Ubuntu Magazine, summer 2023

RHINO ARK

Dedicated to protect endangered species and preserve Kenya’s unique biodiversity

ROUTE 66 IN GRAN CANARIA

Nature, Mental Health, & Palm Grove Conservation

TAKE 3 FOR THE SEA

A simple step to a sustainable future

DEMOCRATIZING NATURE

Challenging Sweden’s Lynx Hunt

Ubuntu Magazine transforms your perspective on the natural world. Our aim is to create awareness around the beauty of the world, by putting a spotlight on the conservationists working day and night to conserve our surroundings. Only with thorough research and sharing knowledge, we can assure ourselves of a bright, biodiverse future.

With Ubuntu we broaden our perspective in living together with nature, instead of alongside it.

Emerge yourself in the articles and become inspired.

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Transform Your Perspective on Nature: Follow Ubuntu Magazine’s Social Channels!

EXPERIENCE THE WILDLIFE OF NORWAY

Travel to the stunning beauty of Norway and the breathtaking National Park of Dovrefjell. Prepare to be mesmerized by the awe-inspiring landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique wildlife that await you on this unforgettable “Expedition Muskox”.

EXPEDITION MUSKOX

WITH WILD-ENCOUNTERS

The highlight of the National Park is undoubtedly its magnificent musk oxen population. It is the only area in Europe where you can see and photograph these majestic creatures, weighing up to 400 kilograms, roaming freely across the vast expanses of the high plains.

Besides the musk oxen, the area boasts an array of other wildlife, including reindeer, elk, foxes, and an abundance of bird species. Get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime in the breathtaking landscapes of Norway’s Dovrefjell National Park.

SUSTAINABLE GUIDING

Wild-Encounters is committed to preserving nature and the animals that call this nature their home. Wildlife photography is much more than capturing an image. It includes knowledge and research about the relevant animal species, its habitat and ecological status, and a good portion of patience. To make sure that the area of Dovrefjell is visited sustainably and with wildlife conservation in mind, our guides are certified by local authorities.

IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU?

If you like photographing with a group of likeminded people, in rugged landscapes like those of Norway, then this trip is made for you. It doesn’t matter if you’re an inexperienced photographer, or an advanced nature photographer. Everything is possible.

TRIP DETAILS:

Country Duration

Language

Level of fitness Guides

Norway

5 days/4 nights

English/Dutch

Moderate

Accommodation Departure guarantee

2 Full board 5 pax

DATES 2024

April 8 – April 12, 2024

April 15 – April 19, 2024

More dates in consultation.

Stargazer |

“I am, because we are.”

Alice Peretie

FIRE IN THE BELLY

Over the past 50+ years, the role of nature in my life evolved from being a source of inspiration and inner happiness to being the major cause for which I fought. My early teenage cycling trips through the southern part of the province of Limburg – or across the Veluwe – provided sheer joy. The magical Scotch pine against a backdrop of purple heather is still ingrained in my memory. It took many years of studies, scientific research and teaching before I realized that ecological knowledge on its own would not save the world, no matter how fundamentally important it was for understanding the processes shaping biodiversity.

Over the years, my interest in research and education at Wageningen University broadened, from savanna ecology to wildlife interacting with livestock and humans. I worked in multidisciplinary teams and I co-supervised MSc and PhD students for about two decades, which was incredibly rewarding. Yet the question remained: to what extent did all of this contribute to saving the world? High quality education is necessary, but how many more students would I need to teach, supervise and coach before the impact on the globe’s biodiversity would become tangible? The Future for Nature Award ceremony at Burgers’ Zoo in Arnhem in the spring of 2011 was a tornado of sorts. It triggered a permanent change in me. Three young people from very different countries received an award of € 50,000 each: Bárbara Galletti worked around the clock to create a huge whale reserve off the Chilean coast in the Pacific; forest ecologist Corneille Ewango prevented a human and wildlife onslaught on the

Okapi Faunal Reserve in the DRC; and Ofir Drori, who fought corruption and wildlife crime, currently doing so in 10 countries throughout Africa. All of them shared a deep passion for conservation work, against all odds. The audience was visibly moved and my heart skipped a few beats in this emotional tornado. This is what love for nature is able to achieve. This is what guts can do. “Nature has the power to change us,” as Ofir Drori would say on another occasion. Year after year other amazing trios would receive individual awards. They, for sure, contributed to saving the world’s biodiversity. Awards begot other awards, their conservation organizations expanded, and they got things done.

Being invited to the award show was a sheer privilege, but students – the young people who should be inspired by the award winners to make future change happen - were hardly present. That changed when Rascha Nuijten and I founded the Future for Nature Academy in 2016. It was our time to make a difference. From 2017 onwards, a few dozen students attended the award show, and all came back inspired. To enlarge our impact, we initiated the Future for Nature Academy Day. More than 100 young people got the opportunity to listen to, learn from, and become inspired by that year’s award winners. In David Attenborough’s words: “… in the end, it is that one individual. That one individual that has passion, that one individual that has fire in the belly, that one individual that is determined that something should be done”. The Academy Day was designed for those individuals ready to make a change.

INTRODUCTION

But that’s not the full story. That is only the beginning. The full story is that each and every individual contacts others, shares, and sharpens ideas. The full story develops with others who share the contagious passion for nature, sustainability, climate, and justice. Ubuntu. “That one individual that has fire in the belly” creates a network, just like Manon – director of this magazine – has been able to do, compiling narratives from and about amazing conservationists. Data is important, but narratives are convincing. Manon and I first met at a Future for Nature Academy event in the Dutch city of Den Bosch. We both participated in the Walk 4 Wildlife, a week-end walking trip across a natural area in the center of the Netherlands, organized by and for Future for Nature Academy members. I still cherish the conversations we had. She embarked on ways to effect conservation change according to her passion, against her odds.

True to tradition, and as a result of great teamwork, this issue of Ubuntu Magazine is yet again filled with many sources of sheer inspiration, from Cycling 4 Wildlife to organic farming in cooperation with birds, picking up trash, and lynx hunting in Sweden to Fighting Extinction, and more. Lots of fire!

- Ignas Heitkönig

To know more about Future for Nature: www.futurefornature.org/winners

Wageningen University Teacher of the Year 2023.

TAKE 3 FOR THE SEA

A SIMPLE STEP TO A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

A simple idea can have a meaningful impact. Although it might sometimes seem like small acts won’t have great results, Take 3 proves that it is actually possible. With their slogan and mission “Take 3 for the Sea” they live up to their mantra “simple actions to address complex problems.” Roberta Dixon-Valk, who is one of the Founders of the organization, tells us all about where it started and how their project has turned into a global movement.

Photo Credit: Take 3 for the Sea

ROBERTA, THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS. COULD YOU INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO OUR READERS?

Pleasure! My name is Roberta Dixon-Valk and I am a marine ecologist/conservationist who has spent over 30 years working to look after the health of our oceans and estuaries - and all the plants and animals that call these waterways home. I’ve had a lifetime love affair with our oceans and estuaries which continues to grow. My most recent obsession has been to reduce plastic pollution and its impact on these incredible, life-sustaining ecosystems.

SO NOW YOU ARE ALSO AN ENTREPRENEUR. DO YOU REMEMBER THE MOMENT WHEN YOU DECIDED TO ESTABLISH TAKE 3?

Ha! I am hardly an entrepreneur! More like a thalassophile, an ocean hugger who wears her heart on her sleeve. Take 3 for the Sea was a simple idea hatched in my living room at Forresters Beach, on the Central Coast, NSW, Australia in 2009, with my good friend and fellow Co-founder, Amanda (Mandy) Marechal.

Mandy asked what we were going to do about plastics in the ocean and I said, personally, I

just take plastics away from the beach when I encounter them. Mandy, in her effusive and inclusive way, said we need everyone to do that and so we tried on Take 10, Take 5 and then settled on Take 3. It was a “doable” number. It was also a little bit magic. Good things come in 3s. We quickly realized that Take 3 was a simple action that could produce profound consequences.

AN AMAZING

IDEA, WHAT WERE

THE FIRST STEPS YOU TOOK TO TURN IT INTO A REALITY?

After we coined Take 3, I wrote a scoping document and Mandy registered the name as a business. Later we heard that environmentalist Tim Silverwood, was also working on the plastic pollution problem so we invited him to join us and the Take 3 for the Sea movement grew from two to three. We had no idea that it would one day grow into a global movement!

