Our Anti-Poaching team lead, Sammy Safari recently attending the International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC7), where he presented a powerful talk on the importance of creating a conducive environment and respectful engagements between law enforcement and the community and the great potential of community led conservation.
Am I a threat?
In the presentation, This was his opening line. And he asked the audience to consider how they perceive him. And what about others like him?
This was followed by Sammy sharing his personal story – from a young boy to whom he is today – an elder and now working in conservation.
Sharing the key moments in his life on how he was guided by his father; treated by positive role models in the law enforcement agencies and how he engages other community members – with the intention of creating the right environment for people to work together, towards a common goal of sustainable resource use and protecting our natural ecosystems.
He closed with a powerful answer to the question he posed at the beginning. He, and other members of the community are NOT a threat. They are hope and they are opportunity!
We would like to say a BIG thanks to our anti-poaching partner WildAid Marine who made Sammy’s partipation in the conference possible.
You can learn more about our anti-poaching team here and signup to our Anti-poaching mailer.