What Europe Can Learn from Africa....

Enormous thanks to Jakonjn Wijk and Wageningen University, Maastricht School of Management at Utrecht, in The Netherlands, for hosting Timothy Mosiany to their conference on Conservation Enterprise "What Europe can Learn from Africa". Along with Daudi Sumba, who presented on the work of the  African Wildlife Foundation in Africa, Timothy was one of the two key speakers with his presentation on "Conservation Enterprise from The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille ;  The Rationale". With Princess Laurentien as the moderator, Daudi and Timothy presented to a mixed group  of Professors, Businessmen, Conservation organisations,  Ambassadors and Travel Agents:  they were both very well received.

Timothy’s presentation included a background to the Ol Lentille project outlining the initial conservation goals, the community partnership and governance model and the conservation development reached so far, together with the economic and social improvements and the challenges faced by both the business and community along the road. The lessons we have all learnt along the way are, inevitably, that communication is the key to all, with participatory methods being essential, and ownership of the project being given to the community. In addition there is a need to involve the local administration and government authorities at all times and where possible  future ownership of facilities to be transferred to the government and the community for a long term sustainable future.  In addition, a wider community involvement to decrease dependency on the small lodge area. Room must be made for mistakes and experimentation along the way, to allow for innovation. The areas we are learning to avoid are: never to dictate ideas and projects and not to impose changes that may negatively change lifestyle and culture. Importantly to avoid involvement in politics at all levels  but to  allow the community to take control of their right to take part in political life and political decision making through - democratically. Above all- do not underestimate the locals- they know more than most of us think they do... and frequently more than we do.

Building on his success at the IUCN conference in Barcelona, Timothy is gaining experience in public speaking and spreading  the message of conservation on behalf of the whole Ol lentille team.

Whilst the conference was greatly enjoyed by Timothy the highlights of his trip have to be his light- aircraft flight to Bremerhaven – Germany; and the  Ajax v RKC Waalwijk  football match, where he was delighted to see Ajax move up two places in the Dutch premiership to second place with their win of 3-0; making this his most memorable trip to date! With thanks to all for their excellent pre- trip planning and communication  and the very smooth trip organisation; and  to all the friends of Ol Lentille  involved for their generosity  in hosting to make Timothy’s  trip such a success for him and for all concerned!