WHAT DO YOU DO SPECIFICALLY AS AN ORGANIZATION, TO MAKE THE GOAL OF ZERO PLASTIC POLLUTION COME TRUE?

Take 3 tells the story of people’s connection to the ocean and the threat that is plastic pollution in order to inspire everyone to make a difference. Our call to action is simple: Take 3 pieces of

“Take 3 tells the story of people’s connection to the ocean and the threat that is plastic pollution in order to inspire everyone to make a difference. ”

rubbish with you when you leave the beach, waterway or... anywhere and you have made a difference.

Taking 3 is only the first step on a journey to rid ourselves of our plastic shackles. Once you become aware of the plastic issue, there is no going back. You see plastic pollution everywhere. The next step is to look at your own plastic footprint, what you can get rid of? If the bath is overflowing you don’t try and just mop up the water - you need to turn off the tap. So too with plastic pollution!

NOW THAT IT HAS BECOME ESTABLISHED, WHAT IS YOUR FUTURE GOAL OR DREAM FOR TAKE 3? AND DO YOU THINK YOU WILL EVER GO BEYOND TAKE 3, PERHAPS LAUNCHING A NEW ORGANIZATION TACKLING OCEAN PLASTIC OR ANOTHER ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEM?

My goal or dream is that Take 3 becomes redundant as there is no longer a plastic pollution

issue! However, unfortunately, I can’t see that being a possibility in the short term.

There is no shortage of issues impacting the ocean and broader environments so the opportunity to work on other impacts is only limited by one’s imagination. I have previously worked on Marine Protected Areas/Marine Parks, projects to establish wildlife corridors and monitor seagrass, as well as working as a bush regenerator. I think it is imperative we human beings reconnect on a deeper level to the environment and understand contextually our place on this incredible planet. It can survive without us but we can’t survive without it. So I await my next calling in the hope of achieving positive environmental change.

WITH YOUR BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE, CAN YOU EXPLAIN HOW PLASTICS ARE DETRIMENTAL TO ANIMALS? Plastics are ubiquitous to our modern world. This is seen in the 230-fold increase in plastic production – from 2 million tons/year in 1950

Photo Credit: Take 3 for the Sea

to 460 million tons/year in 2019 – with the total plastic production now being 9.5 billion tons (more than one ton of plastic per person). It is a case of exponential growth, with unimaginable amounts having entered the environment. Equally jarring is the fact that only 9% of primary plastic has been recycled since 1950. It is truly a global threat.

For many animals, the threat has yet to be recognized. They have not yet learned to avoid plastic, interacting with it in two main ways (either ingesting plastic or entanglement). Smaller plastics, such as micro and nano particles, are being eaten by a huge variety of marine creatures. Plastic has been found in zooplankton, the basis of the oceanic food chain, and from there it is

passed up the food chain, bioaccumulating in other species including whales. Depending on the plastic additives, plastic can cause endocrine disruption and other metabolic issues. The eating up of bigger pieces of plastic can cause wounds and lead to other infections such as blood poisoning.

Plastic entanglement is another ongoing issue which has led to millions upon millions of animals dying each year due to our plastic addiction, from something as simple as a plastic bag, the ring from the lid of a milk bottle or discarded fishing gear (often called ghost nets). We even target marine wildlife with plastic nets! Each year on the east coast of Australia, the annual migration of

“PLASTIC ENTANGLEMENT HAS LED TO MILLIONS UPON MILLIONS OF ANIMALS DYING EACH YEAR DUE TO OUR PLASTIC ADDICTION”

humpback whales results in whale entanglements in shark nets, ineffective and indiscriminate wildlife cullers, designed not to protect people but to put people’s minds at ease when swimming in the ocean.

Plastic is also one of the most energy-intensive materials to produce. At every step in its lifecycle, even long after it has been discarded, plastic creates greenhouse gas emissions that are contributing to the warming of our world. The plastic crisis is also a climate crisis hiding in plain sight and all climate change impacts of species – e.g. habitat loss, disease, catastrophic events –can also be attributed to plastic.

We know about plastic’s devastating impacts on animals, both from terrestrial and aquatic environments. As sentient beings, it is incumbent on us to stop this needless slaughter of innocent animals, particularly as it is often only for our convenience.

CAN YOU EXPLAIN TO US WHICH PROGRAMS YOU HAVE TO ADDRESS THESE ISSUES AND WHAT THEY CONTAIN?

Absolutely! Take 3 offers a range of programs aimed at educating students and the broader public about the plastic pollution crisis and, importantly, giving them the tools and incentives they need to be a part of the solution. For our education programs we focus on early childhood (You, Me, Plastic and the Sea), primary and secondary school students (School Education Program), and we have online learning programs. For our early childhood program we emphasize alternative ways of teaching such as storytelling, music, and dance to generate enthusiasm about ocean conservation. The same principle is applied

to primary and secondary school students which are educated through incursions and excursions.

In addition to education we also focus on empowerment. In our Surf Life Saving program, we educate young people and seniors and provide resources to actually run beach clean-ups themselves as well as report marine debris. The same principle is applied in the “Community Supporter Program” which empowers communities to do their own clean-up and organize fundraisers to make this possible. Lastly, we attempt to empower corporations who would like to do their part by organizing presentations and clean-ups (Corporate Activities – Presentations and Clean Ups)

HOW CAN PEOPLE PARTAKE IN ONE OF TAKE 3’S PROGRAMS?

Take 3’s programs continue to evolve as the plastic pollution crisis evolves. Everyone can engage with our programs through participating in them directly or volunteering to assist with running them. I encourage everyone to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and/or subscribe to our newsletter (through our website – promise that we won’t clutter your inbox!) – as we are always sharing news and ideas about our programs, changes in this space, ideas for plastic avoidance, etc.

IF READERS DO

NOT

HAVE THE ABILITY TO JOIN ANY OF TAKE 3’S PROGRAMS, IS THERE A WAY TO SET UP SOMETHING SIMILAR IN THEIR HOME COUNTRY OR REGION?

The strength of the Take 3 message is that anyone, and ideally everyone, can Take 3 everyday. There is power in this simple action.

You can inspire other people to participate and keep spreading the love! You can always take more than 3 (I do!) and if you want to organize a party to go and clean up your local favorite spot, all the better. Have fun, feel good, make a difference. Take photos and share them with us on our socials!

WHAT IS YOUR NUMBER 1 TIP FOR EVERYONE, TO TAKE ACTION THEMSELVES?

Say “No” to plastic! Have a look, I mean a really good look at the plastics you are throwing away in your bin. Not only the obvious plastics like bread bags, look for the hidden plastics like the lining on your disposable coffee cup. Challenge yourself to substitute one product for something that is reusable/sustainable, such as bread bought at a bakery in a paper bag. Make one change each week.

Plastic is so avoidable when you are prepared. When you go out, travel with basics, such as a reusable bag (lightweight material), reusable cup, water bottle and utensils. They don’t take up too much space and if you always have them with you, you can avoid plastic bags, plastic-lined disposable cups, single-use plastic bottles and plastic cutlery. If I can be this organized, anyone can!

Instagram

@take3forthesea

Linkedin

@take3forthesea

Facebook

@take3forthesea

Website www.take3.org

All Photo Credits: Take 3 for the Sea

Photo Credit: Frank Landman

FRANK LANDMAN ABOUT ROUTE 66 IN GRAN CANARIA

Sometimes, nature conservation doesn’t come straight from dedicated nature conservation organizations. Nature conservation can be found in many other fields as well if you look beyond the surface. Route 66 is such an organization. Their main goal is to bring young people with mental health problems in contact with nature, to help them in their journey for better mental health. But alongside that, they are planning to work on a project called Life Phoenix, a project dedicated to the conservation of palm trees and palm groves on the island of Gran Canaria. I went there to learn more about the organization.

Deep inland, between the mountains, you can find Route 66. It is here, in the two historic towns Arteara and Fataga, where young adults struggling with mental problems recover. Although mental health problems have existed for longer, it is due to COVID-19 that more young people, aged between 18 and 28 years old, have felt isolated and more or less stagnant in the prime of their development. Hence Route 66’s program.

The driving force behind the foundation is Martina Jager, an enthusiastic woman who left the Netherlands 6 years ago with a mission to help the young generation. She has put everything aside and, together with a fantastic team, dedicates her life to guiding young people to self-reliance and self-strength to become resilient in today’s performance society that now demands so much and negatively affects them.

