We hosted once again in our Wilderness Education Centre the group of German volunteers from Courage Africa with 60 disabled children from the Dagoretti Children home. They were able to watch elephants and go fishing from their wheelchairs.| Wild dogs spotted. Teetering on the brink of extinction, Wild Dogs are hounded by farmers who perceive them as a threat to their livestock. It is therefore a great privilege to have had the pleasure of 14 on the ranch earlier in the year in the Kaptuya area. These were keenly monitored by foot and from the air by Dr. Stephanie Romanach of the Laikipia Predator Project , as well as our rangers and community scouts and hopefully will continue to thrive. |
| In order to accommodate the increasing numbers of field research assistants and senior staff, we have begun work on a new, \'eco-village\' at Centre, which, while using all-natural materials as cheaply as possible from the conservancy,-rocks, earth, grass thatch etc- still requires funding for solar power and furnishing. |
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The Gallmann Memorial Foundation The Gallmann Africa Conservancy News Archive |
We hosted once again in our Wilderness Education Centre the group of German volunteers from Courage Africa with 60 disabled children from the Dagoretti Children home. They were able to watch elephants and go fishing from their wheelchairs.
This is a two years pilot project in which three bull elephants (Ukuta, Enghelesha and Ol ari Nyiro) were identified by GMF elephant rangers as habitual fence breakers/crop raiders. They were outfitted with radio collars and GSM Development Fund mobile cell phone chips by Save the Elephants and the KWS team.The collars will allow monitoring of the elephants while an authomatic sms message will be sent should these elephants approach a fence. Selected mobile phones distributed to the communities and our elephant unit will receive messages for prompt intervention.
The tree nursery at Laikipia Nature Conservancy;we are committed to
plant one million trees in 2007
.
.
From our album: Education programme: German Volunteers from Courage Africa and disabled children from the Dagoretti Slums, at our Wilderness Education Centre, September 2006
Ndindika prymary child planting tree with our wildlife club
volunteer Patrick
The second Melanistic leopard in a month was spotted and
photographed in Laikipai nature Conservancy by Mike Roberts and`
Lokoro Achuka while on patrol next to our Nguare gate area, on May
1st 2007
As part of our peace ane reconcilaition programme, we hosted a group of Sudanese youth Leaders from embattled Sudan: young people from Muslim North, Christian South and Darfour met for a magical week in Laikipia Nature Conservancy of a firts ever dialogue organised by Dena Merriam of the Global Peace initiative facilatated byJackie Wilson of the USA institute for peace.Nuns from Dharma Drum Mountain in Taiwan, were part of the group.
NEWS FLASH (AMREF Street Children artists)
AMREF Street children artists from Dagoretti Slums were hosted at our Wilderness Centre, performed the play Nyuma Ewani for the Ol Moran Community at our Woodhenge theatre, and then- to a roaring success- for the Pokot Comunty at Churo and for the Mwenje Community at Enghelesha.
Appeal
Buffalo rescue
A
day's old female baby buffalo was found abandoned by the herd- the mother possibly killed - de-hidrated, starving and weak.We put her into a dry area and fed her diluted milk with dextrose and she miraculously revived; we called Ol Jogi where they have vet facilities.Alec Wieldenstein sent immediately a vet and team with his helicopter..!
Ted Waitt-who was staying at our Makena's Hills- landed with his to see the scene... and soon the baby buffalo was rescued, in a 007 type of scene..see sequence.
click to view more pictures
For many years, our neighbours- the Kikuyu, Pokot, Samburu, Turkana, Njemps and Tugen communities, have been living alongside each other in a state of reasonable harmony. Through the 4 Generations we have come to know these communities well and have formed deep and lasting friendships. It was of great concern to us, therefore, when in April the Pokot and Samburu communities started fighting. A dispute that started far away has spread to involve every member of those communities who have been engaged ever since in
a war of retaliation. click to read full story
Cheptosai Selale, affectionately known as ‘Mama Langeta’, is an elderly Pokot herbalist with whom we have been working for over 20 years. She is now in residence at the Conservancy, with her helper and apprentice Elfina, a granddaughter to whom she passes on her encyclopedic knowledge of plants and remedies. Mama Langeta, who is probably well into her 90s, is living testament to the potions and tonics that she concocts from indigenous plants. Every day, she takes to the bush to gather new plants and meticulously explain to Elfina their uses and preparations. We are very grateful to Carlos Loret de Mola- our volunteer from Peru, who over the last 3 months completed a database of over 100 plants used for common ailments, with comprehensive notes about their ecology and distribution.
The Maternity Clinic and Health Centre donated by GMF to the Ol Moran community has been completed and furnished. The water system has been linked to the village borehole with help and labour from Ol Moran Catholic Mission. An external laundry has been constructed, plumbing completed and a separate room for storage of solar batteries for the solar system.
The Clinic is a 10 bed facility with modern medical equipment by Barfield Hospital Suppliers, and has been built at the request of the Ol Moran Community, it is the only such health centre in the region.
The clinic combines a traditional Ministry of Health approved design with fantasy and creativity. click to read full story
We promote the creative and sustainable use of indigenous plants and transforming the common predominant lelechwa shrub-up to now considered an invasive and useless weed- into a valuable and renewable resource through a variety of imaginative utilization is the aim.
