Kenya

Protecting Kenya’s Wildlife

Annastacia Ikaro Apoo’s parents passed away when she was only 20 years old. Suddenly, she was faced with the responsibility of caring for her two younger siblings and her own child. As the first child in her family, she knew she had to step up and provide for her family.

Annastacia struggled to make ends meet. She took on odd jobs and even participated in the Lewa Safari Marathon, where she won fifth place and sold the prize to cover her brother’s tuition fees.

Growing up, Annastacia always admired the work of the wildlife conservancy rangers. They are responsible for protecting Kenya’s landscape and wildlife from poachers and other threats. Watching their passion for protecting wildlife and their habitat was inspiring to Annastacia. So, when she heard about the opportunity to join the ZEITZ foundation’s “All-Women Anti Poaching Ranger Academy” at Segera Conservancy, she jumped at the chance.

Joining the Academy changed everything for her. The training tested Annastacia’s endurance and strength, both physically and emotionally. However, it was a rewarding journey that gave her the opportunity to protect wildlife, people, and their habitat. The most significant milestone was when she completed the training and graduated from the Academy.

During her training, Annastacia learned how to use technology in wildlife protection, such as EarthRanger, to monitor wildlife and their natural habitats in real-time. She also learned new skills in radio operations, which are essential for communication during field operations.

Now, she is a Ranger and can provide for her family while doing something she loves. Women, everywhere, can challenge themselves and pursue their passions. With determination and hard work, we can take on challenges and do our part to help Mother Earth.

Why Is This Important?

Protecting wildlife and biodiversity is crucial to combat climate change. Endangered species, facing threats from poaching, habitat destruction, and other human-induced pressures, play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystems and preserving ecological balance.

By safeguarding these species, we ensure the preservation of their habitats and the intricate web of life they sustain. Engaging communities in conservation efforts is vital as it fosters a sense of responsibility and ownership, encouraging sustainable practices that mitigate climate change impacts. Protecting wildlife not only safeguards unique and irreplaceable forms of life but also enhances ecosystem resilience, aiding in carbon sequestration and promoting adaptation to the changing climate.

What Can You Do?

Consider these tips:

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Personal

What wildlife exists in your local habitat? Learn about the species that are at risk around you and advocate for their protection.

One way to protect local wildlife is to ensure their habitat is free from human-generated waste. How can you minimize the waste you create? Consider shifting to reusable water bottles, paper towels, and other household products to limit the waste you create.

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Community

Start by considering how gender stereotypes show up in community-led efforts to protect wildlife around you and amplifying the work of women in your community who are taking the lead and playing their part in protecting species.

Take it a step further by joining community-led clean-up efforts to remove harmful waste from the habitats of local wildlife.

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Share Your Ideas

Have you or someone you know done something in your community to promote the protection of local wildlife? We would love to hear from you! Please send your story to engage@daughtersforearth.org. You can support all Daughters by donating below.

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