NATURE’S EFFECT ON MENTAL HEALTH

All that happens at Route 66 revolves around reconnecting to nature and learning about sustainability. By stepping into Gran Canaria’s environment – which is different from home –the young adults are automatically stimulated to become more creative and solution-oriented. During 66 days they get to know their own strengths again. Partaking in experiences like climbing, pottery, and simply “creating” art with natural materials helps with that as it puts the mind at ease, and grinding thoughts are silenced.

GRAN CANARIA

“She has put everything aside and, together with a fantastic team, dedicates her life to guiding young people to selfreliance and selfstrength!”

Photo Credit: Frank Landman

In the process of learning about nature, they learn about themselves and their strengths. You could say 66 days in and around nature makes them more resilient in life. When they head home, they look at life differently, often with a bright future perspective.

VARIOUS OBJECTIVES TO LEAD THE WAY

While guiding their clients through the process, Route 66 sticks to various objectives – all of them sustainable and future-oriented. First of all, they want to initiate self-sufficiency and self-reliance. The activities help with that. Besides that, Route 66 stimulates and activates sustainable awareness. An important part of this is maintaining the natural environment around the villages of Arteara and Fataga, by cleaning and removing plastic and other dispersed waste, by reusing these resources and therefore stimulating circularity. Above that, Route 66 aims to make Gran Canaria 100% sustainable, green, and circular – meaning that waste is eliminated or reused. In doing so they work on helping restore local nature and biodiversity so that it can be preserved for future generations.

SAVING THE PALM TREES

This project, which takes place on the islands of Gran Canaria of Crete, is called Life Phoenix. It focuses primarily on the preservation of the natural environment, and the restoration the biodiversity, specifically palm groves.

Photo Credit: Frank Landman

That is important, as two species of palm trees – the only existing endemic species in Europe – are now in danger due to years of improper environmental management. Route 66 aims to restore 72 hectares of palm forests between two regions, Guguy and Arteara, in the next five years. Besides preserving and restoring the palm groves, the project aims to improve the conservation of these species by collecting and storing seeds in authorized seed banks, and by controlling the presence of invasive species. The five-year project will also take the effects of climate change into account, by researching and developing new water management initiatives along the way in the hopes of mitigating the effect of climate change on the entire ecosystem.

Luckily, the team of Route 66 is not alone in their pursuit. Several Canarian government agencies, research centers, environmental institutes, and organizations are involved in the implementation of Life Phoenix to ensure successful research and restoration. Beyond that, local residents and volunteers of Route 66 will also be encouraged to be involved. Life Phoenix is a project that belongs to everyone, which is remarkable.

THE GUIDANCE OF THE GUANCHEES

The special thing about the Arteara location is that in the past Guanchees lived in this village, the original population of the island. People who lived close to nature and with little possessions. Around the 15th century they were largely driven out by the Spaniards, but descendants still live there. In various places you can still find memories such as the many caves and the large Guanchee cemetery in Arteara.

The ancient soils and the transfer of ancient -aboriginal- methods and techniques are of great importance to Route 66’s mission. That is why they work together with the local population who still have this valuable old knowledge and can pass it on. The young participants learn about nature, themselves, their bodies and about emotions and ancient wisdom of the Guanchees.

Photo Credit: Frank Landman

Photo Credit: Frank Landman

Photo Credit: Frank Landman

GRAN CANARIA

NATURE IS YOUR TEACHER

Although Route 66 is primarily focused on helping young adults in their mental health journey, it is clear that nature is their vessel for mental betterment. Within this process, it doesn’t matter whether you work with natural materials, or if you help restore a palm grove. In the end, it is about caring about your environment, yourself and others during your stay and beyond. There is no doubt that Life Phoenix will be a success, just as their mental health program is now. And it is only a matter of time before the palm groves in Guguy and Arteara are restored to full glory.

Linkedin @route66

Linkedin @MartinaJager

Facebook @Traject-route66

Website www.traject-route66.nl

COLD CIRCUMSTANCES

The harsh conditions of the boreal forests of Canada and Alaska are a challenge for every species out there. Although circumstances might be nice during summer, it grows freezing cold during the winter. Therefore, coldblooded species require a great amount of creativity to survive.

The wood frog has evolved in such a way that it is now able to let itself freeze in order to get through the winter. It does so by accumulating glucose in its tissues, which prevents cells from freezing. Additionally, it prevents dehydration by binding water molecules inside the cells. Isn’t that ingenious?

NAMIB

The way it works is simple. into the desert, the darkling highest point. Then, he positions high as possible. Soon, water which they roll down right dune in the early morning,

ANIMALS UNDER EXTREME

POMPEII WORM (ALVINELLA POMPEJANA)

EXTREME

We know more about the moon than the ocean floor; nevertheless, we already know about some extraordinary species that call this place home. The common fangtooth – which lives at a depth of nearly 5,000 – is one of those species roaming the unknown world of the deep sea.

With nothing to see at such depths, it’s a miracle in itself that this widely distributed fish can find food to survive. It is believed that their teeth, which are the longest of any ocean fish known to men, are useful when coming across an occasional snack like another fish or a crustacean. Regardless of how they do it, it is remarkable that they are able to survive in such an environment.

DEPTH

DESERT DARKLING BEETLES (STENOCARA GRACILIPES)

WOOD FROG (LITHOBATES SYLVATICUS)

COMMON FANGTOOTH (ANOPLOGASTER CORNUTA)

It probably takes some practice, but the Namib Desert darkling beetle is able to stand upright – upside down actually – to survive in one of the driest places on earth.

He has mastered this technique to hydrate himself. As precipitation is extremely rare in the Namib Desert, this beetle relies on ocean fog for his water intake.

Early in the morning, before ocean fog starts rolling darkling beetle walks up the dune until he reaches the positions himself so that his backside is reaching up as water droplets from the fog will form on his back, after into his mouth. It takes some effort to climb up the morning, but for the darkling beetle, it surely is worth it.

ANIMALS THAT LIVE

EXTREME ELEVATION

Even if you climb the highest mountain in the world, you would still be in the presence of one of the most feared animals in the world: a spider.

The Himalayan jumping spider, however, is one amazing creature. Its Latin name, which translates to “Highest of all”, tells you exactly where you can find them: on Mount Everest.

Although its prey usually doesn’t live at these heights, the Himalayan jumping spider is lucky to have winds gushing up the slopes, which brings him tiny insects right onto his plate. Therefore, they are able to survive in such harsh conditions and at such extreme elevation.

EXTREME CONDITIONS

EXTREME

HIMALAYAN JUMPING SPIDER (EUOPHRYS OMNISUPERSTES) EXTREME DROUGHT HEAT

Unlike what you might expect, one of the hottest places on earth can be found underwater. Right next to undersea volcanoes lie mineral-rich hydrothermal vents. These vents – which can become extremely hot – provide life to the Pompeii worm.

The worms grow in slim tubes, attached near the vents in the hot acidic water. They are able to survive through a sugary mucus on their backs, with which they feed bacteria which then forms a thick cover to protect the worms from the heat. It is believed that they feed on microorganisms by sticking out feathery heads into cooler water.

TARDIGRADE (TARDIGRADA)

Known to many as “water bears”, tardigrades are probably the toughest organisms on this list. Although they are extremely small – averaging at about 0.5 mm – they have been found practically everywhere around the world, from deserts to glaciers. We have yet to discover an environment in which they can’t survive.

Water bears, which look cutely strange with their eight limbs, multi-segmented body, and flower-shaped mouth, need only a thin film of water surrounding them in order to be active. Without that, they turn into a shriveled state of being in which they can survive for decades. The only thing needed to activate them again is a tiny bit of water. Cool, right?

THE ESSENCE OF BIRDS

ORGANIC

“I ask you to stop for a moment, close your eyes and throw away any memories that you have or have had of feeling incapable of doing something. Because this story is not only about nature! This story is about you and me, our dreams and our struggles.

Anything is possible, and this story – my story – will tell you why.”

By Boglárka Miskolczi

FARMING IN HUNGARY

Photo Credit: Boglárka Miskolczi

“But life never lets you give up!”

I TOUGHT IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE - BUT I WILL NEVER MAKE THIS MISTAKE AGAIN!