In addition to UNDP supported lelechwa ecocharcoal, essential oils, Hidrolate, soap, droppers, we are now using this ubiquitous plant for attractive construction and decoration. A cottage made predominantly with different size of branches from the lelechwa shrub-with and without bark- and carved roots of lelechwa, has been completed and furnished at Laikipia Nature Conservancy. From the roof to the walls, from the internal panelling to the furniture and doors, the lelechwa cottage is a demonstration that everything in nature has a use.
A WORD FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Dear Friends and Supporters,
2005 has been both challenging and rewarding for us here in the field in Africa. None of our many achievements would have been possible without your support and generosity. Here is an update of what's been going on behind the scenery at the GMF and we hope you will continue to help us in future. Remember: a little goes a long way out here! Thank you.
News Flash!
WINGS
A magical artistic creation
to celebrate the launch of the World Migratory Bird Day
At Makena’s Hills, Ol Ari Nyiro, Laikipia Nature Conservancy
9th April 2006
An initiative of the Great Rift Valley Trust
in collaboration with the
United Nations Environment Programme
and the Convention on Migratory Species
At a time in which migratory birds are unfairly being portrayed as the sole harbingers of death and disease, a few key individuals, artists and organizations have decided to come together to try to counter this negative publicity with both scientific evidence and art. In the heart of Africa, on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, Kuki and Sveva Gallmann and the Great Rift Valley Trust have joined hands with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Nairobi, the UNEP/ Convention on Migratory Species and the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement in Bonn to help give migratory birds the positive attention they deserve by launching the World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD).
WINGS has been produced by the Great Rift Valley Trust which aims to bring extraordinary artists to Africa to create original art, inspired by the environment of a place which is symbolic of common Human Origins. Each production of the Great Rift Valley Trust promotes cross-cultural and cross-generational inspiration. Each production bears the message of humanity’s link with nature and our obligation to the environment. The home of the Trust is Ol ari Nyiro, in Laikipia Nature Conservancy, a spectacular wildlife sanctuary and a biodiversity oasis stretching for over 100.000 acres on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, where ancient human Palaeolithic artefacts have been found.
It is here that the atmosphere of WINGS: flight, birds, beauty, will be created. In the spirit of the Great Rift Valley Trust which aims to benefit Kenyans at every stage through education, employment and opportunity, the production of WINGS has involved hundreds of people from the neighbouring communities. WINGS will precede a seminar at the United Nation Environment Program in Nairobi in which environmentalists and scientists from around the world will discuss the topic of avian flu to try and shed some realistic light on this subject.
“WINGS”
The Performance
The Marvel of Migratory Birds
Birds take off towards remote places moved by an invincible instinct, with the
inexplicable certainty that they will return from where they came. The long yearly
journey by the birds along the Great Rift Valley inspires a performance from day to
dusk with prayers, sounds, songs and dances. It becomes a message of peace- as birds
fly over troubled lands regardless of boundaries, people come together from all over
the world to draw inspiration from these creatures of freedom.
WINGS will be composed of 7 parts, each with a symbolic tie to the migratory birds and their significance, freedom, beauty, the purity of nature and each interpreted by extraordinary artists from many parts of the world, who have traveled to Africa for the first time from South America, North America, Europe and the Middle East to create together with African artists.
First part : BIRTH
Tito la Rosa and Tavo Castillo - Peruvian shamanic musicians, from the Andes and
children dancers from the Sarakasi Trust in Nairobi.
Second part : DESIRE TO FLY
Flautist Michel Ghichora Ongaro with percussion and dancers from the Sarakasi Trust,
Nairobi.
Third part : FLYING
Sacred Dervishes from Turkey
Fourth part : TRAVELLING TO DISTANT PLACES
The Consort: Paul Winter - soprano sax. Chris Berry - Zimbabwe mbira and Paul
McCandless - oboe with AFRIGO, Ugandan Musicians.
Fifth Part : ARRIVAL
Kamini Indian classical dancers.
Sixth Part : SONG OF RETURN
Adrian Brendel, cello with Irina Lojnikova, dancer.
Seventh Part : ETERNAL JOURNEY
All the dancers and musicians.
This performance will be composed, choreographed and created in
Laikipia Nature Conservancy. None of the artists have ever worked
together before. There may therefore be some spontaneous changes to the
program.
The Elements
All production by the Great Rift Valley Trust are based on The Elements earth,
water, Air and Fire or combination of these.
THE LOGO OF WMBD - 120 children from the local schools will greet the guests
arriving by plane at our Engelesha Airstrip. These children are part of Sveva’s 4
Generations project. Like the 120 birds forming the logo of the WORLD MIGRTORY
BIRDS DAY the children will form a symbolic live logo on the Great Rift Valley slopes.
THE PHOTOGRAPHS - The stunning photographs of migratory birds exhibited
in the reception area, the swimming pool and the dining area have been donated by
renowned photographers Amedeo Buonajuti, Robert Haas and Carlo Mari. Make sure
you do not miss them.
THE FILM - Academy award winning documentary, The Winged Migration, by
Jacques Perrin will be showing on the projector by the swimming pool throughout.
THE WOODEN BIRDS - are made of sustainable jacaranda wood- sculpted and
hand painted by Nairobi street artists.
THE ORIGAMI BIRDS - Origami is the ancient Japanese art of paper folding. The
dove and the crane are considered to be symbols of peace. The hundreds of origami
birds have been made by school children from several schools.
