Comments on: The juxtaposition of conservation publicity and tourism spin-doctoring http://kilimanjarolion.wildlifedirect.org/2008/06/19/the-juxtaposition-of-conservation-publicity-and-tourism-spin-doctoring/ life with cats Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:56:29 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.3 By: Alex http://kilimanjarolion.wildlifedirect.org/2008/06/19/the-juxtaposition-of-conservation-publicity-and-tourism-spin-doctoring/#comment-366 Alex Fri, 15 Aug 2008 20:11:43 +0000 http://kilimanjarolion.wildlifedirect.org/2008/06/19/the-juxtaposition-of-conservation-publicity-and-tourism-spin-doctoring/#comment-366 Your blog is interesting! Keep up the good work! Your blog is interesting!

Keep up the good work!

]]> By: Kilimanjaro Lion Conservation Project » “lions front and centre [stage]” http://kilimanjarolion.wildlifedirect.org/2008/06/19/the-juxtaposition-of-conservation-publicity-and-tourism-spin-doctoring/#comment-243 Kilimanjaro Lion Conservation Project » “lions front and centre [stage]” Sun, 06 Jul 2008 17:59:35 +0000 http://kilimanjarolion.wildlifedirect.org/2008/06/19/the-juxtaposition-of-conservation-publicity-and-tourism-spin-doctoring/#comment-243 [...] is a response to Jerry’s comment about how one shouldn’t only focus on the plight of [...] […] is a response to Jerry’s comment about how one shouldn’t only focus on the plight of […]

]]> By: Seamus http://kilimanjarolion.wildlifedirect.org/2008/06/19/the-juxtaposition-of-conservation-publicity-and-tourism-spin-doctoring/#comment-220 Seamus Sat, 28 Jun 2008 17:05:42 +0000 http://kilimanjarolion.wildlifedirect.org/2008/06/19/the-juxtaposition-of-conservation-publicity-and-tourism-spin-doctoring/#comment-220 Bertie - yes. That's an important distinction to make. I think I was fairly careful in the post not to categorically condemn the entire tourism industry. I have met some responsible, conservation-minded operators. My impression is that Kenya is heading away from abusive, mass-tourism, and closer to a Botswana model. The lodge near here is being rebuilt to cater for just that market. The virtual explosion of the game ranching industry in south africa is very impressive. No more so than the eastern Cape over the last 4 years. I hope one day Kenya will see this kind of situation. Bertie - yes. That’s an important distinction to make. I think I was fairly careful in the post not to categorically condemn the entire tourism industry. I have met some responsible, conservation-minded operators.

My impression is that Kenya is heading away from abusive, mass-tourism, and closer to a Botswana model. The lodge near here is being rebuilt to cater for just that market.

The virtual explosion of the game ranching industry in south africa is very impressive. No more so than the eastern Cape over the last 4 years. I hope one day Kenya will see this kind of situation.

]]> By: Bertie http://kilimanjarolion.wildlifedirect.org/2008/06/19/the-juxtaposition-of-conservation-publicity-and-tourism-spin-doctoring/#comment-218 Bertie Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:01:53 +0000 http://kilimanjarolion.wildlifedirect.org/2008/06/19/the-juxtaposition-of-conservation-publicity-and-tourism-spin-doctoring/#comment-218 In my previous response I said I thought the tourism industry in Kenya was lacking in their response to the lion population crash. It is wrong to use such a broad brush. I know many smaller companies that are very committed to conservation. Typical they started their business because of their interest in the wildlife of Kenya and they have contributed a great deal to their conservation. What bothers me is the attitude of so many of the larger companies who seem to want to squeeze every drop out of Kenya’s wildlife without putting much back in and they seem to be unwilling to use their influence to get the government to do something. Instead they are focused on building more and more lodges and surrounding a cheetah trying to eat its meal with 50 mini-buses. These are not conservation oriented business. They don’t see that the very foundation of their industry is disappearing. They could take a lesson for Botswana where “less is more”; fewer tourists paying more for an incredible experience and worth the money. Kenya is such a beautiful country, but the government and the big players don’t seem to understand that conservation is good for business. Let me rephrase that: conservation is vital for business. Some amazing things have happened in South Africa in this regard. Farm and ranch lands are be converted back into natural ecosystems and stocked with wildlife. Why? Because you can make money in tourism and wildlife conservation. Some of these private reserves are becoming as well known as South Africa’s famous parks. Bertie In my previous response I said I thought the tourism industry in Kenya was lacking in their response to the lion population crash. It is wrong to use such a broad brush. I know many smaller companies that are very committed to conservation. Typical they started their business because of their interest in the wildlife of Kenya and they have contributed a great deal to their conservation. What bothers me is the attitude of so many of the larger companies who seem to want to squeeze every drop out of Kenya’s wildlife without putting much back in and they seem to be unwilling to use their influence to get the government to do something. Instead they are focused on building more and more lodges and surrounding a cheetah trying to eat its meal with 50 mini-buses. These are not conservation oriented business. They don’t see that the very foundation of their industry is disappearing.