When I was a child, I wanted to be an oceanographer. I read the pages of “Secrets of the Deep” and dreamed of swimming with dolphins on the wings of endless waves. Then I made a big mistake – I let people tell me: “You can’t do it. You’ll never be an ocean explorer.” It was this cruel sentence which dashed all my childhood dreams in an instant. I got as far away from nature as I could and I graduated in liberal arts, including three social science degrees.

But life never lets you give up. It’s been a decade since I got Tomi, my first son, who was the reason I moved to Romonya, a small village in southern Hungary. We built a home, created gardens, and I raised Tomi, Balázs and Bálint, my other two sons, here. Looking back at the beginning, I can’t believe how far we’ve come. Within a decade, the family house has become a chemical-free organic farm and a Bird-Nest Box Station, and the girl who was mockingly referred to as a philosopher peasant has now become the creator of an innovative agricultural production model.

THE PHILOSOPHER FARMER

I clearly remember every single brick, out of the nearly 400 pieces, that I applied with my own hands for my first spice and herb garden. For months, I struggled with blisters that covered my hands, which were accustomed to urban comfort. To this day, the experience of the first success is still vivid in my mind, when all but three of the 40 plots of the spice garden sprouted, and the garden turned green. I looked at the fruits of my labor from the living room window, while constantly convincing myself that I wasn’t dreaming: I really succeeded.

The spice garden was followed by another, the native fruit tree plantation was completed, new areas were included in the cultivation, the forest berry plantation was established and we learned about the importance of bird protection. We joined the Bird-Friendly Garden Program of the Hungarian Ornithological and Nature Conservation Association and we built the BirdNest Box Station, to become part of the change. In the meantime, I attended university: I studied ecology, ornithology, nature conservation and

Photo Credit: Viktor Glied

ecosystem restoration.

FOUNDING THE ECOLOGICAL FARM AND BIRD-NEST BOX STATION

Recognizing the wonderful possibilities inherent in birds and the key role of their protection, I started working on the development of a new agroecological trend that could lead to a production system based on the principle of cooperation and mutual benefit. It would be a trend in which wild birds and people are able to help each other reach a common goal.

A new dimension of the family farm was born: the Ecological Farm and Bird-Nest Box Station. It has become a place where everything revolves around nature, and where more than 60 dens and more than 100 animal protection devices help the daily life of animals – in a four-hectare habitat. It is a place where the purpose is nothing but life.

Toby Hemenway, the author of the first comprehensive work on permaculture in North America, wrote in his book Gaia’s Garden: A Guide to Home-Scale Permaculture: “attracting birds, small animals and insects to our gardens not only increases biodiversity, but also makes it more balanced, disease-free and we also make our gardens more productive” – and how right he

was.

THE PRACTICE OF BIRD-HUMAN COOPERATION

Our basic principle is that our environment is not shaped by our production goals, but that we adapt our plans to the opportunities provided by the environment. In a human-bird cooperation practice, we therefore accept that production practice is guided by moderation and respect for the environment, and we acknowledge that truly sustainable food production can only be achieved in a healthy landscape and in speciesrich habitats, by realizing biodiversity – including the smallest and the largest species around. We created harmony within an incredibly diverse production area, including maximal crop yield and crop safety. We got the best out of plant associations and natural plant protection methods, we created a habitat for hundreds of species, and to such an extent we were able to provide food sources for the species living in the area to minimize competition between species.

Photo Credit: Boglárka Miskolczi

Photo Credit: Viktor Glied

In a word – no matter how incredible it sounds – we have created a balanced system in which food production is ensured while the health of the environment is also ensured. The method is not only environmentally friendly, but it also restores the ecosystem. And the best part is that it all happens with the least possible intervention. After all, the basis of cooperation is that we understand: we are neither controllers nor leaders of nature’s systems. We are just its participants. One species from the others, one component from the others – so the restorative response to our destruction cannot be anything other than supporting the restoration of the system. I emphasize: support, not forcing.

CREATING A BIRD FRIENDLY FARM

By installing birdhouses, we offer a home and nesting place to our birds, which are sorely lacking due to deforestation. They choose the den and they spend, raise and send their young on their way. Our feeders and drinkers, as well as the plants planted on the farm, provide food and a source of drinking water. And beyond that, we are ready to help them at any moment if they need us with our continuous checks. Those checks consist of multiple things. First of all, we check whether the birdhouse is clean and suitable for nesting. Afterwards, we check whether there is nesting or nesting material, potentially including eggs. After fledging, I clean the burrows so they can nest again. We check often, as they can nest in a birdhouse up to three times in one season.

Besides that, we check the dens after storms, to see whether the den is damaged or needs to be repaired. And during wintertime we fill the feeders and we change the water in the drinkers. All these tasks belong to our farm just as much as harvesting the fruit.

BUT WHY THE BIRDS?

The birds of our planet are key members of living communities. Birds pollinate more than 1,500 species of cultivated plants and 3-5% of medicinal plants worldwide, of which three quarters are not capable of self-pollination. The bird’s ecological functions range from soil creation to shaping the behavior of primates. Through their nutrition, they act as mobile links that transfer energy within and between ecosystems, thus contributing to the functioning of the ecosystem and maintaining its resilience.

Wild birds are a net benefit to agricultural production – reducing crop damage and increasing yields. When observing rosy starlings (Sturnus roseus), for example, researchers realized that they play an important role in suppressing locusts. The rook is one of the most famous beetle exterminators and also saves oak trees from damage caused by caterpillars. Birds destroy pests in every season,

without interruption, and thus do us a huge service. Birds also play a huge role in prevention. A barn swallow consumes about a million flies, mosquitoes and moths in one summer. A tit can eat up to 1,500 insect eggs a day. And the spotted flycatcher and black rose can feed their chicks up to 500 times.

PROTECTING BIRDS

The presence and daily work of our birds is therefore an essential condition for human prosperity and yet we expose them to a thousand dangers. BirdLife International publishes its report on the state of the world’s birds every four years. According to the latest 2022 report, the growth of agricultural land and the high intensity of exploitation represents the biggest threat to our birds - it affects 73 percent of endangered species. Additionally, the ever-increasing mechanization, the use of artificial fertilizers and pesticides, and the conversion of grassland into arable land all have catastrophic consequences.

According to the latest reports, approximately half of the bird species are in decline, several populations are critically low, and one in eight bird species is on the verge of extinction. According to the latest International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, the status of a total of 1,409 species is unfavorable: 755 species are

vulnerable, 423 are endangered and 231 are critically endangered (State of the World’s Birds, 2022). The global population indicators, therefore, present us with a picture of a very dark future.

THERE IS NOTHING LEFT BUT FORWARD: DO FOR THE BIRDS! DO FOR LIFE!

My first child, Tomi, was the reason I came back to nature. Now, our family wakes up to the first blackbird whistle in the morning, and we go to sleep with the common blackbirds saying goodbye. We can no longer live without the buzzing of thousands of bees, and we miss the chirping of crickets when we have to leave home for a day. Like caring parents, our children protect the fledglings and pick up earthworms that have strayed onto the concrete one by one to protect them from drying out. They are aware that they are responsible for the Earth that gives them life. I believe that Goethe’s words are still true today:

“The most we can give our children are roots and wings.”

Photo Credit: Boglárka Miskolczi

“The most we can give our children are roots and wings.”

In the last decade, I learned about the processes that move the world. I was motivated on my way by the thoughts of wonderful professionals. From participating in international collaborations – such as One Planet and Panorama Solution – to working with partners like Feather Friendly, who deal with bird collision protection, to joining communities like Nature For All or Conservation Optimism. All of them contributed to my enthusiasm. Through them, I learned one very important thing: you are never alone. Nature is made up of billions of elements and one element cannot exist without the other. Changing just one element will sooner or later lead to a collapsed system.

At the beginning of my writing, I asked you to close your eyes. Now I ask you to do it again, and to think about it! Think about the fact that you are part of an intricate system with billions of elements in a diverse network of interactions. You have to play your part, because if you quit, stop or destroy something, you pull out the bottom card of the house of cards, and the house of cards collapses. I believe in balanced relationships based on the principle of mutual benefit. The catchphrase of the cooperation system is therefore no coincidence: Do for the Birds! Do for life! Luckily, there are countless ways to play your part. Hopefully, the Bird-Nest Box Station provides you with some inspiration.