PRAYER FLAGS - children have written their thoughts and prayers on small flags.
THE OLIVE TREES: Since time immemorial the olive tree is considered a symbol
of peace. The African Olives- Mutamayo- forming the arches, are hundreds of years old
and were already dead when they were chosen and brought from our Mboromoko
olive forest.
THE RED SOIL: for the path leading to the stage comes from a hill of ochre, which
is regarded as sacred by many communities.
PRAYER: We wanted the neighbouring communities to be able to interact with
the artists as much as possible. The prayer will be led by Mzee Leparia, a well-known
Samburu Star expert and Mzee Lesuuda, a laisi .Both are elder- teachers with the 4
Generations project. Our Pokot ladies are led by Mama Cheptosai Selale who is our
resident herbalist.
BALES OF HAY: Over 1000 bales of hay for our seating arrangements were
hand-harvested from the grass fields of Engelesha during the last few months by dozens
of women from the Turkana, Kikuyu and Kalenjin tribes and made with
appropriate technology system hay balers. They are covered in organic hessian from
Kenyan–grown sisal. After the event, these shall be given to neighbouring manyattas,
which have been affected by the dry weather.
PLATES: were handcrafted out of sustainable jacaranda wood.
The People
Arch. Slobodan Randjelovic
Serbian and based in Rome, architect Slobodan Randjelovic has flown in to Laikipia
especially to devise some stunning visual effects on the theme. He has been
instrumental at all stages and details of the production.
La Compagnia di Valerio Festi (www.studio festi.com)
The event is directed by Monica Maimone who was responsible for last year’s
Prelude. For almost twenty years the work of the “Compagnia di Valerio Festi” has
been the creation of festive and magical shows. The poetic of this amazing group is
a poetic of wonder, illusion, bewilderment. Year after year and season after season,
Valerio Festi and Monica Maimone, leaders of the company, have created
fabulous open air shows all over the world.
Hundreds of dancers, acrobats and aerial artists integrate their bodies in magic‘tableaux’ illuminated by fire but enriched with state of the art theatrical technologies
that have enchanted millions of spectators from Rome to Beijing, from Paris to Kobe,
from Madrid to Houston, from Bogota` to Sydney. Recently they choreographed the
exceptional and moving opening of the winter Olympics in Turin.
Stage and costume designer Roberto Rebaudengo joins Monica and her
choreographers Tiziana Cona and Daniela Gambino to add his special brand of
imagination to this year’s WINGS event. Roberto has been working with the world’s
most renowned theatrical sets, from the Teatro Massimo in Palermo to the Piccolo
Teatro di Milano, from the Festival Dei Due Mondi, Spoleto to the New Year
celebrations of piazza del Popolo in Rome , from the christening of the Costa Magica
ship at Barcelona to the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis.
The Sarakasi Trust (www.sarakasi.org)
Founded on the love and dedication of Rudy and Marion van Dijck, the Sarakasi
Trust (Acrobatics/circus in Kiswahili), is giving a world -platform to extraordinary
artists from East Africa, to further social and cultural development of society. Singers
and acrobats, drummers and dancers, jugglers and musicians are part of this unique
team which has already delighted and enchanted audiences around the world.
The Sarakasi Performers
Choreographer - Edwin Odhiambo
Choreographer’s assistant - Issa Nyagondo
Girl dancers - Jaqueline Wanjiru, Sharon Lumbasi, Faith Wangari, Ivy Wangari, Yvonne
Wanjiku, Lillian Achieng, Mary Adhiambo. Children - Lucy Wanjiru, Yvonne Kangila,
Sharon Muonja, Unice Njeri, Asha Osman, Margaret Wanjiku, Jennifer Achieng,
Caroline Mary, Phoebe Imali, Gladys Njoki. Percussion - Ted G Walukwe, Evans
Otieno, Micheal Mwanzia, Robinson Odhiambo, Richard Oneko. Orutu-Haron Makanji.
Vocalist and Flute - Michel Gichora Ongaro
Tito La Rosa and Tavo Castillo
Bringing these extraordinary Shamanic musicians from the remote Peruvian Andes to
the Great Rift Valley of Africa has been a cherished dream of Carlos Loret de Mola,
Peru’s minister of Environment, ever since he met Kuki a few years ago.
Tito La Rosa is a descendant of the Quechua Indians, and a recognized master of
ancestral instruments of the Inca and Pre-Inca cultures of South America. His haunting
melodies and healing sounds are produced by ancient and mysterious instruments
used in celebrations and rituals since time immemorial. Instruments that Tito has
studied and in some cases re-discovered : from shell trumpets to whistling vessels,
from ceramic and stone ocarinas to condor feather panpipes, leaves ,bamboo and
bone flutes and rain sticks.
Tito La Rosa has recorded many Cds: La Profecia dell “Aguila e del Condor, Ritual, Icaros (a collection of magical shamanic songs from the Peruvian Amazon region), Kintu and Ayni for which he won a Grammy. Tito aims and succeeds in becoming an open vessel through which spirit cam move and reveal itself in sound. His attraction to the spirit dimension and his love of all things from the natural world allow him to traverse musical landscapes with tranquility and passion.
