Kenyan Human - Lion Conflict Project
DURATION:
June 2018 - Ongoing
LOCATION:
Conservancies in Eastern and Northern Kenya
PARTNER:
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
INTRO:
Africa's wildlife faces a multitude of grave threats, from poaching and illegal trade to human-wildlife conflicts and smuggling. Ol Pejeta Conservancy, standing as a stronghold against these challenges, proudly hosts the last two Northern White Rhinos on Earth and the enchanting Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Remarkably, this Conservancy is one of just two African nature reserves to earn a coveted place on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Green List.
IMPACT:
Our partnership with Ol Pejeta Conservancy has resulted in a series of impactful initiatives to fortify local wildlife protection and conservation efforts. These endeavors aim to ensure the survival of these magnificent creatures and the delicate ecosystems they inhabit. Here's a glimpse into the impact of our collaboration:
◎ Illuminating the Night with Lion Lights: Our dedicated students have elevated local innovation by enhancing solar-powered Lion Lights, originally conceived by a Kenyan inventor. These upgraded Lion Lights are now available at a mere one-third of their original cost, making them accessible to local communities. Upon returning from Kenya, our students orchestrated a successful fundraising campaign in China. This campaign led to a partnership with a Chinese manufacturer for mass production, culminating in the donation of 620 Lion Lights to Ol Pejeta Conservancy. These devices have proved remarkably effective in deterring wildlife from encroaching on farmlands, alleviating economic hardships, and safeguarding local wildlife from retaliatory actions by affected villagers. Our endeavors have been warmly received by the Ol Pejeta Conservancy's community department.
◎ Vigilant Guardians with Camera Traps: We initiated student-led fundraising campaigns in China to protect the last two Northern White Rhinos and other vulnerable wildlife. This collective effort resulted in the generous donation of six high-quality monitoring cameras, each valued at USD 1,500. These cameras have significantly enhanced Ol Pejeta Conservancy's surveillance capabilities.
◎ Bridging Cultures through Documentary: We pioneered the creation of the first Chinese student-made Northern White Rhino documentary, titled "Meet the Last Three Northern White Rhinos in Africa." Our visionary students also crafted a Chinese brochure for Ol Pejeta Conservancy, touching the hearts and minds of countless Chinese visitors and fostering cross-border awareness.
◎ Digital Advocacy: In partnership with Ol Pejeta Conservancy, we hosted a live broadcast on the popular Chinese platform Sohu. This endeavor garnered an impressive 230,000 likes, secured a prominent place on Sohu's homepage, and even earned a repost by Sohu's CEO. This digital outreach significantly expanded the Conservancy's global reach.
◎ A new youth-driven charity's beginning: Our students founded a wildlife conservation charity brand, Animore+, and organized a captivating Northern White Rhino-themed offline concert titled "Rhino's Top Secret." This event attracted a dedicated audience of over 60 participants and indirectly nurtured wildlife conservation awareness among the younger generation.
◎ By implementing low-interest loans, an internationally advanced poverty alleviation method, China House assisted local farmers in establishing 20 beehives. Bees play a crucial role in deterring elephants from approaching human residential areas, and honey products also contribute to the financial empowerment of local farmers.