They could take a lesson for Botswana where “less is more”; fewer tourists paying more for an incredible experience and worth the money.

Kenya is such a beautiful country, but the government and the big players don’t seem to understand that conservation is good for business. Let me rephrase that: conservation is vital for business.

Some amazing things have happened in South Africa in this regard. Farm and ranch lands are be converted back into natural ecosystems and stocked with wildlife. Why? Because you can make money in tourism and wildlife conservation. Some of these private reserves are becoming as well known as South Africa’s famous parks.

Bertie

]]> By: Kilimanjaro Lion Conservation Project » Should ostriches be accepted by conservationists / Last of the Tourist Mohicans? http://kilimanjarolion.wildlifedirect.org/2008/06/19/the-juxtaposition-of-conservation-publicity-and-tourism-spin-doctoring/#comment-216 Kilimanjaro Lion Conservation Project » Should ostriches be accepted by conservationists / Last of the Tourist Mohicans? Mon, 23 Jun 2008 05:35:28 +0000 http://kilimanjarolion.wildlifedirect.org/2008/06/19/the-juxtaposition-of-conservation-publicity-and-tourism-spin-doctoring/#comment-216 [...] « The juxtaposition of conservation publicity and tourism spin-doctoring [...] […] « The juxtaposition of conservation publicity and tourism spin-doctoring […]

]]> By: Jerry http://kilimanjarolion.wildlifedirect.org/2008/06/19/the-juxtaposition-of-conservation-publicity-and-tourism-spin-doctoring/#comment-215 Jerry Mon, 23 Jun 2008 04:27:11 +0000 http://kilimanjarolion.wildlifedirect.org/2008/06/19/the-juxtaposition-of-conservation-publicity-and-tourism-spin-doctoring/#comment-215 The Kenya stories on poisonings, and the need for action on a wide front, are bad news, but please please do not focus solely on Kenya and on lions. My students and I have seen lions and vultures poisoned in Uganda, and this time last year an entire clan of hyaenas was poisoned near the village of Kasenyi, in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Of course the huge symbolic significance of lions means that they get front and centre attention from the media and most everyone else, but at least with their biology involving multiple births and allosuckling, their numbers can rebound quickly if they get the chance. For hyaenas, with single births, and the guaranteed death of young if a dam dies, the rebound is much slower, if it occurs at all. The Kenya stories on poisonings, and the need for action on a wide front, are bad news, but please please do not focus solely on Kenya and on lions. My students and I have seen lions and vultures poisoned in Uganda, and this time last year an entire clan of hyaenas was poisoned near the village of Kasenyi, in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Of course the huge symbolic significance of lions means that they get front and centre attention from the media and most everyone else, but at least with their biology involving multiple births and allosuckling, their numbers can rebound quickly if they get the chance. For hyaenas, with single births, and the guaranteed death of young if a dam dies, the rebound is much slower, if it occurs at all.

]]> By: Bertie http://kilimanjarolion.wildlifedirect.org/2008/06/19/the-juxtaposition-of-conservation-publicity-and-tourism-spin-doctoring/#comment-213 Bertie Sat, 21 Jun 2008 16:01:33 +0000 http://kilimanjarolion.wildlifedirect.org/2008/06/19/the-juxtaposition-of-conservation-publicity-and-tourism-spin-doctoring/#comment-213 This gets really to the heart of the conservation of Africa’s wildlife, in particular large carnivores. Yes the coverage is bad and could discourage people from coming which will have a negative effect on tourism, but to sweep it under the rug is even worse, its always better to get the bad news out in order to rally support for a solution as long as the reporting is sound and balanced and truthful. There is huge economic interest in the tourism in Kenya. Having lived in Kenya for four years in Laikipia I observed a general lack of concern among tour operators and those who are dependant on it over the state of Kenya’s wildlife , otherwise you would have heard the same outcry that was heard after the political violence. I am talking about people’s attitude not just the money they could contribute. There are a lot of people with their head in the sand! Bertie This gets really to the heart of the conservation of Africa’s wildlife, in particular large carnivores. Yes the coverage is bad and could discourage people from coming which will have a negative effect on tourism, but to sweep it under the rug is even worse, its always better to get the bad news out in order to rally support for a solution as long as the reporting is sound and balanced and truthful. There is huge economic interest in the tourism in Kenya. Having lived in Kenya for four years in Laikipia I observed a general lack of concern among tour operators and those who are dependant on it over the state of Kenya’s wildlife , otherwise you would have heard the same outcry that was heard after the political violence. I am talking about people’s attitude not just the money they could contribute. There are a lot of people with their head in the sand!

