Check out our press release for our Warrior Watch programme (first blogged about here):
On June 8th, nearly 200 people from across Ngutuk Ongiron Group Ranch in Samburu District gathered for the launch of Warrior Watch programme. Warrior Watch is a unique conservation programme in Samburu that engages warriors, or morans, in active wildlife conservation. Warrior Watch was co-founded in early 2010 by the Westgate Community Conservancy and Ewaso Lions, a project that takes a community-based approach to predator research and conservation in northern Kenya. The launch event brought together warriors with wildlife authorities in a context that built partnership for the two groups which are often at odds on wildlife issues.
Through Warrior Watch, warriors report on wildlife sightings and issues such as conflict in exchange for educational lessons and a food stipend. The warriors were trained on data collection, basic wildlife ecology, conservation and security issues within the Group Ranch, and the economic value of wildlife through tourism.
The launch on June 8th was attended by representatives of Kenya Wildlife Service, including the Samburu District Warden, Mr Mohamed Kheri, who was the guest of honour. Others present included representatives from Samburu National Reserve, Sasaab Lodge, Samburu District councilors and chief, Northern Rangeland Trust, Grevy’s Zebra Trust, and Ewaso Lions donors and friends.
Over 125 Samburu warriors were present and had the opportunity to speak about their roles in wildlife conservation. Members of Warrior Watch called on the warriors present to assist in securing a future for wildlife in the region. The launch was opened with a drama played by students from Lpus Leluai Primary School in Westgate. The day concluded with warrior dances and a goat feast.
Success in wildlife conservation relies on the involvement of local people. Samburu warriors have long been neglected in conservation management. Warrior Watch is the first programme to actively involve warriors in wildlife conservation in the region, effectively making them wildlife ambassadors within their communities. Engaging the Warriors instills positive attitudes towards wildlife, with an emphasis on the importance of lions and predators, and this message is spread to other morans in their communities. Through Warrior Watch, wildlife has a secure future in balance with local people in this part of Kenya.
For more information on Warrior Watch:
info [at] ewasolions [dot] org
(+254) 721 696 443
Photos available upon request