THE ROLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY IN MEDIATING STRUCTURES AND INFLUENCING PUBLIC ATTITUDES FOR WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

David Gies

Africa Network for Animal Welfare-USA

Mr. Gies is a U.S. citizen working in Kenya and the United States on behalf of the Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW) in Nairobi and the Africa Network for Animal Welfare-USA (ANAW-USA) in Denver, Colorado. His interest for Africa, to travel and serve a non-governmental organization in Africa, was realized in 2005 after meeting Josphat Ngonyo at an animal welfare conference in Anaheim California. Between 2005 and his retirement from the Animal Assistance Foundation in 2012, he volunteered. He was hired by ANAW in 2013 functioning as the liaison person and administrative adviser. With Josphat Ngonyo and the board of directors in both Nairobi and the U.S., he has been the primary employee responsible for establishing internal controls for both organization as well as performing the day-to-day reporting and registration requirements for ANAW-USA in Denver Colorado. Mr. Gies lives in Nairobi approximately three months out of the year. Mr Gies received his bachelors degree from CSU in Social Science, a Master Degree in Management from DePaul University in Chicago and a MPA from the University of Colorado at Denver. As an executive director of private nonprofit organizations seeking funds and as the executive director to grant making foundations, he has gained broad experience in philanthropic initiatives for the arts, education, human services and animal welfare. He was awarded the 2010 Distinguished Service Award from the Colorado Veterinary Association. He currently serves as a Scholar in Residence at the University of Denver, Graduate School of Social Work.

Abstract

Today, Kenya’s wildlife and natural resources are managed by large governmental agencies. These agencies follow the tradition of formal and informal structures which result in uneven distribution of resources and exploitation. Past colonial rule, and the revolution to independence that happened fifty years ago, have moved the country into an era of new democracy on the one hand and a reluctance to leave de facto governance by a confederation of tribalism on the other.

This paper addresses the transformation of Kenya from colonial rule to self-government using a framework of three sector economy represented by government, private sector, and voluntary sector. The objective of this paper is to review conflict and co-existence of people and animals against the backdrop of policy formulation and the interplay of politics and corruption.
The method for reviewing the status of Kenya’s will to manage natural resources and the coinciding influence of democratic structures will be demonstrated with case studies to include:
• Conclusions reached by a 2014 blue ribbon panel commissioned by the government to determine the effectiveness and efficiencies of the Kenya Wildlife Service to protect wildlife and manage its parks
• Example of strengthening rule of law including increased penalties for individuals convicted of wildlife crime. This issue is most recently addressed though meetings between NGO’s and the Kenya Judiciary Training Institute
• Review of efforts to block Tanzania’s construction of a road bisecting the Serengeti, an essential migration route that includes the Maasai Mara in Kenya (decision set for July 31, 2015)
• Solutions brokered by nongovernmental agencies and the court for constructing a road encroaching on Nairobi National Park
• Alternatives for the use of strychnine poisoning to control dog populations and rabies in Nakuru county
• Creation of employment opportunities that encourage and reward animal welfare at the local level.

Conclusion: Development of the volunteer sector will show popular sentiment in favor of addressing systemic gaps in effective community wildlife management. The objective will be met by documenting growing resolve and collective action to control human dimension of natural resource management through better oversight, legislation and public policy implementation.

Authors

David Gies (Africa Network for Animal Welfare-USA)
Josphat Ngonyo (Africa Nework for Animal Welfare-Kenya)
Meme Kinoti (Regis University)
Nehemiah Rotich (Past Director of KWS; Board President, Africa Network for Animal Welfare-Kenya)

Session

OS-F2 » Understanding and reducing noncompliance with wildlife laws: From law enforcement to community-based interventions Part 2 (14:00 - Tuesday, 12th January, Kirinyaga 2)

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