Paul Winter and The Consort
World famous composer and soprano sax player of Living Music from the USA, who
recently gained a Grammy for his CD Silver Solstice will be here with his group The
Consort. Known to perform his haunting pieces inspired by nature and performed in
the world’s most scenic environments, from the Dead Sea to the Rocky
Mountains to the world’s largest gothic Cathedral - the New York Cathedral of St.
John the Divine, to celebrate the Solstice and Equinox. He plays to the sound of birds,
whales, wolves and echoes. His concerts have been staged for Heads of State and
Religious leaders all around the world (over 22 albums, amongst which Journey with
The Sun, Anthems, Earthbeat, Missa Gaia) for the second time in Kenya, he gave us
a Prelude of Flyways, inspired by the birds migrating along the Great Rift Valley. He
is joined by Chris Berry specialist of the Zimbabwe instrument mbira and Oboe
virtuoso Paul McCandless.The Consort will play with the Ugandan group Afrigo;
Justin Matu (guitar); Charles Busuulwa (bass); Robert Ssimbwa (Keyboard) Isaac
Zimbe (drums).
Whirling Dervishes
Kamil Ozsarac, Ali Ifhsan Buyursen, Mustafa Ergoskun and Abdullah Koseoglu come for
the first time to Africa from the historical Turkish city of Konya in the heart of
Anatolia next to Ankara. Konya is one of the world’s oldest cities, with excavations
revealing settlement from as early as the 3rd millennium BC. It is here that the
Dervish religious sect or brotherhood was founded in 1273 by followers of the
Persian mystic and poet Jalal al-Din Rumi. The Dervishes are Sufi Muslim devotees
who focus on directly communing with God by cultivating divine love. Brotherhoods
of dervishes are numerous, and each has its own rule, mode of dress, rites, and
methods of receiving novices and of initiating them.This sect express themselves and
attain religious ecstasy by whirling, and are called Mevlevi.
Adrian Brendel
Adrian studied at Winchester College, Cambridge University and with Frans
Helmerson at the Cologne Music Conservatoire, as well as with Alexander Baillie,
Miklos Perenyi and William Pleeth. In recent years he has regularly attended master
classes with members of the Alban Berg Quartet while cultivating a close musical
relationship with his father – world famous pianist Alfred Brendel, with whom he
performs Beethoven’s works for piano and cello. Adrian made his debut at
Wigmore Hall in 1999. He has worked frequently with his trio partners Paul Lewis
and Katharine Gowers, and a new duo with pianist Tim Horton. Last season he gave
recitals in the Concertgebouw, Amsterdam, the Lucerne Festival and the Teatro Della
Pergola in Florence, and performances of Mozart’s piano quartets in Vienna’s
Musikverein, Tokyo Opera City Hall and the Queen Elizabeth Hall with his father. In
October 2002, Mr. Brendel became a member of The Chamber Music Society of
Lincoln Center’s CMS2 young artists program. Adrian Brendel is co-founder of Music
at Plush, a summer music festival in Dorset, southwest England. He has come all the
way from Washington where he is currently engaged for several concerts.
Irina Lojnikova
Formerly part of the Russian national artistic gymnastic team, Irina transformed her
exceptional gymnastic ability into extraordinary dance. The holder of several degrees
and a trained engineer, she invented ingenious props to add magic and the unexpected
to her performances, like an innovative trapeze and a water bowl which was recently
adopted by the Cirque du Soleil. Known to work in stunning natural environments
such as the Australian desert, she joined two years ago the Compagnia di Valerio Festi
as a dancer–inventor. She was part of celebrated opening show of the recent Torino
Winter Olympics and of the Paraolympics as a solo performer, and will be a
protagonist of the Special Roma Olympics in September 2006.
Kamini Dancers
Classical Indian dancers Shivani, Palak, Ashmali, Prina, Rashni and Mirah , specialising in
Southern India Traditional dance, bring to WINGS their grace, art and refined skill, and
the spirituality of their music and rhythm.
Produced by:
WINGS has been produced by the Great Rift Valley Trust which is a non-profit organisation
registered in Kenya, which plans to create a world class centre where great artists at the level of
excellence from all continents, in all creative fields, will create together with African artists original
art inspired by the pristine and spiritual environment of the Great Rift Valley, Humanity’s common
Cradle.
The event WINGS has been made possible by the collaboration of different parties who have come together for a common goal: Coexistence of nature and people, and the celebration of nature through art: The United Nations Environment Programme, The Great Rift Valley Trust, The Gallmann Memorial Foundation, The Convention for Migratory Species, and AEWA.
A special mention must also be made to the exceptional team of the Great Rift Valley Trust and the Laikipia Nature Conservancy without whom none of this would be possible- in particular Rossella Ruberti, Catherine Coulson, Chiara Paglieri, Philip Ochieng, Obeta Sirma, Abigail Sharp, Mary Wanjiku Wangoi, Tanguy de Boch, Patrick Ali, Stephen Ali, Paul Mwangi, Moses Asafari, and the many dozens of people who have worked around the clock to prepare for WINGS.