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Photo Credit: Boglárka Miskolczi

THE CONSERVATION

OF KENYA’S ICONIC ECOSYSTEM AND WILDLIFE

In Kenya, East Africa, lives one of the most iconic mammals on the planet — the black Rhino. A species revered worldwide and in popular culture. The rhino is considered one of the charismatic “Big Five,” the most famous of Africa’s large mammals. The herbivorous species is one of nature’s greatest oddities and is identifiable by its two horns and the fact that they are considered a keystone species that are a vital part of their ecosystem.

Imagine trying to conserve and protect the rich and biodiverse ecosystems of a country that is home to some of the earth’s most iconic species. That’s what the dedicated team at Rhino Ark has to consider in their conservation work within Kenya. We talked to John Bowden, a trustee at Rhino Ark UK since 2006, to find out about his role within the organization and gain insight into the important work done to save Kenya’s delicate ecosystem and iconic wildlife while supporting the local communities.

THREATS TO KENYA’S WILDLIFE AND ECOSYSTEM

The black rhino is a crucial part of Kenya’s ecosystem with it providing many ecosystem services. For example, the species provides ecosystem services through grazing vegetation. This helps in maintaining the country’s landscape and supports other species within their ecosystem. Besides that, rhinos underpin an important and lucrative part of the tourist industry in Kenya.

Unfortunately, the species was almost wiped out and is now considered critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. The population within Kenya has around 1000 individuals left, but it is still facing a lot of challenges — poaching, bush-meat hunting, and habitat loss being the most deadly and urgent threats across Africa. Rampant poaching of black rhinos has been a long-standing threat to their population due to the desirability of their horn for ceremonial daggers and as Chinese medicine. And bushmeat hunting — the hunting of wild animals for food— is a major threat to Kenya’s wildlife and has long been a part of the culture in the region.

Another environmental issue of great concern within Kenya is the degradation of forest ecosystems which is largely caused by deforestation and the extraction of forest resources. The montane forest is one of these forest ecosystems. It is a major habitat for wildlife within Kenya, including the local black rhino population and it is a huge water source for a country that is susceptible to heavy droughts. Additionally, the degradation and depletion of Kenya’s mountain and tropical forest is due to development and climate change. It is clear that the issue of forest degradation is a major threat to the country’s wildlife and unique flora and fauna that Rhino Ark is working to conserve.

THE STORY OF RHINO ARK

Rhino Ark Kenya is a small, independent nonprofit charitable trust based in Kenya. The inception of the organization goes back to 1988 when it was founded by retired engineer and entrepreneur Ken Kuhle and colleagues in order to protect the black rhino in the eastern part of the Aberdares mountain range. The name, Rhino Ark, derived from this idea of building a fence around the Aberdare National Park, in turn building

Photo Credit: Rhino Ark

an “ark” around the animals within and people outside the national park. To raise funds for the sanctuary fence, the first Rhino Charge event was held in February 1989. Ever since the start, the organization has taken a holistic, sustainable approach to conservation that allows wildlife and people to live in harmony and coexist with one another.

Despite their conservation work being based in East Africa, Rhino Ark has sister organizations based in the UK and USA that promote and raise awareness for their cause in those countries. They further the organization’s ongoing conservation work by hosting fundraising events, submitting grant applications, and attending third-party events. These fellow charities’ ethos is to support the Kenyan charity in doing what they do. Hence, their achievements become Rhino Ark’s achievements.

HOW RHINO ARK IS CONSERVING WILDLIFE

Although Rhino Ark started with the protection of the black rhino, the species isn’t their only focus. The mountain bongo, a critically endangered antelope species found in montane forests of the country, also belongs to Rhino Ark’s core focus. Additionally, they also work towards promoting harmony between elephants, buffalo and the local people by reducing human-wildlife conflict.

Currently, the team at Rhino Ark is working hard towards completing the construction of the Mt Kenya and Kakamega electric fences, across different sites along with skilled staff and local volunteers. The fences deter poachers who pose a threat to the black rhinos and other species. Also, electric fences are key in deterring logging and burning of the forests as well as protecting water sources. To ensure its effectiveness and monitor damage to the fence, the fence includes

a patrol system under which every kilometer is patrolled once a week.

Due to the passion of the team and their fundraising success, Rhino Ark has grown and increased the scope of their wildlife conservation work over the years. They have implemented many different projects that further their work. The organization currently has projects based within the Aberdare range, Mount Kenya, Mount Eburu, Southwest Mau, and the Kakamega Forest.

CONSERVATION OF FORESTS

Beyond their focus on endangered species and human-wildlife coexistence, Rhino Ark has a major focus on conserving montane forests and the tropical Kakamega rainforest. The electric fencing built on the edge of these forests prevents damage to the forest and allows it to grow into a healthy ecosystem.

To aid in healthy ecosystems, Rhino Ark has tree replanting programs and indigenous tree nurseries. It is due to their dedication over the years that this has resulted in many indigenous trees being planted across different forests. Tree replanting is an important strategy to

“THE BLACK RHINO IS A CRUCIAL PART OF KENYA’S ECOSYSTEM WITH IT PROVIDING MANY ECOSYSTEM SERVICES”

KENYA

implement as it reduces forest fragmentation, creates elephant corridors, and allows forests to grow into a thriving ecosystem. Also, it will ensure that the flora and fauna within the ecosystem is maintained and it will protect species that are unique to specific areas.

SUPPORTING LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Supporting and putting the local people at the heart of your work is a major component of conservation work as they are dependent on and have a connection to the land. Conserving Kenya’s wildlife and forest is tremendously important, but without working with local people, Rhino Ark’s efforts will be worthless. That is why they are also working with local communities in their schools’ conservation education program, an issue that is of equal importance to them. The organization also focuses on a program based on supporting, educating, and providing opportunities for local forest-adjacent communities within Kenya.

In their efforts to support local forest-adjacent communities, Rhino Ark has organized and implemented different community livelihood programs across the country. Their programs are aimed at providing alternative sustainable livelihoods to the local people, protecting their communities and protecting the forest from encroaching farm animals.

John explains to us, “We help with education, with the schools on the boundaries of the fence where we build them. So, we get the young people to understand why the fence is there and why they can’t immediately go into the forest. We also help with replacing means of earning money for the local people. For example, we have honey collectives which are being encouraged in the different areas where it is suitable and we have tree nurseries so that people can grow and replace the trees and help stabilize the soil.”

By including new automatic elephant gates and elephant grids in the electric fences built, the risk of wildlife such as elephants damaging houses, land, and local crop production decreases. This helps local farmers maintain and build their selfsufficiency and gain an income as well as prevent

the risk of injuries and human-wildlife conflict. John explains, “The farmland went up in value because the fence had been put there. There’s more than one story about people who’ve been injured by elephants trying to protect their crops.” He continues, “It is genuinely saving people’s lives because the population pressure is always pushing up the slopes of the mountains that we are fencing around.”

FUNDRAISING EFFORTS

Rhino Ark has come up with many unique and interesting fundraising and awareness efforts over the years. It includes taking part in marathons, relay races, and roadshows. Yet the most exciting of their fundraising efforts is the Rhino Charge, which has been held in Kenya since 1989. The Rhino Charge is an annual off-road 4x4 competition to raise money for the organization. The event is very competitive and involves a 4x4 rally with up to 65 different teams competing. John, an avid Land Rover enthusiast who once drove 3000 miles around Kenya and Tanzania, explains, “It’s a big sporting event, very well supported by Kenyans, and that is the thing I like about it. It’s Kenyans raising money for a Kenyan charity through their own efforts.”

The event is their main fundraising initiative with it bringing in many sponsors and attendees. It is a thrilling event that raises awareness about the amazing work done at Rhino Ark. Rhino Ark has made it a priority to ensure that the event is environmentally friendly by making it carbon

“WE HELP WITH EDUCATION, WITH THE SCHOOLS ON THE BOUNDARIES OF THE FENCE WHERE WE BUILD THEM”

Photo Credit: Rhino Ark

Kipkoris school girls holding a seedling

Photo Credit: Rhino Ark

Kipkoris secondary girls posing with conservation books

Photo Credit: Rhino Ark

Often there are snares sets found for antelopes, wild pigs and other small wild animals

Photo Credit: Rhino Ark

neutral by buying carbon credit, conducting environmental surveys on the land, and clearing every bit of litter to be recycled.

THE FUTURE OF RHINO ARK

Due to the dedication and passion of Rhino Ark’s team, as well as the scope of their projects across Kenya, the black rhino population could one day not be classified as critically endangered. Despite their relatively small team, they have done important conservation work during the 35 years that Rhino Ark has been active. The amazing work they do and its impact go far beyond what could have been first imagined during the organization’s inception.

