Born Free’s exhibition at the conference
Newton Simiyu, Programme Manager, Saving Meru’s Giants, standing in front of Born Free’s exhibition
Born Free attends key conference in Kenya
Our team has played a vital role in an international scientific conference in Kenya – a ground-breaking exploration of development, conservation and climate change.
Michael Mugo, Pride of Meru Programme Manager, speaking at the National Museums of Kenya conference
In June, Born Free participated in an inaugural scientific conference hosted by the National Museums of Kenya, in collaboration with the Association of Kenyan Entomologists, in Nairobi. Such conferences provide a fantastic opportunity for conservationists, scientists, policymakers, academics and everyone interested in making a difference for wildlife, to come together and share the latest research and discuss ideas.
Born Free regularly attends such meetings to report on our experiences in the field and learn from others working in conservation. With several members of staff attending a scientific conference for the first time, the event was a great opportunity for the professional growth and development of the Born Free team.
The conference brought together professors, scientists, researchers, students and industry experts from around the world to explore and consider the theme: ‘Utilization of Biological Resources for Sustainable Development, Nature Conservation, and Climate Resilience’. Across three intensive days, an extensive programme of panel discussions, poster presentations and exhibitions gave our team opportunities to network and knowledge-share with like-minded organisations and individuals.
Our teams presented an incredible seven topics, highlighting the conservation of biological resources in Kenya, the human-wildlife conflict mitigation methods that Born Free is implementing and our efforts to promote sustainable livelihoods among local communities.
A beautiful exhibition was set up outside, with Born Free’s vibrant black, white and orange colours attracting a crowd of visitors interested to learn more about our charity. Our model of a predator-proof boma – a reinforced livestock enclosure – was the main attraction, turning many curious heads towards our tent! We engaged with the visitors using a fun game to test their knowledge on wildlife, with the winners being rewarded with some Born Free goodies.
Model of one of Born Free’s Predator-Proof Bomas
The event was fun and a great learning experience. It was fantastic to create awareness on our important conservation initiatives protecting lions, elephants and giraffes, and the development of our ongoing projects in Meru National Park and the Amboseli ecosystem.
Here are some reflections on the conference from those who attended:
Kisimir Saibulu, Project Officer, Pride of AmboseliBeing my first conference since joining the organisation, I was so excited to have the opportunity of presenting the message to the rest of the world that it is possible for people and wildlife to coexist harmoniously. The various biological and natural sciences presentations that I attended really challenged me to do and achieve more for the conservation of wildlife.
Irene Kanga, Monitoring Officer, Saving Meru’s GiantsIt was a great experience; all the sessions were very informative. The conference provided excellent opportunities for networking with other people, especially women in the field of science. I am inspired with a lot of ideas on how to continue developing my skills and professional qualifications.
Caroline Njoki, Partnerships and Fundraising ManagerThe Born Free staff exhibited great teamwork, replying to questions and engaging with visitors to the stand. We all learnt a lot.
Newton Simiyu, Programme Manager, Saving Meru’s GiantsAttending the conference was an inspiring experience. The vibrant discussions, captivating presentations, and diverse exhibits left a lasting impression. As we explored the intersection of biology, culture, and sustainability, I felt inspired by the commitment of researchers, curators, and policymakers. This conference reinforced the vital role research play in shaping a more resilient future.