By Sheila Funnell
I am so excited, and honoured, to be chosen as one of 10 Wild Innovators for the Wild Elements Foundation. The Foundation focusses on the interconnectedness of plant kind, animal kind and human kind. The ethos behind the foundation bears strong similarities to what GZT strives for in its Vision – A growing Grevy’s zebra population that coexists with thriving peaceful communities across healthy rangelands.
As part of this project, Wild Elements focussed on change makers within the conservation field. I was most excited about this aspect of the program as it allowed me to tell a story of conservation that I believe is integral to the future for conservation here in Kenya. I was thrilled to showcase the work of many of the GZT team, from the women Grassland Champions working to restore rangelands around their respective villages in Westgate Conservancy, to the inspiring effort made by the women in the Nkirreten project to protect themselves and their wider community from Covid-19.
My enthusiasm about what the organisation can achieve was heightened even further when I heard from Peter Lalampaa and Julius Lekenit why grass, livestock and Grevy’s zebra are so integral to the traditions and cultures of the Samburu and Rendille people. And finally, I loved being a part of the Naapo, one of the most revered and influential activities carried out by Samburu people. Although the Naapo was a replication of the real event, under the stars in Pukur lugga, sitting around a fire, the power that came from decisions made during the Naapo was unmistakable.
@Grevy’s Zebra Trust; the Naapo
Over five continuous filming days, we managed to capture the determination, innovation, team work, and even more critically, the family, behind the conservation of Grevy’s zebra here in Kenya.
