Mainstream conservation is failing to provide effective solutions to the global environmental deterioration. At the same time, conservation initiatives are responsible for augmenting social conflicts and injustices. Many conservation institutions choose to take an active part in the world´s destructive economic system, rather than struggle to change it. Both the general public and conservation practitioners are increasingly aware of these shortfalls but are much less aware of the alternatives available. However, these alternatives do exist; local people, indigenous people, and activists are initiating and carrying out effective conservation actions all over the world, but their work is ignored, marginalized and even blocked by the dominant conservation groups and tourism interests. The course is aimed at environmental/conservation students and practitioners who are interested in different perspectives and experiences. A diverse international group of teachers sharing their experiences as conservation practitioners, local activists and academics, discussing in-depth, both the problems and dangers of current conservation trends and the alternatives that exist. Our main goal is for participants to start their careers or return to their work places with a different view on conservation, and become part of a network which will help to influence and shift mainstream conservation into higher levels of efficiency and ethics. This field course will take place in Nanyuki, Kenya, where participants will have the chance to meet local Maasai communities´ traditional conservation initiatives, first-hand learning about the contradictions in the work of international NGOs, while appreciating Kenya´s amazing wildlife. This is a two week course that will start on the 28th of August and will include both theoretical and practical components. The course is organized by Reclaim Conservation and Conservation Solutions Afrika. Students, practitioners and decision makers from anywhere in the world, are welcome to apply.
Between the issues discussed are:
Community led conservation initiatives;
Racism, territorialisation and economy derived militarization of conservation;
Environmental conflicts within mainstream conservation action;
Understanding and investigating environmental crime and corruption;
Activism as a way for change;
How to create and run efficient, clean and transparent organizations;
How to encourage and support community led initiatives and activism;
Conservation with reference to indigenous livelihoods, rather than external interests;
Individuals Vs. species, issues of animal rights and welfare in conservation.
For more information please write to: reclaimconservation@gmail.com
Applications are open until July 15, 2018!
Reclaim Conservation 