Victoria Amunga is a journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Kenya App Allows Users to Help Track Rare Mammals

01 Oct 2023  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  Climate Change

Kenya's wildlife authorities have launched the Mammal Atlas Kenya (Makenya) app to help track and protect rare mammals. The app allows users to log sightings, upload photos, and provide details about mammal behavior and locations. Developed by the National Museums of Kenya and the Mammal Committee of Nature Kenya, the app aims to engage the public in conservation efforts amid challenges posed by climate change and human activities. Since its launch, users have reported over 2,500 sightings. Experts emphasize the app's importance in identifying and managing endangered species, contributing to broader conservation initiatives.

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African Wildlife Foundation National Museums of Kenya Mammal Committee of Nature Kenya

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I am a self-driven freelance investigative journalist based in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and I am interested in community and development journalism. 

My major focus on the environment, environmental crimes and general issues affecting the communities, largely the marginalised.

Rhino poaching on the rise in Zimbabwe’s Matobo National Park

20 Feb 2023  |  The Independent  |  English  |  Endangered Species

There is a resurgence of rhino poaching in Zimbabwe’s Matobo National Park, threatening conservation gains. Six incidents have been reported this year, attributed to the easing of Covid-19 restrictions and reopening of borders. Dambari Wildlife Trust (DWT) notes that current poaching levels are higher than in the past eight years combined. Efforts to combat poaching include increased patrols, use of drones, and dehorning rhinos. However, dehorning is not a permanent solution. Community involvement and technological measures like telemetry implants and camera traps are also crucial in detecting and preventing poaching activities.

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Save African Rhino Foundation Dambari Wildlife Trust Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority USAID Space for Giants

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Ndi Eugene Ndi is a journalist based in Yaounde, Cameroon. He is editor of NewsWatch; a local by-monthly tabloid in the Central African State and Correspondent for Nation Media Group, Kenya (Nation Daily, Daily Monitor, The East African, The Citizen, Business Daily, Africa Review)

Kigali summit 2022 unveils African-led conservation scheme

23 Jul 2022  |  www.fairplanet.org  |  English  |  Biodiversity

The Kigali summit 2022 unveiled the A Pan African Conservation Trust (A-PACT), an African-led initiative aimed at providing sustainable financing for protected and conserved areas across Africa. Launched by former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, the initiative addresses the funding crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The African Wildlife Foundation leads A-PACT, with support from other organizations. The initiative seeks global donations but emphasizes the need for African governments to contribute. Rwanda has already committed to the fund, with hopes that the African Union and the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment will adopt the scheme.

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African Ministerial Conference on the Environment African Union Consortium for African Funds for the Environment African Wildlife Foundation A Pan African Conservation Trust International Union for Conservation of Nature Africa Protected Areas Congress

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International broadcast, print & digital journalist and documentary maker producing award winning long and short form pieces and reporting live on-air from major breaking news fronts for global networks including the BBC, VOA, Newsmax, Nippon Television, NHK, Euronews, TRT World, etc.

Battles loom over water, not oil, desertification forum told

08 Nov 2006  |  South China Morning Post  |  English  |  International Conference

The UN Conference on Deserts and Desertification was informed that future global conflicts may center on water scarcity rather than oil if climate change and poverty are not addressed. The conference, co-hosted by the UNCCD and Israel's Jacob Blaustein Institute for Desert Research, aims to find solutions to desertification. Israel's expertise in dryland development was highlighted, with innovative technologies such as drip irrigation and desalinisation being discussed. The conference also focuses on the potential of deserts for human betterment, with Israel's practices serving as a model.

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African Wildlife Foundation UN Conference on Deserts and Desertification UN Convention to Combat Desertification Jacob Blaustein Institute for Desert Research Ben Gurion University of the Negev

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Experienced journalist able to do lives and reporting for print, radio and tv. I have reported for media outlets from more than fifteen countries, including for ARTE/ZDF, BBC News, The Guardian, Süddeutsche Zeitung, The Sunday Times, NRC Handelsblad, Deutsche Welle en De Groene Amsterdammer.

Wildlife forensics: how a giant pangolin named Ghost could help save the species

04 Aug 2020  |  www.theguardian.com  |  English  |  Wildlife Crime

A giant pangolin named Ghost, the largest recorded, was captured in Gabon's Lopé-Okanda national park by David Lehmann and his team, providing valuable insights for anti-poaching efforts. Pangolins are critically endangered and heavily trafficked for their scales, used in traditional Chinese medicine. The EU’s Ecofac6 programme supports biodiversity conservation in the Congo basin. New forensic techniques, such as isotopic fingerprinting, are being used to trace the origin of confiscated scales and combat smuggling routes. International collaboration and consumer behavior change are essential in the fight against wildlife crime.

