Ol Pejeta Conservancy has officially launched a year-long celebration to mark its 20th anniversary. This grand event was held at the conservancy on 27th September, 2024 bringing together Ol Pejeta staff, management, and board members, including the distinguished former National Assembly Speaker Francis Ole Kaparo. It was a day of recognition, appreciation, and excitement for what lies ahead.
A Legacy of Innovation and Dedication
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy Board, Philip Coulson, acknowledged the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the running of the conservancy. He emphasised the organisation’s commitment to transforming challenges into opportunities and prioritising staff welfare. Coulson highlighted Ol Pejeta’s pioneering spirit in adopting cutting-edge practices to combat climate change and habitat loss. “In the face of climate change and habitat loss, we have led the way with cutting-edge practices that set us apart. From pioneering translocation projects to utilizing technology in wildlife monitoring, we have embraced every opportunity to innovate. Our conservation efforts are not just about preservation; they are about evolution. As we look to the future, let’s continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible,” he said.
Honouring the Heart of the Mission
The Chairman also praised the dedication of Ol Pejeta’s staff, acknowledging their critical role in fulfilling the conservancy’s mission. “For all of us, irrespective of the role we play at the conservancy, it’s the late nights spent in the field, the community meetings where we listen and learn, and the shared laughter and determination among our staff that drive our success. Each one of you plays a crucial role in this journey. Your commitment, your passion, and your resilience have made Ol Pejeta a beacon of hope in the world of conservation. As we move forward, let’s continue to foster a culture of collaboration, supporting each other and celebrating our achievements, big and small,” Coulson remarked.
Appreciating the Unsung Heroes
Coulson took the time to appreciate staff members for their unwavering commitment to the mission of the conservancy. “From the security personnel and rangers who stand as silent sentinels, to the veterinarians who mend the wounds of animals, from the communicators and marketers who intricately weave our story, to the hospitality staff who welcome visitors with open arms, the business analysts, mechanical engineers, and software wizards who keep our gears turning – every one of you weaves the fabric of Ol Pejeta’s success,” he said.
A Mixed-Conservation Approach
During a media interview at the event, former Speaker Francis Ole Kaparo stressed the importance of other conservancies adopting a mixed-conservation approach. “We would love most ranches to do what we do here. We must have a combination of what nature intended and what it intended to be that way. In one part of your land, you can do your crops; in another part, you can do your grazing together with wild animals,” he suggested.
Reflecting on Achievements and Future Aspirations
Ol Pejeta CEO Justin Heath reflected on the conservancy’s achievements and expressed optimism for the future. “When we started the chimpanzee sanctuary, we had one chimp. Today, we have 29 chimps from every corner of the world. We also had very few elephants, but today, we have more than 500. When we look at our neighbors, we would give 40 scholarships to high school students. Today, we are giving more than 300 scholarships. When we started building classrooms, we started with two. Today, we have built more than 10 classrooms. This is what makes Ol Pejeta famous, the work that we all do together,” stated Heath.
A Tribute to Tireless Efforts
The event’s chief guest, KWS Director Wildlife and Community Service Prof. Charles Musyoki, commended Ol Pejeta staff for their tireless efforts in making the conservancy’s name great across borders. “Surely, all the great things that we have heard here today, all the growth that we have been able to witness in Ol Pejeta over the years, the great transformation that we are now talking about, the great things that have happened here could not have been so without the effort and commitment of you all as members of staff of this very great conservancy. So today, we want to extend a very big thank you to all of you by recognizing that some of you have worked here for more than 30 years and it is not easy to work for an institution for that period,” said Prof. Musyoki.
Celebrating the Unsung Heroes
Throughout the function, staff members were recognised, appreciated, and celebrated for their service to the conservancy, with some being honoured for their dedication of up to 30 years. This event marked the beginning of a year-long celebration, a testament to the passion and commitment of the entire Ol Pejeta family.
Join Us in the Celebration
As Ol Pejeta embarks on this year-long journey to commemorate its 20th anniversary, we invite you to join us in celebrating two decades of conservation success and innovation. Stay tuned for more exciting events and initiatives as we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in conservation and beyond.