Herd of One: Unique elephant conservation initiative launched

The World Wide Fund for Nature-Kenya and Sankara Nairobi have launched a unique partnership to enhance elephant conservation and the livelihoods of the people who live in and around elephant rich areas.

The initiative dubbed Herd of One is aimed at reserving nature loss as well as conserving the environment for the benefit of people, nature and in turn future generations.

“Partnerships like Herd of One provide a huge opportunity for this generation to protect wildlife species and enhance livelihoods. Wildlife remains one of the key cornerstones of Kenya’s tourism and hospitality industry. We should strive to protect this valuable resource,” said Krishna Unni – Group General Manager, Sankara Nairobi.

The fund, which is spearheaded by Sankara Hotel Nairobi, will involve a campaign where hotel guests are not only educated about the need to reverse nature loss and conserve the environment but can also donate Ksh.100 or one US Dollar towards the cause per stay or when they dine at the hotel’s famous Graze steakhouse.

One of the key objectives of this joint initiative is also to mitigate human-elephant conflict which leads to human deaths, injuries, destruction of property and elephant killings in retaliation.

Additionally, it will work towards stopping the extinction of the African elephants as well as increase their population.

“The Herd of One initiative is another a reminder that our strength to effect change, and reverse nature loss, lies in our partnerships and unified action. From communities who are the pillars of conservation, to policy and decision-makers at national and county governments, civil society organisations, young people and the private sector.” – noted WWF-Kenya’s board chair Isaac Awuondo in an In a speech read on his behalf by immediate former Controller of Budget Agnes Odhiambo who is also a board member at the conservation organization.

During the launch, speakers reiterated that businesses have a vital role in building a sustainable future and must take immediate action to reduce their impact on nature, as well as protect and restore habitats and ecosystems to mitigate the effects of climate change.

According to the living planet report, 2018 wildlife populations have declined by over half in less than 50 years.

This according to experts, should worry businesses because wildlife is one of Kenya’s economic cornerstones, which support livelihoods as well as drive businesses and the economy.

The latest data estimates the African elephant population in Kenya is as low as 35, 000 compared to 165, 000 in 1973.

The iconic species referred to as ecosystem engineers whose health and population is an indicator of the health of the environment are at the brink of extinction due to poaching and habitat and migratory corridors loss.
This will impact negatively on businesses and economic ventures which depend on wildlife for survival.