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African Wildlife Foundation EU’s Ecofac6 programme Gabonese National Park Agency Traffic Europol

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Hilary Heuler is a journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya. Originally from California, she has spent over eight years writing and reporting from a number of countries across Europe, Asia and Africa, specializing in print and radio stories for an international audience.

E. Africa Rangers Go High-tech Against Poachers

18 May 2015  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  Technology

Conservationists in East Africa are increasingly turning to advanced technologies like DNA identification and surveillance drones to combat the rising threat of poaching driven by high demand for ivory and rhino horn. In Tanzania, Bathawk Recon's DT26 drones are aiding rangers in monitoring vast protected areas, while in Kenya, the wildlife service has opened a forensics and genetics lab to strengthen legal cases against poachers. These technological advancements aim to enhance the effectiveness of conservation efforts, though success also depends on the political will to protect endangered species.

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Kenya Wildlife Service African Wildlife Foundation

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WINNIE KAMAU is a Data journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Towards global efforts to rejuvenate damaged landscapes and preserve biodiversity

27 Sept 2024  |  www.talkafrica.co.ke  |  English  |  Climate Resilience

The article discusses global efforts to rejuvenate damaged landscapes and preserve biodiversity, focusing on the Food and Agriculture Organization's framework in countries like India, Kenya, and Vietnam. It highlights the importance of integrating local knowledge with technology to promote sustainable production and ecosystem restoration. The Global Landscapes Forum is creating an AI hub to foster collaboration and innovation. The article emphasizes the role of Africa's youth in addressing the biodiversity and climate crisis, with a focus on community-driven solutions and participatory approaches in tree planting and landscape management.

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African Wildlife Foundation Food and Agriculture Organization Global Landscapes Forum Center for International Forestry Research World Agroforestry

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Johnson Kanamugire is a journalist based in Kigali, Rwanda - East Africa.
Mr. Johnson has earned commendation for excellence in producing compelling coverage and in-depth analysis of issues affecting ordinary citizens in Rwanda, and the wider East Africa. 
He focuses mostly on matters business, ...

Inside Africa’s $200bn conservation funding plan: What we know

04 Oct 2023  |  NewsPaper Africa  |  English  |  Climate Change

The Pan-African Conservation Trust (A-PACT) aims to address Africa's long-standing conservation funding crisis by establishing a $200 billion fund. Conservationists are urging African governments to contribute seed money to kickstart the fund, which will also seek global contributions. The fund's governance will be independent to avoid political influence, and it will support various protected and conserved areas across the continent. Key stakeholders include the African Wildlife Foundation and the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The initiative is gaining momentum with support from former African leaders and is expected to be discussed at the upcoming African Ministerial Conference on the Environment.

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African Ministerial Conference on the Environment African Union African Wildlife Foundation International Union for Conservation of Nature

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ABJATA KHALIF is a journalist based in Garissa, Kenya. He has 14 years work experience and  worked with local, regional and international media outlets. He covers various issues like transnational crimes, armed conflicts, terrorism and violent extremism, women and human rights issues, cross border ...

How al Shabaab capitalised on poaching to fund terror

05 Mar 2024  |  The Star  |  English  |  Poaching

In the early 2010s, illegal wildlife trade surged, coinciding with al Shabaab's terror activities in Kenya. A former poaching gang commander, Abdi Gufu, revealed that his group received training, finance, and arms from al Shabaab. The sophisticated poaching operations, including a notable attack on Lewa Conservancy, were supported by international smuggling networks and facilitated by corrupt wildlife rangers. Despite efforts by organizations like Kenya Wildlife Service and African Wildlife Foundation to combat poaching, the Kinna poaching brigade's activities highlight the complex and evolving challenges in wildlife conservation.

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African Wildlife Foundation Kenya Wildlife Service al Shabaab SEEJ Africa

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Christopher Lee is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom. Former BBC Defence Correspondent, Arms Control, Moscow Correspondent and Royal Correspondent. Fellow in Contemporary History Emmanuel College Cambridge. Defence Adviser to British Forces Broadcasting Service. Defence & Foreign Affairs ...

Ivory smuggling a stain on Sino-African relations

11 Nov 2013  |  South China Morning Post  |  English  |  Wildlife Conservation

The article discusses the positive and negative aspects of the growing trade relationship between China and Africa, highlighting the transformative economic impact and the dark side of illegal ivory trade. The author emphasizes the importance of wildlife conservation, urging Hong Kong and other nations to destroy their ivory stockpiles and support sustainable investments that protect Africa's wildlife. The piece calls for a strong stance against ivory trafficking to preserve Africa's elephants and advocates for thoughtful, sustainable growth in Sino-African relations.

