Kenya, Germany, and Conservation Agencies

So do you think about how foreign countries deal with wildlife policy? How those policies depend on the economic status of that particular country? And better yet, how wildlife policy and human rights cross paths?

Well in an recent article (Jan. 25), the people of a Kenyan tribe, the Samburu, were kicked off their land by the police (aka the government) so that the Samburu land could be used an eco-tourism destination.

The Samburu's homes were burned down and forced away.

I am not sure about Germany's position in the situation (does it oversee Kenyan tourism? does it monetary supply Kenyan tourism? is Germany just offering advice?) but Germany Tourist Association has spoken out and warned that the evictions could cause more harm than good.

The surprising factor of the story is that the Samburu's land was purchased by two land conservation organizations, the Nature Conservancy and African Wildlife Foundation.

As much as I love land conservation, I don't think it should come at the expense of the native peoples and their livelihood. Especially, in a developing country where the people are already facing dire conditions.

Checkout the article:
http://www.survivalinternational.org/news/8041


Samburu Kenyan tour guide.