| TIMETABLE |
| 9:00 First departure from Nairobi by plane 10:00 – 11:00 Arrival at Engelesha, Laikipia Nature Conservancy and transportation to Makena’s Hills 10:30 – 11:30 Photo exhibition and drinks 11:45 – 12:30 Speeches by the pool 13:00 – 14:30 Wings 14:45 Lunch 17:00 Departure from Makena’s Hills for Engelesha airstrip 18:30 Latest departure from Engelesha airstrip |
| If you are driving please follow the birds once inside the conservancy gates. |
Thanks
The Great Rift Valley Trust wishes to thank:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Convention of Migratory Species (UNEP/CMS)
African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement (UNEP/AEWA)
The Italian Institute of Culture
The Gallmann Memorial Foundation
The Kenya Wildlife Services
The Sarakasi Trust
The USA Institute of Culture
The Kenya Wildlife Services
Birdlife Kenya
Kenya Airways
KLM
Fairmont Hotels and Resorts
Manu Chandaria and Comcraft
Manish Shah and the Village Market
Raj Pandit
Nairobi Sports House
Quite Bright Productions
Anghiti Restaurant
Golden Wings
Monica Maimone and her team of Studio Festi
Paul Winter and the Consort
Architect Slobodan Randjelovic, site architect
Architect Per Geheb
Pouran Ghaffarpour of UN for the excellent
graphics and prints at Publishing Section Services
Prof. Elio Traina now of the
Italian Institute of Barcelona
LELECHWA - FROM WEED TO WONDER - PLANT
APRIL 2005 Laikipia – Kenya
The Lelechwa bush is found in ubiquitous abundance throughout Kenya's Rift Valley. Viewed as a tenacious and invasive weed Lelechwa is often regarded as more of a hindrance than a benefit to Kenya's ecosystem. However in the hills of the Laikipia region, a change in attitude is underfoot which promises to shine a more positive light on Lelechwa's reputation. Within the grounds of Laikipia Nature Conservancy, the Gallmann Memorial Foundation (GMF) lead by Kuki Gallmann, have implemented a project that is turning the Lelechwa plant into a renewable and sustainable source of charcoal. Currently households and establishments in Kenya are paying a premium for bad quality and illegally felled charcoal. Lelechwa eco-charcoal however, provides a far superior alternative fuel source to the current sources of charcoal – and at a relatively cheaper rate to the consumer .
This project both epitomises and encapsulates Mrs Gallmann's commitment to the co-existence of conservation and sustainable development:
“I do not believe in the denomination‘weeds' for abundant, invasive species of plants. Everything in the natural world has a use if one has the interest, creativity and imagination to discover it. Over twenty years of botanical studies sponsored by the GMF show that lelechwa is fast growing and can be harvested sustainably as the roots do not die;it is unpalatable to animals, suited to dry soil condition, and has a variety of uses, most of which I discovered by observation and direct experimentation and are now backed by scientific evidence. Indeed, the so called” weeds” can be amazing resources, because there are hardy, have no predators, are abundant enough to guarantee sustainable harvest.”
Other uses for Lelechwa that are currently being explored by GMF include: building materials, sturdy fencing (which is also termite resistant due to the plant's insect repellent properties), high quality woodcarvings,, paper, medicinal essential oil and hidrolates, Kuki has even constructed a house and adjoining bathroom utilising Lelechwa wood, with great results. ‘There is no end to the hidden gifts that Africa's natural world can surprise us with;the potential is huge and the limit is only our fantasy.”
News Flash!
Great Rift Valley Academy
Refugees
Since over one month over 200 women and children of the Jemps tribe have found refuge-and are looked after on the Laikipia Nature Conservancy, and are hosted and fed by Kuki Gallmann and the GMF team; the women have fled the village of Mukutani and Pokot raids where cattle rustlers have destroyed the village, and have fled with no belongings; we spend a minimum of $1000 per day to feed them all. Any help either financial or in kind will be greatly appreciated and gratefully received. Clothes, blankets, milk formula and food are in urgent need; the Ol Moran catholic mission is providing medicine regularly since then, and we are most grateful for their support.
Four Generations
The Four Generations Project is an exciting and typically ambitious brainchild of Sveva's. Aimed at staunching the gradual loss of traditional tribal knowledge and encouraging a reconnection with and respect for the natural environment, the project, sponsored by the Ford Foundation and the Nando Peretti Foundation in partnership with the Gallmann Memorial Foundation, brings together local kids from the main surrounding tribes - Kikuyu, Turkana, Samburu, Nandi, Kalenjin - and inspires them to actively seek out and share the wisdom of their elders.
The information is collected and transmitted through a variety of interactive teaching techniques including inter-generational question-and-answer sessions, performance and role play, story-telling, tribal cosmology, singing and nature walks with traditional herbalists and nature experts. The children (and their grand-parents and great grand-parents) are evidently finding the work enormously rewarding so far, benefiting hugely from the experience.
We have formed The 4 Generations Drama Group, which is delighting the neighbouring communities - entertaining them with an eclectic mix of ancient stories portrayed in a modern way. An ideal medium for the transmission of traditional lore, as the group grows it's hoped that they'll be able to take their productions further afield.
This project would not be possible without Cecilia Wangechi and Mary Wanjiku, our project assistants who have successfully managed to involve the entire community. Sveva hopes the project will gradually expand throughout the region, the country and - possibly - the continent. Sveva's return to Ol ari Nyiro after many adventures abroad has been joyfully welcomed by everyone here.
Laikipia Wilderness Education Centre
The superb facilities at LWEC continue to engage and educate children from all kinds of backgrounds and our packed Summer Camp schedule kept those involved well occupied. Since November, we have hosted over 2000 children from local, national and international schools, including; girls from Homeless Kids International who are based in the refugee town of Lokichoggio; the famous Mathare United Sports Association, an extraordinary organization from the Nairobi slums who have been coached to play superb football and have six ex-players in the national team as well as regular visits from the surrounding communities.
