Dear friends, The iconic Maasai of Kenya and Tanzania have been fighting for decades to survive and defend their environment. Lately, they’re losing the battle: besieged by shady poachers, billionaires who want to buy up their traditional lands for safari lodges, and sketchy government officials. But now a Maasai community in Kenya has had a killer idea to fight back — pool their own land and form a new kind of reserve, run by them. This will not only ensure they protect their home and the customs of their ancestors, but will create a new wildlife passage — a crucial corridor where elephants, lions, and wildebeest roam free. This could become a shining example for conservation and for our campaigning. Normally if we want to protect a precious ecosystem, we have to campaign for years to get a government park set up, and then all too often officials fail to protect it. This time, the Maasai could establish their own reserve, and manage it themselves! But with a number of foreign buyers eager to take their land, the tribe needs funds fast to get the reserve up and running, take down fences, then train and pay young people to become wildlife patrollers. They’ve turned to our community with an urgent request for help. Chip in now — let’s throw them a lifeline, then campaign to help the Maasai, and indigenous communities under threat around the globe:  DONATE to help the Maasai community keep their land ! the battle and struggle continues … let’s help them end it!********************************************************
Our community has a proud history of working with the Maasai. When the Tanzanian government tried to kick them off their land so hunters could shoot big game out of helicopters, we came together to stop it. Actions by over 2 million of us helped persuade the Tanzanian President to commit to stop the evictions. Now, we can help another Maasai community bring to life their inspiring vision for their land. With hope and determination, Alice, Allison, Joseph, Antonia, Spyro, Dalia, Ricken, Emily, Nic, Rosa and the whole Avaaz team PS: The corridor of land was once home to an ancient elephant nursery — and now we can help bring it back! After only 3 months of work by this community, lions, zebras, giraffes, and elephants are returning in large numbers — even giving birth there! More information: Tanzanian land rights victory earns Masaai leader Goldman prize (The Guardian) We have the international momentum: now it is time to act on wildlife crime before it is too late (Independent) The Masai Mara: ‘It will not be long before it’s gone’ (The Guardian) How people can live next to lions without killing them (The Conversation) Stand with the Maasai (Avaaz) |
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