino Diplomacy Program, leveraging Taiwan’s conservation achievements and technical expertise to promote international collaboration, enhance genetic diversity, and ensure that species conservation and talent development transcend borders for long-term sustainability.
Ted Reilly, former designated advisor to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), currently serving as an IUCN-appointed African Rhino Specialist and Royal Conservation Advisor to the Kingdom of Eswatini, expressed strong affirmation of Leofoo’s conservation outcomes during the visit.
He noted that the professionalism and scale of Leofoo Safari Park highlight Asia’s critical role within the global rhino conservation network, and expressed hopes for deeper collaboration in research, education, and conservation outreach to benefit endangered species across both Africa and Asia.