Their work has greatly benefited the environment, wildlife, and local communities in many ways. The building of electric fences has economically benefited the local communities and the overall economy of the country by reducing the risk of human-wildlife conflict. Also, their work has played an important part in maintaining global biodiversity rates and decreasing the effects of climate change through their work in Kenya’s forests. Nevertheless, conservation is an evergrowing field and a lot more work needs to be done within Kenya.

Fortunately, the future has a lot of amazing things in store for both John Bowden and Rhino Ark. John has been on multiple trips to Kenya since 1973 and he plans to go on many more amazing trips to Kenya in the future. Additionally, the Rhino Ark team has many plans and ideas they hope to implement to further their conservation and community support efforts. They hope to find ambassadors to campaign for the charity and to raise awareness about their amazing work. They aspire to finish constructing around 450 kilometers of electric fencing around Mount Kenya National Park as well as completing the electric fencing at other project sites. Furthermore, Rhino Ark UK is striving to reach its fundraising target of £100,000 this year to continue its support of the Kenyan Trustees. This will allow the team in Kenya to

further their work and start fresh projects. According to John, Rhino Ark UK is currently hoping to expand its education programs and link with more schools and universities to raise awareness about their work. To do so, they hope to team up with a company that organizes educational safaris with a purpose.

The most ambitious of their future plans is to open up their own black rhino sanctuary in the Aberdares within Kenya. While an ambitious project, if the determination and passion of Rhino Ark is anything to go by, the project is very much possible one day. Their enthusiasm for conserving the black rhino, amongst other wildlife, and protecting Kenya’s ecosystem is an admirable show of determination and hard work. Rhino Ark’s initiatives have played an important part in protecting Kenya’s ecosystem and providing opportunities for the forest-adjacent communities.

Karuru Falls, Kenya

HOW TO HELP

If you feel inspired to help Rhino Ark in their future endeavors to conserve Kenya’s ecosystem and support local communities, you can support them by donating and raising awareness about their work. Alternatively, if you would like to get involved with Rhino Ark personally and or are interested in the Rhino Charge, you can take part in the event by joining or starting a team or just watching as a spectator. You can enjoy a oncein-a-lifetime trip to Kenya to experience all the beautiful nature, culture, and wildlife the country has to offer. If you want to keep up to date with Rhino Ark’s efforts, you can follow them on their journey by checking out their website and social media.

If you wish to start a Rhino Ark support group in your area or country, please feel free to contact Kit Kaberry at Rhino Ark UK (kit@rhinoark.org), who will assist in communication with the Nairobi Head Office.

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STARGAZER ALICE PERETIE

Photo Credit: Alice Peretie

Stories are a beautiful way of connecting people. It connects them with nature, with themselves, and with each other. And even with things unknown and things familiar, yet this time through a different lens.

From a relatively young age, I knew I wanted to work in conservation – and by that, I mean work to find solutions that involve the full ecosystem. One that includes people too. As I started studying conservation and working to fund my cameras and trips to document stories across the African continent, I started to realize that my real passion lay in bridging the growing gap between people and nature – and between people with their inner selves.

For me, change starts within. We have to be curious and eventually find value in being mindful of our environment. Sometimes, we may need a little nudge, something to trigger this curiosity. Awe and wonder are a great place to start. Appreciating nature can be as simple as enjoying the shade of a big tree at the height of the dry season, or finding pure joy in a contemplative experience. Awareness is key and nature is free!

Storytelling is a powerful way to create awe and wonder – my form of storytelling is through photography and written work. I seek to create awareness and ignite curiosity around topics like ecology, wellbeing,

collaboration, and balance. Conservation and my creative work are closely intertwined. The stories I encounter inspire me, and – I hope –others too!

Today, I work as a freelance wildlife and conservation photographer and storyteller (printing fine art pieces as well as reporting and documenting projects), and run a safari company to connect people with nature in different ways. It’s an absolute pleasure to be featured as an Ubuntu Stargazer!

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Photo Credit: Alice Peretie

DEMOCRATIZING NATURE: USHERING IN DEMOCRACY TO COMBAT SWEDEN’S LYNX HUNT

While many European countries are coming to grips with the biodiversity crisis and in turn taking many steps to reintroduce locally extinct species and rewild European landscapes, Sweden – one of the world’s most environmentally-friendly countries – has recently finished off its hunting season by killing 188 lynx (Lynx lynx). Lynx are apex predators, and like other species which share this category, are incredibly important in maintaining higher biodiversity in the regions it occupies.

This is why the decision to allow hunting quotas of a record 201 lynx individuals by the Naturvårdsverket (Swedish Environmental Protection Agency) baffled many top-level scientists and sparked controversy around the world. But when digging further into the issue, there are no surprises. Simply put, democracy has yet to find its way into Sweden’s environmental management, with the people deciding on these hunting quota being the very ones who benefit most in retaining the status quo.

Photo Credit: Rolf Nyström

Photo Credit: Rolf Nyström

Photo Credit: Roger Brendhagen

According to a governmental sponsored survey in 2021, 80% of Sweden’s population feels positively or very positively about the fact that the lynx resides in Sweden’s forests. Given this extremely favorable statistic, how is it that the hunting of these iconic creatures continues to be allowed at the high numbers that they currently are? According to Misha Istratov, who has spent the last few months of his free time and many working hours shedding light on this issue, the answer lies in Sweden’s wildlife management, or Viltförvaltning (game management) delegations.

CURRENT SET-UP

Sweden “manages” the environment through the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency which either decides or delegates certain environmental standards. Hunting licenses are included among these decisions. However, in the current set-up, actual quotas have been assigned to 21 Länsstyrelser (counties) which specifically are asked to decide on both the licensjakt (license hunting to reduce populations) and the skyddsjakt (protective hunting on specific individuals that have taken grazing animals) quota numbers. Because the counties’ tasks are mostly administrative, the actual numbers are left with the game management governing body of each county. The reason for this is not per-se a bad one as the delegations are composed of nominated individuals who are “knowledgeable” about Swedish wildlife. However, its lack of oversight has led to what some would call an undemocratic process.

This claim is fueled by the organization of the game management delegations. Currently, 14 different individuals make up the delegations with certain seats allocated towards certain parties/ stakeholders. Five seats go to the political parties and six seats go to the forestry, hunting, outdoor, agricultural, and tourism sectors; including traffic safety. Lastly, one vote goes to ecotourism and two votes towards stakeholders with a nature conservation interest. This essentially means that normally there exist at least 11 seats in favor of hunting (as the political parties and different stakeholders normally approve) and two votes against (the nature conservationists). The eco-tourism vote often goes towards hunting interests as they are sometimes dependent on the approval of forest owners and are therefore forced to vote with them. This results in most game management delegations that consist of 12 votes in favor of larger quotas and two votes against. Because of this make-up, hunting quotas are oftentimes much higher than scientifically recommended voices which poses the question, why is hunting at such high numbers occurring?

WHO STANDS TO GAIN?

Currently, exceptional quota numbers are justified as a way to protect Sweden’s domestic grazing animals; namely reindeer, sheep, and goats. While there have been attacks by lynx on both of these species, when investigating the response to these killings, they are overblown. Reindeer only exist in the Northern part of Sweden. In response to reindeer killings, 32 lynx were issued to be killed as a way of protecting the reindeer population following recent reindeer deaths. The remaining

“KILLING 169 LYNX FOR 58 GOATS AND SHEEP IS UNJUSTIFIABLE”

“HUNTING QUOTAS ARE OFTENTIMES MUCH HIGHER THAN SCIENTIFICALLY RECOMMENDED VOICES”

169 lynx that were issued for killing were hunted in the Southern part of Sweden, in order to protect domestic goats and sheep. However, when analyzing the numbers (a total of 58 goats and sheep were killed by lynx in 2021. current quota numbers simply do not make sense. Killing 169 lynx for 58 goats and sheep is unjustifiable, especially when considering the impact missing apex predators have on reducing ecosystem services. Compounding this, sheep and goat owners have the option to install fencing via a partly government funded program where the Swedish Carnivore Association also provides free help with the actual installation. This fencing has been shown to greatly reduce sheep and goats killed by Sweden’s predators such as lynx and wolves. However, this program has been largely unutilized and instead the first steps to solving this issue has oftentimes been to immediately get a license to shoot the offending predators.

