The impact of New York's horror was felt amongst all of the communities with whom Lewa works. Thanks to the firm response of the West, we are back to a stable world, but this brought home just what could happen with an extended time of such disarray. The rhino that I meet daily walking to work are here at our combined discretion, as are the giraffe, impala - down to the smallest bushbaby.
The world that we work in is just too small now for these animals to see their own way through a time of anarchy and chaos.
The impact of September 11th turned away our tourism and had an effect on our economy. Consequently, we cut back on employment, and the flow of cash back into the adjoining communities to Lewa reduced significantly. For many members of these communities the challenge of paying school fees became secondary to life's more pressing needs. This time has passed, money is flowing again, tourism is increasing, and we are once again looking outwards. This period has only served to reinforce our resolve to incorporate communities in our conservation strategy. If such disarray was to continue over an extended period, the protection of wildlife will remain firmly outside these communities: if it is not a resource perceived to be of real value to be cared for it will not be protected. The time for these attitudes to be set is NOW. \"Philosophical\" - perhaps - but true |