The Centre recently hosted the third visit from Canada-based Schools Without Borders, whose Leadership Course, involving 21 young people, took place amid the inspiring scenery of Ol ari Nyiro. Culminating in a week of cross-cultural activities with kids from Muthare Youth Sports Association (MYSA), whose work within Africa's biggest slum has earned international acclaim and nomination for a Nobel Peace prize; the project was a runaway success and one to be repeated in the future. Major maintenance is needed to upgrade some of these facilities, such as a new hot water system, roof thatching and a new refrigerator amongst other things.
African Humanities and Biodiversity Centre
AHBC, with its distinctive 'flotilla' of thatched tents, meeting area and laboratories, continues to host researchers and visits from international groups. The numerous volunteers helping out at GMF also stay here.
Mike Imperi of Distant Destinations visited with an enthusiastic group from Colorado and had such a successful time that they are returning again next year. They built over 50 desks, which they distributed in the local schools, and also sent out a 21 ft container of textbooks and sports equipment, which they similarly distributed.
In August 2004 the centre hosted the Raymond Pousset group from Germany - a 25-strong school group who spent a week researching elephant behaviour and ecology under the expert tutelage of Max Graham and Anne Powys.
In July we had a visit from 18 members of The South Island School of Hong Kong to study the environmental and cultural breadth encompassed here at GMF. Coming from an environment that could be described as the exact opposite of what they found here, the experience was particularly rewarding for all concerned. We look forward to having them again and to welcoming another Hong Kong School in October.
Volunteers
We also, as ever, enjoy a regular ebb and flow of Education Volunteers from around the world and this year have had visitors from Australia, Holland, Germany, USA, South Africa, Italy, Kenya and the UK who never seem to mind being dropped in at the deep end upon arrival.
Thanks go to Ida Jager, Emilia Ingerford, Katarina Timm, Lindsay Jenkins, Ayako Bertolli, Nitha Karanja, Nyokabi Pratt, Iris de Graff, Casey Cox, Lizanne du Plessis, Saba Bogale, Alessandro Galmacci and Jonathan, Sophie Barker from the UK pop group Zero7, who was recording her international children's music project, Ophelia Holer, Alistair Lorimer, Danielle Rentz, Sybil Bunn, Rupert Gerrard, Alessio Fontana, Philip Mckee and Alex Baker.
For further information regarding volunteer opportunities, contact Lucy at Kukim.stolker@zonnet.nl or check out the website.
Archaeology
A follow-up visit by Dr. Karega Munene, from the National Museums of Kenya, and Dr. Kathleen Ryan, from the University of Pennsylvania, researching Neolithic remains took place in August and they're planning to come back for three weeks of intensive digging on our sites at a later date.
Community
With the perpetual potential for conflicts arising between the burgeoning wildlife here on the conservancy and the ever-encroaching farmsteads that surround us, we are continually looking for ways and means to encourage as peaceful co-existence as possible. To this end we have employed 30 Community Scouts, including 10 Monitors from the Pokot tribe, around the perimeter and provided 20 A-frame houses in particularly vulnerable areas from which to monitor and discourage wildlife crossing the fence. This initiative has contributed to the farmers on our southern boundary being able to boast bumper harvests and record crop yields for the first time in years.
We have also been experimenting with Quiabentia chaceonsis fencing. This thorny, impenetrable member of the cactus family not only provides an effective and environmentally friendly barrier but is also aesthetically more pleasing than the ubiquitous, resource-sapping electric fence.
We continue our Sponsorship of local school kids through secondary school and university - Paul Mathenge, Patrick Kaos, Simon Yatich, Agnes Ali, Joyce Imana (who also translates Turkana during her holidays for the 4 Generations project). We will also be sponsoring at least five - and hopefully ten - new students this year.
Newsflash: One Secondary School child = $500 one year, full board! One University student = $1500 one year. Help us to make a big difference for this country's bright, underprivileged youth. Particular thanks go to Bob and Marcia Nappi for their donation, which will create a much needed library.
WILDLIFE
Andy Marshall: Since he joined us as Head of Security in September, Andy Marshall, MC, has made himself indispensable. Formerly in the SAS and an expert on jungle warfare and personal security, his dedication, efficiency and uncanny ability to crowbar 25 hours into a day has earned the respect of everyone, including potential poachers! With no cattle and herders providing valuable monitoring information, we have had to increase our security personnel to 40 and ideally need to bring this up to 50 to guarantee optimal efficiency. Under his supervision our security team is working round the clock under extreme conditions to ensure the safety of the conservancy wildlife.
Rhino
You may remember the government proposal, mentioned in the last newsletter, to provide us with more Black Rhino to boost our all-indigenous population - the largest of its kind in East Africa. This project is now up and running; the Kenyan Wildlife Service has committed to provide us with fifteen new individuals and Andy is flat out upgrading and extending the electrified perimeter fence by a further 14 kms to accommodate the new arrivals. Not only do we need to build two new holding pens but we also need five dedicated rhino rangers and a full time behavioural ecologist, for which we are seeking funding. The new influx will not only provide much needed blood-stock for the current herd but also company for Toyo, the lone rhino in a huge enclosed area, who can be seen most mornings in the Engelesha fields, grazing with a herd of zebra he seems to have adopted. Our thanks go to the US Wildlife and Fisheries Department for their sponsorship.