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African Wildlife Capital African Wildlife Foundation US government Gabon Kenya Philippines

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Kevin Lunzalu is a freelance journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya. He specializes in covering environmental issues especially how communities are spearheading climate action. Kevin also has an interest sustainable agriculture, youth voices, ecological development, and peace issues. Through his work, ...

Fighting Climate Change Through Community Activism

20 Dec 2023  |  WILD Foundation - Defending Earth's life-saving wilderness  |  English  |  Environmental Policy

The article discusses the efforts of a Kenyan youth biodiversity network aligned with the United Nations Convention for Biological Diversity (UN CBD) to address climate change and biodiversity conservation. The network is focused on integrating gender, human rights, economics, construction, and finance into their strategies for a post-2020 global biodiversity framework. They have established five pillars for their operation, including biodiversity loss prevention and sustainable agriculture. The group has facilitated dialogues between youth and government officials, held capacity-building workshops, and utilized digital platforms to engage and update young people. They have also organized awareness forums and campaigns, such as the Global March for Elephant, Rhinos, and Lions, and an advocacy caravan on Ocean Conservation. The network has received support from the African Wildlife Foundation and has been successful in getting the County Government of Nandi to employ young people in environmental roles.

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African Wildlife Foundation United Nations Convention for Biological Diversity (UN CBD) GYBN

farayi Machamire is a journalist.

Zimbabwe specialist ranger units honoured in Rwanda

04 Oct 2023  |  Zim Morning Post  |  English  |  Anti-Poaching

Two of Zimbabwe’s anti-poaching units received the IUCN WCPA International Ranger Award at the Africa Protected Area Congress in Rwanda. The Anti-Poaching Tracking Specialists (ATS) team was recognized for their work in the Savé Valley Conservancy, leading to the recovery of rhino populations. Nyaradzo Auxillia Hoto of the International Anti-Poaching Foundation’s Akashinga Program was also honored for her innovative and inclusive conservation efforts. The awards, supported by various international conservation organizations, highlight the critical role of rangers in protecting wildlife and supporting local communities. Each winning team received $10,000 and a custom uniform patch. The ATS team, operating in collaboration with Zimbabwe Republic Police and Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, has been instrumental in apprehending poachers and reducing wildlife crime in Zimbabwe.

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Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority Save African Rhino Foundation International Anti-Poaching Foundation Anti-Poaching Tracking Specialists International Union for Conservation of Nature World Commission on Protected Areas Game Rangers Association of Africa Zimbabwe Republic Police

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Garikai Mafirakureva is based in Chiredzi in Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe. I am an experienced journalist and former Editor of The Mirror newspaper which is headquartered in  Masvingo town.

I speak English and Shona fluently, and have experience in covering the latest political events, business,  ...

Chiredzi MP demands control over NGOs

01 May 2021  |  Southern Eye  |  English  |  Wildlife Conservation

Roy Bhila, the Chiredzi North MP from Zanu PF, demanded oversight over NGO activities in his constituency, particularly targeting the USAid Zimbabwe-initiated Resilience ANCHORS project. Bhila expressed frustration at not being consulted and criticized the Save Valley Conservancy for not compensating victims of human-wildlife conflicts. The project aims to benefit communities around wildlife sanctuaries in Bikita and Chiredzi until July 2025.

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African Wildlife Foundation Zanu PF USAid Save Valley Conservancy

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Nhau Mangirazi is a multimedia, award winning investigative, health and environment freelance journalist based in Karoi.
He has contributed to both national and international news organizations including Radio Voice of the People, BBC, Al Jazeera, The Africa Report, Financial Gazette, The Standard,...

AWF tackles deforestation

27 Dec 2023  |  The Zimbabwe Independent  |  English  |  Climate Change

The African Wildlife Foundation is addressing deforestation in Zimbabwe's tobacco-producing areas through the UTARIRI project, which promotes smart agriculture and climate adaptation in the Zambezi Valley. Funded by the European Union from 2018 to 2021, the project has introduced fuel-efficient tobacco curing barns and encouraged the planting of fast-growing trees for wood used in tobacco curing. These efforts aim to manage natural resources sustainably, restore biodiversity, and enhance community resilience. Over 400,000 hectares were lost to fires in 2021, an 85% increase from 2020. Local communities and small-holder farmers have seen benefits from the project, with initiatives to reduce tree cutting and improve livelihoods through energy efficiencies.

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African Wildlife Foundation European Union

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Tendai Marima is a multimedia journalist based in Harare, Zimbabwe. She has worked for a range of international publications including Al Jazeera, the New York Times, Foreign Policy and NPR. She is also a fellow of the NEWF based in South Africa and a member of Fairpicture and the Everyday Projects....

