Embusel to Amboseli: A Journey Through Land, Life, and Coexistence

Embusel to Amboseli: A Journey Through Land, Life, and Coexistence

The names we give to places carry deep meaning, weaving together memories, identities, and the essence of the landscapes they represent. Take “Amboseli,” for example, one of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife areas. The name originates from the Maa word “Embusel,” meaning “fine salty dust.” To the Maasai people, this isn’t just a poetic phrase; it … Read more

Turning Logos into Lifelines

Turning Logos into Lifelines

Today marks a significant milestone in conservation, and we have reason to celebrate. Renowned artist Ellie Goulding and her collaborators, including Kenyan actor-musician Bien Aimé, have successfully raised Sh52 million for wildlife and habitat protection in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This achievement is a beacon of hope, not just for the Congo but for … Read more

Wildlife Conservation in Africa

Wildlife Conservation in Africa

A Landscape Under Pressure Kenya stands out in African conservation, with famous places like the Maasai Mara and Amboseli. Still, finding a balance between growing communities and protecting wildlife is getting harder. Kenya has 92 people per square kilometre, which is much less than the UK. However, when development is not planned, it breaks up … Read more

Why Wildlife Needs Our Help to Find Water (Especially in Dry Seasons!)

Why Wildlife Needs Our Help to Find Water (Especially in Dry Seasons!)

Not all conservation areas are equipped with natural water sources. In many cases, these regions rely on human-engineered solutions like dams, solar-powered boreholes and watering troughs to sustain wildlife, particularly during the scorching dry seasons. Understanding the significance of water access goes beyond ecological concerns; it is also a shared responsibility for humanity. When Nature … Read more

What Do We Miss About the Marabou Stork?

What Do We Miss About the Marabou Stork?

When we think of birds that inspire awe, our minds often drift to elegant cranes, powerful eagles or vibrant toucans. However, the marabou stork rarely comes to mind. This tall, bald bird is often regarded as unattractive or even off-putting, leading many to overlook it entirely. Yet, that would be a mistake, as the marabou … Read more

Why Do We Prioritize Animal Welfare Over Community Wellbeing in Conservation Areas?

Why Do We Prioritize Animal Welfare Over Community Wellbeing in Conservation Areas?

Walk into any discussion about conservation, and you’ll hear terms like “protection,” “wildlife,” and “preservation.” However, you rarely encounter the words “people,” “power,” “justice,” or “historical repair.” Behind every protected area, there is often a community that has been displaced, disempowered, or ignored in the name of conservation. Why do we still live in a … Read more

The Tourism Wake-Up Call We Can’t Ignore

The Tourism Wake-Up Call We Can’t Ignore

Tourism in Kenya is often portrayed as a success story, a golden goose that funds conservation, creates jobs and boosts national pride. However, beneath the glossy brochures and curated game drives lies a growing tension: the often overlooked conflicts, both literal and metaphorical, between a booming tourism industry and the local communities living alongside the … Read more

What We Must Learn from Community Resistance

What We Must Learn from Community Resistance

Environmental restoration is one of the most urgent and noble tasks of our time. From reversing deforestation to protecting wetlands and restoring degraded grasslands, the global push for ecological healing is gaining ground. Governments, international NGOs and climate philanthropists are pouring billions into these efforts. However, behind some of these “green missions” lies a pattern … Read more

The Reality Behind Carbon Markets: Are Local Communities Benefiting?

The Reality Behind Carbon Markets: Are Local Communities Benefiting?

When the idea of carbon markets first gained traction, I’ll admit  I was cautiously optimistic. The concept sounded almost too perfect: companies could offset their emissions, and communities protecting forests, wetlands, and grasslands would get rewarded. A beautiful exchange, right? Preservation is funded by pollution repair. In theory, at least. But the reality on the … Read more