Amara Conservation | Current Projects

Mobile Environmental Film Unit (MFU)

We now have two Land Rovers each equipped with a generator, projector, speakers, screen and sound system. These vehicles show environmental education films – primarily those of the African Environmental Film Foundation – in local languages in very remote areas of Kenya.

Films are shown in schools, churches and communities – anywhere people can gather to view the films.

The Land Rovers are specially rigged to be able to hang the screen from the roof rack where other means are not viable. Film shows are typically attended by 300 – 3,000 people. Before and after films, dependent upon the venue, discussions are held on the topics addressed in the film. Often lively interactions, these provide a critical means of enhancing the experience for the attendees.

The films currently in use are:

Wanted: Dead or Alive?
Elephants of Tsavo
Keepers of the Kingdom
Running Dry
Natural Security
Black Rhino on the Brink
A Keeper’s Diary
Tombs Below Aruba
The Meanest Animal in the World
Walking Birds

Visit this link to learn more about how Amara Conservation began working with the AEFF.

Baraza Program

What we call our Baraza Program is an outgrowth of the Bushmeat Crisis meetings held in 2004 and 2005. It is very much on an as-needed basis, and was conducted in the Ghazi area of the Taitas upon the request of the community there. One of the key outcomes of that initial week-long capacity building seminar was a decision by the representatives of all the community groups to form an ecotourism task force and explore developing ecotourism in their area. This led to the decision by the Group Ranch Committee to develop the Mbulia Group Ranch Conservancy, which is currently in process…not done yet

Capacity building in rural communities
Identifying skills necessary for alternative livelihoods
Developing skills and knowledge of individuals on project management in collaboration with local experts
Holding workshops on project development, management, and proposal writing for groups

Radio Tsavo

Working closely with Kenya Wildlife Service, and in partnership with RadioActive UK we are working to set up a radio station to broadcast in the Tsavo Conservation Area.

We have called the station Radio Tsavo.

The mobile station, designed by Max Graef and Ben Pearson, has been purchased and was exhibited by RadioActive in London in May 2009 at SHINE09, as it is a new and unique way to bring radio to rural people. click here to see more.

This will travel in our Land Rover to reach the most remote areas.

We are seeking funding for a large radio mast to be located on the top of the Chyulu Hills that will cover a large broadcast area. In areas of low literacy, poor roads, no electricity, no newspapers, televisions, telephones or internet, where small populations are scattered in isolated corners, radio is the most effective means of reaching people.

[...read more about Radio Tsavo]

Sanctuary for Wildlife and Natural Habitat

Pursuant to a Capacity Building Seminar held in Ghazi Town in July 2007, the local community expressed interest in developing ecotourism on their community owned Group Ranch. We found a local investor who was interested in helping them to set up and run a conservancy. This area is one of high Human Elephant conflict as it provides crucial dry season habitat for the elephants of Tsavo – which has the largest population of elephants in Kenya. The people who live in the area face harsh challenges to lead an agricultural lifestyle.

The formation of the conservancy and the tourism this will bring to the area will benefit everyone.

Negotiations have been ongoing, and are now nearing completion. This has taken time, but the benefits are well worth the effort that has been required.

Amara is very excited about this new development.