In Botswana, elephant hunting divides opinion

06 Aug 2019  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Conservation

Botswana's decision to lift a ban on elephant hunting has sparked a divisive debate. The government argues that hunting will mitigate human-wildlife conflict, particularly for small-scale farmers affected by the growing elephant population. However, conservationists and local communities express concerns about the effectiveness and ethical implications of this policy. The article highlights various incidents of human-elephant conflict, the government's rationale, and the backlash from international conservationists. The debate underscores the complex balance between wildlife conservation and human safety in Botswana.

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African Wildlife Foundation Department of National Parks and Wildlife Elephants Without Borders

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Felix Matasva is a journalist.

Experts call for revision of carbon credits

08 Dec 2023  |  www.thestandard.co.zw  |  English  |  Conservation

Conservationists are advocating for communities to be central in carbon credit markets to prevent middlemen from profiting at the expense of forest custodians. Despite some African activists' opposition to carbon credits as a false climate solution, Andrea Athanas of the African Wildlife Foundation supports them with proper regulation. The Kariba REDD+ project in Zimbabwe, one of the world's largest, has not benefited local communities despite generating significant revenue. Gilles Etoga of World Wildlife Fund Cameroon emphasizes the need for community-focused conservation. The COP28 in Dubai is focusing on carbon credit markets, with significant investments pledged by UAE investors. Zimbabwe's President Mnangagwa has signed a $1.5 billion carbon credit deal with UAE's Blue Carbon Investments.

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World Wildlife Fund Cameroon African Wildlife Foundation South Pole

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Linord Moudou is a journalist based in Washington, United States of America.

Health Report: Cholera and Zoonotic Diseases

05 Oct 2023  |  www.voaafrica.com  |  English  |  Conservation

Zoonotic diseases, which spread between animals and humans, are increasingly common and pose a significant threat to public health globally, particularly in Africa. Linord Moudou of VOA Africa discusses with Kaddu Sebunya, CEO of the African Wildlife Foundation, about the origins of these diseases and their impact on conservation efforts across the continent.

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African Wildlife Foundation

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Sophie is an Emmy-winning news producer and journalist, most recently working for CNN International’s two-hour flagship program Connect The World. While freelancing in Tanzania, she was a frequent contributor to the Guardian, AJ+, National Geographic, CNN, Mongabay and VOA News. Before basing ...

Tanzanian police believe wildlife activist may have been tracked by his killer

18 Aug 2017  |  the Guardian  |  English  |  Poaching

Wayne Lotter, a prominent wildlife conservationist, was fatally shot in Tanzania, with police suspecting he was targeted by his killers. Lotter, co-founder of the PAMS Foundation, had received numerous death threats due to his work against poaching. The investigation is ongoing, with Tanzanian authorities and the PAMS Foundation vowing to continue their anti-poaching efforts. Tributes have poured in from global figures, highlighting Lotter's significant impact on wildlife conservation.

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African Wildlife Foundation PAMS Foundation Tanzanian Police

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I’m an independent multimedia journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya, covering East Africa. I am a regular contributor to the Voice of America, Al Jazeera English online and other International outlets. I specialize in covering security and politics in the region.

Kenya: Scientists Aim to Save Northern White Rhino From Extinction

22 Dec 2023  |  allAfrica.com  |  English  |  Endangered Species

Kenyan and international researchers are working to save the northern white rhino from extinction by implanting eggs from aging females into surrogate rhinos of another species. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya is at the forefront of this effort, using eggs from the last two northern white rhino females, Najin and Fatu. Despite the challenges and high costs, conservationists like Philip Muruthi of the African Wildlife Foundation remain hopeful. The collected eggs are sent to Italy for maturation and fertilization, with the goal of implanting them into a southern white rhino surrogate.

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African Wildlife Foundation Ol Pejeta Conservancy

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Cyril Zenda is an African freelance journalist based in Harare, Zimbabwe. His work, which covers southern Africa and focuses on development, social justice, human rights, climate change and the environment, has appeared in several international publications such as TRT World Magazine, African ...

Climate impact in Zimbabwe: Elephants, other wildlife begin early mass migration to escape drought conditions

05 Oct 2023  |  www.downtoearth.org.in  |  English  |  Drought

Climate change-induced drought has led to an early mass migration of elephants and other wildlife from Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park to Botswana in search of water and food. The drought conditions have caused water sources to dry up earlier than usual, prompting the migration. Zimbabwe's elephant population is considered too large, leading to ecological challenges, and the country seeks to lift the ban on ivory trade to fund conservation efforts. The drought has also increased human-wildlife conflict and necessitated the translocation of thousands of animals to better conditions in the north. Water scarcity remains a significant threat to wildlife in southern Africa.

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African Wildlife Foundation World Wildlife Fund Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change United Nations Convention on International Trade Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

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