According to Misha Istratov, the real reason high hunting quotas exist for the lynx is due to the deeply rooted cultural activity of ”pleasure hunting” or trophy hunting. While only 3% of Sweden’s population are hunters, many of the country’s most powerful politicians are hunters. This includes the Prime Minister, the Minister of Interior, the Minister for Rural Affairs and even the King. Simply put, three of the country’s most powerful positions are occupied by hunters. Additionally, many people working within the game management delegations are hunters as well.

Hunting for sport is the prime form of hunting in Sweden, with at least 30% of all hunting kills (out of 1.35 million reported killed animals) being left in the forest to be discarded. This is not including the illegal hunting. Hunting is currently seen as a fun outdoor hobby and killing apex predators such as the lynx is seen as the most desirable hunt there is. This is seen within Sweden’s largest free standing hunting magazine Jaktjournalen where a competition called Rovdjurskampanjen (Carnivore Campaign) is hosted each year that gives “points” for killing as many animals as possible resulting in winners of the competition who have often killed more than 100 animals.

Trophy hunters from across the world have flocked to Sweden when the EPA issued over 300 trophy hunting licenses last year for foreigners interested in hunting lynx. With the amount of backlash coming from trophy hunting of iconic African wildlife, Sweden’s trophy hunts are seen as a “safe haven” by hunters with Sweden’s legendary wildlife stirring less controversy. However this is changing, as inquiries into the values associated with trophy hunting are emerging.

ORIGINS OF TROPHY HUNTING

Given the deep rooted cultural nature of trophy hunting and in turn the lynx hunt, it is important to investigate where the mentality of trophy hunting originates, as it is relatively young in nature. Throughout humanity’s history, hunting normally consisted of hunting for food or for protection. Some of Sweden’s hunters are still very much focused on these two aspects of hunting but

many are not. Trophy hunting has roots in the idea of Man being above Nature and man’s duty to conquer and tame. According to Misha, the Svenska Jägareförbundet (Swedish Hunters Association) was founded on these core values when it was given the official task of governing

“IF NATURE IS THERE FOR HUMANITY’S USE, THEN WHY NOT KILL AS A HOBBY? AFTER ALL, IT IS A LONGSTANDING AND PROUD TRADITION”

wildlife in 1938. Of course, these values did not originate in Sweden per-se. They are very deeply rooted in our subconscious with some pointing to the Nature-Culture divide, as explained by Bruno Latour. As soon as humanity began to see itself as separate from nature, nature’s exploitation began, with few reflections on how our actions would change and shape the environment around us. Indeed, many point to the Bible as well, which clearly states that God created the world for man, to shape and use it as they wish. This view has shaped European’s actions for hundreds of years, with many using it to justify their exploitation of the world’s life and resources. When reflecting upon this, the existence of trophy hunting is no surprise. If nature is there for humanity’s use, then why not kill as a hobby? After all, it is a longstanding and proud tradition.

As the world continues to modernize, many of these traditional beliefs and values are being challenged. Before, we could only guess if an animal suffered. Now, we have the technology to measure pain present in animals through their

nerve receptors. Before, we could only question the intelligence of different species. Now, we have several cognitive tests which can be used to measure different intelligences. We no longer live in a world where we can honestly say that hunting causes no suffering or hunting has no largescale ecological impacts. Science has shown that suffering exists and ecological interactions fracture as a result of overhunting. It is time to reopen discussions on these important matters. Traditions must evolve as our understanding of the world changes. Traditions can only persist if evolution within them exists.

OPENING THE DISCUSSION: MISHA ISTRATOV

In order to create change, we must discuss it. As previously stated only 3% (300,000) of the country’s inhabitants (over 10 million) are hunters and yet they largely determine the hunting quotas of the country. Democracy must be brought into the system. This is why Misha Istratov proposes several main changes which could trigger change in how the lynx hunt (and trophy hunting in general) is carried out in Sweden. Firstly, finding out the stance of Sweden’s remaining 97% of inhabitants is essential. Sweden has many government sponsored surveys to understand the consensus of its population. However, there is yet to be one carried out about trophy hunting and the hunting quotas of large predators. This needs to be changed in order to bring more of Sweden’s population into the discussion and understand how the whole of society feels about the issue.

Secondly, Misha recommends writing to politicians and communicating with hunters. It is important that politicians hear the general public’s feelings on the lynx hunt. Misha emphasizes building bridges and understanding everyone’s point of view. Not all hunters believe in trophy hunting and therefore an over reactive response against all hunting is not helpful. There must be open discussion in understanding why it is that people love to hunt. For many people it is a way to reconnect with nature which in itself is a just cause.

Photo Credit: Roger Brendhagen

Photo Credit: Günter Lenhardt

Photo Credit: Rolf Nyström

Lastly, representation on game management delegations must be changed. While it makes sense to include people who have experience going out into Sweden’s natural environment, game management delegations are currently extremely biased and do not include all stakeholders. In order to democratize the hunting license process, people who are neither pro-hunting nor anti-hunting must be integrated into the system. This may mean including more researchers and scientists who are both knowledgeable of Sweden’s nature and less biased (they don’t make their money from hunting or preventing hunting). And facts must be prioritized. The facts show that the current hunting license quotas do not make sense both in terms of protecting grazing animals and maintaining ecological health. Nature must be allowed to manage itself and until all other measures fail in protecting livestock, hunting should not be the go to answer.

Sweden’s lynx hunt showcases that even some of the most environmentally friendly nations are built on systemic structures which negatively affect biodiversity. With the scale of the biodiversity crisis, discussions within every nation regarding deep-rooted traditions are much needed if a nature-based transition is to occur. And it can be done by everyone. As Misha has shown, even someone coming from the business sector can still have a tremendous impact on creating change and reassessing some of Sweden’s biodiversity fracturing traditions. By simply opening up these discussions within our own social circles, the influence down the line can be great. Decisions regarding nature’s future must be made by everyone because nature is for everyone.

Democracy must be brought into environmental management. With these crucial ecosystems already under strenuous pressure, simple measures such as limiting hunting of apex predators must be implemented. While the lynx hunt is a negative situation, the amount of people which have entered the discussion within Sweden and abroad as a result of Sweden’s systemic failures, has mobilized the discussion. The facts should no longer be ignored and the pleasure of few must not outweigh the needs of the many. Democratizing nature could be a key step in creating much needed change.

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Misha Istratov

“DECISIONS REGARDING NATURE’S FUTURE MUST BE MADE BY EVERYONE BECAUSE NATURE IS FOR EVERYONE.”

Photo Credit: Cycling 4 Wildlife

A JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME CONSERVING AFRICA’S WILDLIFE

5000 km lie between beginning and end of what can only be described as a journey of a lifetime. With bicycles as their only means of transportation, Willem van Liemt and three like-minded companions of the “Cycling 4 Wildlife” organization aim to raise money and awareness for conservation education projects in Africa. We managed to catch up with Willem before their trip.

HOW DID YOUR INTEREST IN CONSERVATION AND PARTICULARLY CONSERVATION IN AFRICA DEVELOP?

I grew up in the East of the Netherlands, a relatively rural area. Before that I lived on the island of Curaçao in the Caribbean. I was always playing outside and watching birds, so the love of nature was instilled in me from a young age. After finishing high school, I decided to start training to become a safari guide in South Africa. At the time, I had never even been to the continent before. Basically all I knew about Africa was from the Lion King. Once I got there I was completely overwhelmed by its beauty. In my first week of the course we had an elephant encounter on foot which turned out to be somewhat of a lifechanging experience for me. The young bull stood right in front of me and looked into my eyes as I looked into his. Looking back, I think it is fair to say that this moment was a massive influence in my later decision to study conservation.

WHY IS CONSERVATION IN AFRICA SO IMPORTANT?

There are many anthropocentric reasons why we need to protect nature. Nature has intrinsic value, which I think is a good reason in itself to protect it. Animals and plants are all part of incredibly intricate ecosystems. But even if people think that this is ridiculous there is also a very anthropocentric reason why we need to conserve nature – it is in our own interest. So many lives depend on these ecosystems for food, water and clean air. So, even if people do not care about nature they should feel the need to conserve it for their own survival.