Bertie

]]> By: kd http://kilimanjarolion.wildlifedirect.org/2008/06/19/the-juxtaposition-of-conservation-publicity-and-tourism-spin-doctoring/#comment-212 kd Sat, 21 Jun 2008 03:02:00 +0000 http://kilimanjarolion.wildlifedirect.org/2008/06/19/the-juxtaposition-of-conservation-publicity-and-tourism-spin-doctoring/#comment-212 Since I have a questionable relationship with language and words, but still feel moved to address that conservationist competency issue so beautifully referenced by Wim, I transferred 50 dead presidents today, Seamus. My health insurance company pays a $50 incentive for having an annual medical checkup. I pondered this cheque a long while this evening when i picked it up from the mailbox, and it came to me that, even if I were endangered in some kind of way, my health would be no good to me were there not a healthy planet too. Or at least those prepared to dedicate their lives to attempts at the conservation of pockets of health. Since I have a questionable relationship with language and words, but still feel moved to address that conservationist competency issue so beautifully referenced by Wim, I transferred 50 dead presidents today, Seamus. My health insurance company pays a $50 incentive for having an annual medical checkup. I pondered this cheque a long while this evening when i picked it up from the mailbox, and it came to me that, even if I were endangered in some kind of way, my health would be no good to me were there not a healthy planet too. Or at least those prepared to dedicate their lives to attempts at the conservation of pockets of health.

]]> By: Wim http://kilimanjarolion.wildlifedirect.org/2008/06/19/the-juxtaposition-of-conservation-publicity-and-tourism-spin-doctoring/#comment-211 Wim Fri, 20 Jun 2008 23:02:16 +0000 http://kilimanjarolion.wildlifedirect.org/2008/06/19/the-juxtaposition-of-conservation-publicity-and-tourism-spin-doctoring/#comment-211 When I'm the absolutely final ever tourist to visit Kenya, my own endangered species, Last of the Tourist Mohicans, Gawping, bleary-eyed and nonplussed at the sedated Hyrax and single juvenile Vervet peeling a satsuma which will then comprise the total wildlife population "success" of the Maasai Mara. I just know I'll look up to see, tapping their feet and tutting with impatience, three not terribly competent conservationists, resenting my presence. When I’m the absolutely final ever tourist to visit Kenya,
my own endangered species,
Last of the Tourist Mohicans,
Gawping, bleary-eyed and nonplussed at the sedated Hyrax and single juvenile Vervet peeling a satsuma
which will then comprise the total wildlife population “success” of the Maasai Mara.
I just know
I’ll look up to see,
tapping their feet and tutting with impatience,
three not terribly competent conservationists,
resenting my presence.

]]> By: Wim http://kilimanjarolion.wildlifedirect.org/2008/06/19/the-juxtaposition-of-conservation-publicity-and-tourism-spin-doctoring/#comment-210 Wim Fri, 20 Jun 2008 20:25:58 +0000 http://kilimanjarolion.wildlifedirect.org/2008/06/19/the-juxtaposition-of-conservation-publicity-and-tourism-spin-doctoring/#comment-210 If I may comment for a moment on the media? There's a clear distinction to be drawn between bona fide news coverage and editorial/infotainment material for a branded channel/publisher. The former should be assisted in good faith; news is news. Any original self-owned footage fee should be negotiated but don't sign over all rights to any broadcaster, license them or limit the term of use. You would be justified in charging for services provided to the latter but you will receive no participation in the profits generated from the product of your services (other than you may be legitimately deemed to be an author of the exploited property; eg. works demonstrably developed and/or derived from your work). This is not an accident (and it is worth noting that independent documentary makers are payed a relative pittance by broadcasters and the practice is not exclusive to NG). Charitable initiatives, however welcome, are a tax-deductible, and relatively inexpensive way to further enhance their brand and potentially secure exclusivity of access to grist for the ongoing publishing/broadcast mill. Do ask whether taking the King's (Kenya), Shilling means one is bound exclusively to NG's greater broadcasting interests, it would be interesting to know. Your ability to pursue and/or challenge any conflict with, or breach of, your rights is directly proportional to the depth of your pockets which, be they deep as the Rift Valley, will not match those of your adversary. It ain't called showBIZ for nothing. Hope this helps a little? If I may comment for a moment on the media? There’s a clear distinction to be drawn between bona fide news coverage and editorial/infotainment material for a branded channel/publisher.
The former should be assisted in good faith; news is news. Any original self-owned footage fee should be negotiated but don’t sign over all rights to any broadcaster, license them or limit the term of use.
You would be justified in charging for services provided to the latter but you will receive no participation in the profits generated from the product of your services (other than you may be legitimately deemed to be an author of the exploited property; eg. works demonstrably developed and/or derived from your work). This is not an accident (and it is worth noting that independent documentary makers are payed a relative pittance by broadcasters and the practice is not exclusive to NG). Charitable initiatives, however welcome, are a tax-deductible, and relatively inexpensive way to further enhance their brand and potentially secure exclusivity of access to grist for the ongoing publishing/broadcast mill. Do ask whether taking the King’s (Kenya), Shilling means one is bound exclusively to NG’s greater broadcasting interests, it would be interesting to know. Your ability to pursue and/or challenge any conflict with, or breach of, your rights is directly proportional to the depth of your pockets which, be they deep as the Rift Valley, will not match those of your adversary. It ain’t called showBIZ for nothing. Hope this helps a little?

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