Newsflash: Congratulations go to Tumbo, who has given birth to a robust baby calf rhino. If you are interested in our Sponsor-a-Rhino package, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Ornithology
Douglas Nagi, our Silver Medal Head Guide and walking encyclopaedia, is busy establishing the Laikipia Birdwatching Club to monitor and ring the fascinatingly diverse species of migratory birds we have passing through every year. Birds represent the only wildlife most of our neighbouring communities can enjoy and the Club aims to inspire children on their home turf. As one of the major avifaunas in Africa - possibly due to nearby Lake Baringo - Ol ari Nyiro benefits from the migration of numerous different species, including the four main harriers; African Marsh, Eurasia Marsh, Montagues and Pallide as well as other treats like the Black Winged Stilt. We also have had the privilege of at least eight rare Denham's Bustards strutting their stuff recently. Binoculars are urgently sought for this project.
Entomology
Philip Ochieng, the resident entomology guru, continues to catalogue the extraordinary diversity of insects on Ol ari Nyiro, particularly the Mukutan Gorge, and to fill the cabinets as fast as he receives them. We have 750 species and counting as the bug season begins. Our thanks go to our trustee John Sacker for the new specimen cabinet. Philip is initiating honey harvesting projects and a pupae collection scheme of an endangered butterfly, the Monarch, in conjunction with the International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) that will generate revenue for the neighbouring community.
Newsflash: The first of our custom-built kilns and charcoal retorts, which have an astonishing emission level of zero, have arrived. The potential of these gizmos to reduce the pollution and deforestation caused by traditional charcoal burning is genuinely exciting.
Elephant
Max Graham has been carrying out invaluable research into the migratory habits of the Laikipia elephants as part of his Cambridge University PhD. The research has yielded some fascinating results which should help shed light on possible solutions to the elephant/human conflicts that arise in the region as well as providing crucial information towards the dream of establishing a mutually secure elephant 'corridor' along the migration routes of the Aberdares and Samburu districts. In the meantime the elephant population is flourishing with several herds making Ol ari Nyiro a welcome and happy sanctuary.
Henry the Hippo
Since his mysterious (the nearest hippo population is in Lake Baringo, 50 kms and a steep climb away) but welcome appearance on the conservancy back in 1991, Henry has enjoyed his solitude in Hippo Dam with apparent contentment. This March however, taking advantage of a break in the fence caused by a herd of lion chasing buffalo, he decided on a change of scenery and took a leisurely stroll down to Engelesha Dam. Since this is en route to Baringo there was speculation he may be returning to the fold. Sveva's morning swims in the dam were put on hold until we managed to lure him back to his safe area by leaving a trail of his own dung across the Engelesha fields, irresistible bait…
Newsflash: Wild dogs spotted. Teetering on the brink of extinction, Wild Dogs are hounded by farmers who perceive them as a threat to their livestock. It is therefore a great privilege to have had the pleasure of 14 on the ranch earlier in the year in the Kaptuya area. These were keenly monitored by foot and from the air by Dr. Stephanie Romanach of the Laikipia Predator Project , as well as our rangers and community scouts and hopefully will continue to thrive.
Botany
Our tree planting initiative is ongoing and never ending; this year we are, with your help, planting over 10,000 trees: African Olive, Terminalia brownii, Acacia abyssinica, Erytrina abyssinica, Protea, and Red Cedar which, since they constitute the primary habitat for the Colobus monkey population here in the 2000 acres of original, protected Engelesha Forest, are of particular importance. Over 5000 trees were planted in the last few months. At $2 a tree (plus labour) we shall need $30.000 for this project, as well as a pickup - $40.000 - for transport. Under the supervision of Thomas Ole Kaichu, our resident botanist, we're also donating tree saplings from our nursery to the local communities and schools. A tree Planting Day, which coincided with the cleaning up of the OL Moran village by student volunteers, and the presentation of the GMF Environmental Award, took place on June 5th - World Environment Day.
We have also been hosting school walks with tribal herbalists, followed by identification sessions in our herbarium to inform young people of the many uses of indigenous flora.
Newsflash: Eco-village. In order to accommodate the increasing numbers of field research assistants and senior staff, we have built a new 'eco-village' at Centre, which, while using all-natural materials as cheaply as possible from the conservancy - rocks, earth, grass thatch etc - could still do with funding for solar power and furnishing. We welcome any advice on eco-architecture.
Leleshwa
While the Leleshwa oil extraction project continues apace, the research into making eco-charcoal from this versatile plant has entered a new phase of development. In conjunction with the United Nations Development Project (UNDP), we are expanding the sustainable production of ecologically acceptable charcoal, which we have been supplying locally and intend to market nationally.
NEW PROJECTS
The Great Rift Valley Trust
We are establishing this trust specifically to create a world centre for excellence in all creative fields, where artists from Africa and around the world can come and create together at this symbolic location: the cradle of humanity. Bringing the cultural wealth of the region sharply into focus, a major musical event - African Prelude - for which we are fund raising, is planned to be held against the staggering backdrop of the Great Rift itself in early 2006 and will be broadcast world-wide.
