Debate series 3 - ALU School of Wildlife Conservation

Debate III

Title
Pastoralism and wildlife: advantages and challenges

...

11th April 2024

Overview

An insightful discussion about the interdependencies and challenges between pastoralism and wildlife in Africa’s arid and semi-arid lands. In many African regions, pastoral communities and wildlife have existed for millennia within shared landscapes, but are now increasingly facing challenges while still seeing opportunities for sustainable development and biodiversity conservation based on deep understanding and sound management practices. Our discussion explored the complexities of this dynamic relationship, examining issues such as loss of connectivity and seasonal mobility, which has led to increased disease transmission and loss of livestock to predators formerly managed through traditional pastoral systems. Through engaging conversations with community members and conservation practitioners, we heard of ongoing strategies for fostering coexistence while safeguarding the cultural needs and practices of pastoralist communities. Whether you're an advocate for wildlife conservation, a land manager, a policymaker, a development specialist, or a member of a pastoral community, this session offers valuable insights for navigating the intersection of pastoralism and wildlife. Join us as we explore the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Moderator:

Dr. Holly Dublin

Dr Holly Dublin is a Senior Advisor to IUCN ESARO and a Senior Associate of the International Institute for Environment & Development (IIED), a Senior Strategy Adviser to Wildlife Works, Inc., on the Steering Committee of IUCN Sustainable Use and Livelihoods (SULi) Specialist Group, the Technical Review Group of the Alliance for IPLCs for Conservation in Africa, the Steering Committee of the African Wildlife Economy Community of Practice and a longstanding adviser to communities, African governments, organizations and investors on conservation practice, innovative financing and policy, at all levels. Holly was also the longstanding former Chair of the IUCN African Elephant Specialist Group for almost 30 years and an elected Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission serving on IUCN's Governing Council. Many know Holly as a familiar name and face; she has been moderating this series since its inception.

Participant:

Alais ole-Morindat, Masai Elder, Tanzania

Mr Alais ole-Morindat, a Maasai Elder, trainer, researcher, and facilitator, brings over 35 years of expertise in rural development and climate change adaptation in Tanzania. As an independent consultant and Director of Tanzania People and Wildlife’s ACTIVE programme, he previously coordinated projects such as "Devolved District Climate Finance and Planning Mechanisms in Tanzania" for the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED). He's held diverse roles, including Policy Dialogue Consultant for the Ereto-Ngorongoro Pastoralist Project, Governance Advisor for the Embassy of Ireland, and District Development Advisor with Irish Aid programs. With a strong formal education background and numerous certifications, Mr Morindat has significantly contributed to policy advocacy and governance in East Africa. Through initiatives like the Arkaria Impact Centre, he envisions empowering the Maasai society to lead healthy, dignified lives while actively participating in the matters that most affect them. His nomination as an independent member of the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) Network on Poverty Reduction highlights his impactful work in research, training, and policy analysis, fostering civil society development in the region.

Participant:

Dr Isaac Lekolool, Senior Assistant Director/Head-Veterinary and Capture Services, Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya

Dr Isaac L. Lekolool (BVM, MSc) graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1999. He commenced his career with the Kenya Wildlife Service as a Management Trainee in 2001, progressing to Assistant Warden in 2002 and continued his career advancement. Through his demonstrated exceptional dedication and expertise he was subsequently appointed as Senior Warden/Senior Veterinary Officer from 2008 to 2022. In 2012, he furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Science in Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, focusing on Bovine Tuberculosis at the Livestock-Wildlife Interface in the Maasai Mara and Amboseli Ecosystems. Currently, Dr Lekolool is actively pursuing a PhD in Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, with his research centred on zoonotic bacterial tick-borne pathogens in small wild mammals in Laikipia. Now, as the Senior Assistant Director and Head of Veterinary and Capture Services at the Kenya Wildlife Service, he continues to contribute significantly to wildlife conservation using his years at the forefront of veterinary science in Kenya.

Participant:

Teriano Soit, Pardamat Conservation Area, Maasai Mara, Kenya

Teriano Soit is a lawyer by profession and a conservationist at heart. She holds an undergraduate degree in law and is currently pursuing a master of law. She has worked in the conservation space for five years. Her role as an administrator at Pardamat Conservation Area spans around three functions: human resources, procurement and administration. She is an accomplished employee with success in construction, procurement, policy drafting and report writing tasks. Teriano is motivated by her dream to be part of the drive for the sustainability of the communities and private conservancies into the far future. Towards this vision, she is always studying and contemplating threats to conservation in Maasai Mara, and exploring the probable solutions. She draws inspiration and strength from her parents who beat the odds to educate their daughters, and form her siblings who equally believe in the power of education.

Watch the debate recording:

About SOWC

The ALU School of Wildlife Conservation is the first of its kind on the continent, dedicated to growing the next generation of world class conservation leaders in Africa.

The continent needs home grown African leaders to spearhead new and innovative approaches in the business of conservation.

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ALU School of Wildlife Conservation

Bumbogo, Kigali Innovation City, Next to Azam, Kigali, Rwanda
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