Africa alone is home to over a quarter of the Earth’s biodiversity and stores one tenth of the world’s irrecoverable carbon in its natural ecosystems. Losing all of this would be devastating for our efforts to mitigate climate change. So that just gives you an idea of how critical it is to protect these ecosystems.

CAN YOU TALK TO US ABOUT THE AFRICAN PARKS FOUNDATION?

African Parks is a South African NGO that manages 22 parks across the continent. Many protected areas in Africa are paper parks, which means that they look pretty on paper but in reality are not protected very well. In some cases, governments are so preoccupied with humanitarian issues that

“Nature has intrinsic value, which I think is a good reason in itself to protect it.”

conservation is simply not the biggest priority. In others, governments may not have the knowhow or funding. African Parks enters into PublicPrivate Partnerships with these governments to take over management of their parks. They then bring in money and manpower to improve law enforcement and eliminate poaching. In many cases, they also reintroduce species to recover missing links in the ecosystem. African Parks aims to provide benefits for communities living in and around the parks. This is crucial to ensuring the long-term sustainability of these protected areas.

For example, African Parks provides environmental education to people living in and around these parks, which, from my own experience, is really

important. I remember that while I was guiding in Botswana I was approached by a local guy about my age at the time. He asked if I could take him out into the park, because he had never seen a lion. It was just unbelievable to me that this guy who had lived there for his entire life had never seen a lion, whereas I, a privileged boy coming from Europe, just spent a year there and got to see lions almost every day.

If we want to protect these areas and animals, we need to make sure that these people actually care about their wildlife. So, the great thing about these environmental education programs is that it instils a connection with the wildlife, which makes the locals want to protect them.

Photo Credit: Cycling 4 Wildlife

WHAT IS CYCLING 4 WILDLIFE AND HOW DID IT COME ABOUT?

We are four guys who are in the African Parks next generation circle. Every year we donate a couple of hundred Euros to the foundation, which for us is a significant donation and a nice thing to do. However, it does not make a huge difference. Thomas was working in real estate in Amsterdam. He wanted to go on an adventure and make a real difference for African Parks at the same time. Then Huib joined. Through our safari guide training, Jan and I both already had some experience in Africa and knew more about the conservation part of it. So that is how it came about. We kind of knew each other before, but have really become friends since we started this project.

Cycling 4 Wildlife is a platform that was founded to raise money for conservation through cycling projects. Cycling allows us to travel significant distances with minimal impact and lets us visit all these beautiful places, all while raising money for a good cause. When we approached African Parks about this, they welcomed the idea but thought that we might be able to make an even bigger impact if we did not only raise money but also awareness among our own generation back home. Our generation is definitely very engaged in the fight against climate change and on their way to becoming more sustainable, but few of us are aware of the fact that biodiversity conservation far away from home, for example in Africa, is actually crucial to our own lives. This is something that we want to change.

ALL IN ALL, YOU WILL COVER A DISTANCE OF 5000 KM DURING YOUR JOURNEY. CAN YOU TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT THE PLACES YOU WILL VISIT AND WHY?

The 8 parks we will visit are all managed by African Parks and the idea is that in each of them we will make videos and write blogs about topics that we think are interesting, things that make these parks unique. So for example, in Akagera National Park they have a fish farm to alleviate pressure on wild fish stocks and also to create an income for local communities. In the Bangweulu wetlands they have the shoebill, which is a really

rare, stork-like bird. As part of their unique shoebill conservation project, they raise chicks in enclosed environments and release them afterwards. What we really want to show is how diverse conservation work can be and we aim to create as big an audience as possible for this.

HOW DID YOU PREPARE FOR THIS ADVENTURE?

The physical part is spending a lot of time cycling; I am on my bicycle almost every day. But, the Netherlands is flat and we start in Rwanda, which is really hilly, so this is going to be a big challenge to begin with. On the technical side we have received really good help from a local bicycle store here in Amsterdam. They have supplied us with our bicycles, some gear and training on how to repair our bicycles. Hopefully this is going to help us if things break down – which is definitely going to happen…

We carry everything ourselves on our bicycles. Our tents, our cooking gear, our rain jackets, you name it. However, we do try to pack as lightly as possible. One thing that is up for debate right now is whether we are going to bring chairs or not. We have these camping chairs that we think would be very comfortable after a long day on the bicycle, but they weigh 1kg each. Every kilogram we can lose is a win. On the other hand, I really enjoy watching birds, so even though they weigh quite a lot, I will definitely be bringing my binoculars. That is a sacrifice I am willing to make!

“Cycling 4 Wildlife is a platform that was founded to raise money for conservation through cycling projects.”

Photo Credit: Cycling 4 Wildlife

WHILE TRAINING YOU MUST GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER QUITE WELL. ARE THERE ANY FUNNY OR SURPRISING THINGS YOU LEARNED ABOUT EACH OTHER?

Yes, I think we approach things quite differently. Huib is a guy who likes his comfort, so he is definitely in favour of bringing the chairs. He also wants to bring multiple pots and pans and a coffee percolator. I think I am kind of the opposite. If it were up to me, we could ditch all the

WHAT ARE POTENTIAL DANGERS YOU THINK YOU NEED TO BE AWARE OF?

I think what is going to be most dangerous is traffic, dehydration and potential diseases, definitely mosquito-borne diseases, as well as feral dogs. Most dangers we will come across are probably not going to be wildlife-related. However, at times we will be cycling through conservation areas –luckily. I am looking forward to watching some elephants from a safe distance. That is going to be very exciting.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE WHEN IT COMES TO CONSERVATION AND AWARENESS?

luxury and try to pack as light as possible. Jan really likes the physical challenge part of it, so he is constantly listening to podcasts about physical performance, how to become a faster cyclist and how to raise or lower one’s heart rate. While the three of us are often caught up in our own ideas about what it will be like, Thomas is the laidback one. He will probably be the one to come up with a sensible solution. But we are getting along really well. We have a lot of fun with each other and make a lot of fun of each other during the preparations and I am sure this won’t be any different in Africa.

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES IN ORGANIZING SUCH A CYCLING TOUR?

I think it is very difficult to know what things will actually be like. We know that roads you think are accessible may in fact not be, so if that is the case we have to be prepared to make a detour. There could also be trouble with border officials. I think the biggest challenge is making sure we always have enough food and water with us, because anything can happen. Tires can get punctured, things can break down, we can get ill. The best thing we can do is to be very conservative with our day-planning.

One goal is quite straightforward. With Cycling 4 Wildlife we aim to raise 100,000 Euros for the African Parks’ environmental education programs. Currently we are at 76,000, which means we are over halfway there, which is pretty cool. It is quite difficult to measure the impact of awareness, but if we bring this journey to a success and we can share the stories we created with as wide an audience as possible, then that would be amazing. We also hope to encourage people to go visit the parks to help make sure these places continue to exist.

From the Cycling 4 Wildlife perspective we hope to organize more projects in the future, hopefully on an annual basis. It would be great if we could have a long-lasting platform organizing these events every year, whether it is raising money for African Parks or other conservation NGOs.

AFRICA

THE EIGHT PARKS VISITED:

Akagera National Park - Rwanda

Bangweulu wetlands - North-eastern Zambia

Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve - Malawi

Liwonde National Park - Malawi

Majete Wildlife Reserve - Malawi

Matusadona National Park - Zimbabwe

Kafue National Park - Zambia

Liuwa Plain National Park - Zambia

Instagram @cycle4wildlife

The Quiver Trees. These dry trees can be found in forest fields in Namibia’s summer season.

COLOFON

DIRECTOR

Manon Verijdt

ART DIRECTOR

Arina van Londen

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Mirjam May

CHIEF DIGITAL OFFICER

Tobias van Krieken

ILLUSTRATOR

Renée Balsters

EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT

Ignas Heitkönig

Thijs Montalvo

Chelsea Whittingham

Patrizia Baldi

Sheeranie Tak

Boglárka Miskolczi

Theodore Nshimiyumuremyi

Mary Swing

JOURNALIST

Joosje Heringa joosje@ubuntumagazine.com

PR MANAGER

Judith van der Steen Judith@ubuntumagazine.com

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Mira de Winter

CONTRIBUTED TO THIS EDITION

Frank Landman, Alice Peretie, John Bowden, Kit Kaberry, Roberta Dixon-Valk, Huib Wesselman van Helmond, Willem van Liemt, Thomas van Meeuwen, Jan Stoop, Misha Istratov, Magnus Orrebrant

and thanks to all contributing photographers!

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