2011-10-Segera
Segera Site Visit
12-14 October 2011
Laikipia, Kenya
After the 3rd GDI Expert Meeting in Nairobi, part of the Earthmind Team (Sarah French, Julian Metcalfe and Till Stoll), Arthur Ejis from the Dutch Government, and Maria Alice Alexandre and André Zimmerlin from the Life Institute in Brazil, travelled north to Laikipia for a site visit at the Segera Ranch. Segera had submitted a Project Information Note (PIN) to the GDI and the proximity of the project to Nairobi offered an excellent opportunity to visit a potential field project in order to gain an understanding of the real world issues GDI certification would face. The PIN was submitted by Zeitz Foundation, an organisation based in Segera that promotes sustainable development and conservation.
The first work session took place in the afternoon of 12 October. This included a meeting with three of the four leaders of the local communities neighbouring Segera. Under the lead of the Zeitz Foundation, the communities undertook a 5-day workshop in November 2010 during which they prioritised their needs in terms of an improved livelihood. The outcomes of this workshop formed the basis of the discussion between the GDI delegation and the community leaders. The session was extremely informative and fostered the mutual understanding of the compelling needs and opportunities. The characteristics of the Segera projects include an engaged local community, the potential for clear developmental outcomes, a professional and committed management team at Segera itself, and the availability of technical expertise at Mpala Research Centre & Conservancy to both develop a coherent management plan, and, subsequently, to monitor and evaluate its implementation.
After the work session, the GDI group went for a drive around the Segera Ranch to gain an impression of the in-situ natural environment and see with their own eyes the biodiversity assets of Segera.
The work session on Day 2 (13 October) consisted of presentations of the Long-Run Destinations Programme of the Zeitz Foundation by Liz Rihoy, Executive Director of the Zeitz Foundation, of the Mpala Research Centre & Conservancy by its Executive Director, Margaret Kinnaird, and of Wilderness Safaris by its lodge manager (Wilderness Safaris are the designated operator of Segera Lodge). The presentations were followed by a lively discussion among the participants of the work session and a SWOT analysis of the submitted PIN and the Segera project which was very beneficial to all present. In the afternoon of 13 October, the GDI delegation visited the Segera Lodge which is currently under construction and set to open by mid 2012.
The GDI delegation is most grateful to the Zeitz Foundation and the team of Liz Rihoy for their generous hospitality during this site visit. This field trip was extremely beneficial in identifying and understanding some of the key issues that the GDI certification system will have to take into account in the future progress of the Initiative.
Mpala Research Centre & Wildlife Foundation