The themes will include: Mother Earth, the cradle of humanity, the elements, the rich and varied cultures along the valley's 3,500 mile length and the birds migrating along it. The support of the Italian Cultural Institute, and professor Elio Traina in particular, together with the Italy-based maestros of choreographed art and performance, Studio Festi, have been instrumental at these early stages of what promises to become an extraordinary and unmissable event. Architects are already being consulted for the Trust's auditorium and stages.
Mobile Clinics
In what promises to be a hugely exciting project, Dr. Guisi Carbone and Dr. William Chester are working with the GMF to start a mobile clinic facility, fitting out a custom-built truck with state of the art operating theatre, diagnostic and treatment equipment for the local region and with a view to developing a national initiative. Also part of the same project is the construction of a three-room dispensary with the capacity for minor operations and a storeroom.
Handicapped Children Visits
In an exciting new development in association with German Friends connected with AMREF (African Medical Research Foundation) Germany, we are getting ready to host the first of what will hopefully become a regular visit by handicapped /diseased children from around the world. The aim is, in Kuki's words, 'to give them the experience of a lifetime, one they will never forget' by making them participate in outdoor activities, and exposing them to the healing influence of nature normally out of their range, while under medical supervision. As well as the flights, accommodation and catering, we aim to provide 24-hour medical attention from at least 2 doctors and at least 10/15 volunteer assistants - one per child.
Ol ari Nyiro Museum and Library
As part of the AHBC extension, plans are afoot for the development of a museum to commemorate the achievements of the GMF and showcase the exceptional attributes that the region has to offer - zoological, geological, botanical, ornithological and anthropological.
The Dream Team
Keeping the numerous cogs that comprise the GMF turning requires a competent team, currently of around 300 individuals. We are lucky enough to boast not only some of the best in their field, but individuals whose consummate professionalism is matched by their sense of team spirit. With all concerned able to stretch their job-description spectacularly in order to help out where necessary, working at Ol ari Nyiro means being part of the family and sharing in the dream. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts! Key figures include:
Andy Marshall - Head of Security. Straight from the SAS where he was awarded a Military Cross, Andy, who specialises in jungle warfare, has made an indelible mark on every aspect of the GMF, from whipping the 40+ anti-poaching team into shape to monitoring game movements and juggling the mind-boggling logistics with apparent ease.
Patrick Ali - Assistant Manager: As one of the GMF's longest-serving members of staff - over 30 years - Patrick is crucial to the smooth-running of every aspect of conservancy operations.
Douglas Nagi - Head Guide: Doug's easy going charm and affability is equalled by his breadth of bush knowledge. Known as 'the walking encyclopaedia, Doug, who joined us in 2001, is one of only a handful of Silver Award Guides in East Africa and specialises in ornithology and ethnobotany.
Philip Ochieng - Resident Entomologist: Philip, who joined GMF in 2002 from the National Museum of Kenya, is bug-crazy. His infectious enthusiasm keeps school visitors enthralled and his laid-back demeanour belies the important classification and documentation work he undertakes at the conservancy.
Paul Muchemi: As accountant and logistics officer, Paul has the unenviable task of making sure everything runs smoothly from the heart of the GMF, Centre, a role he pulls off with calm competency.
Simon Gigi - Resident Chemist: A distinction-awarded chemist from Nairobi University, Shakespeare aficionado and avid guitarist, Simon heads up the Leleshwa oil extraction operation.
Lucy Ngugi - PA to Kuki: After an internship at UNEP, Lucy now handles the intricacies of guest bookings, school visits and itineraries and supply logistics. She finds her new office, set high above Kuti in one of the remotest parts of the conservancy, a far cry from downtown Nairobi but nevertheless a welcome change. She is helped by Fatma Salim who manages reservations from the Nairobi office.
Simon Kinyanjui - Assistant Guide: Joining us this year, Simon, who has a Bronze Award and a wealth of experience, has fitted in instantly and has already made himself an indispensable member of the team.
Cecilia Wangeshi and Mary Wangiku: Assistant Project Coordinators for the 4 Generations Project, Cecilia plays a vital role in what's rapidly becoming one of the key features of the conservancy's endeavours.
Thomas Olekaichu and John Hinga: resident botanist and organic gardener respectively, their green-fingered prowess brings valuable know-how to the sustainability of the GMF.
Lokoro Achuka: Deputy Head of Security and Andy's right hand man, Lokoro's good-humour, dedication to the GMF and hard work have earned him the respect of all concerned.
Too many to mention, our gratitude goes to the numerous security guards, maids, cooks, guides, drivers, carpenters, fencers, mechanics and electricians without whom the GMF simply could not function.
We believe now it is Africa's turn. The planet needs its sanity, its beauty, its wisdom, its extraordinary natural world, and the simplicity and grace of its people. Thank you for helping to preserve Africa for all of us. '..As you might already appreciate, the limitations to what can be achieved here at the GMF is constrained solely by the generosity of our treasured donors..'
HRH Prince Bernhard of The Netherlands
We are extremely sad to have to announce the passing of our Patron, HRH Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands on 1st December 2004. Prince Bernhard pioneered and made trendy to the world the protection of wildlife and nature at a time when the danger to the environment was still not widely perceived. His contribution to Nature protection is unique and we are privileged to have enjoyed his trust and enthusiasm for our work. Over the years his guidance, support and friendship have been invaluable to us, and we shall miss him deeply.