Reflections on a Trip to Kenya

November 29, 2024

This month, we sat down with Dr. Typhenn Brichieri-Colombi, Senior Manager of Conservation Programs at the Wilder Institute, who recently returned from an 18-day trip to Kenya.

During her visit, Dr. Brichieri-Colombi had the opportunity to engage with the Kenya Mountain Bongo program, exploring how the various conservation efforts are interconnected.

Our long-term collaboration with the Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust is led by Dr. Donna Sheppard, our Conservation Program Manager who is based out of Kenya.

While in Kenya, Dr. Brichieri-Colombi joined Dr. Sheppard, and together they met with key partners and collaborators, launched the innovative Tuck Shop, and attended both the Joint Site Committee meeting and the Bongo Expert Advisory Group.

In this Q&A, Dr. Brichieri-Colombi shares her insights and experiences from the field, offering a glimpse into the critical conservation work being done in Kenya.

Question: What was your overall experience in Kenya, and how did it shape your understanding of wildlife conservation efforts in the region?
“I found my visit to the Kenya Mountain Bongo Program extremely valuable! I was able to see all the amazing work that Dr. Sheppard was able to accomplish in 11 years, the strong relationships she has built and the impact that she has had on the communities surrounding the two ecosystems. She has made huge strides in advancing conservation of the Mountain Bongo.”

Question: What were some of the most surprising or unexpected things you learned about the local communities’ involvement in conservation, or the work being done there?

“I wouldn’t say it was surprising or unexpected, but one observation I found so admirable was the passion and dedication of the Community Forest Association (CFA) members to the Eburu forest conservation. I was present at the launch of a tuck shop at Eburu Forest and the final presentation of the medicinal guide book. I was able to meet many of the CFA members and their passion about and dedication to the conservation of Eburu Forest was palpable. I was also able to witness traditional honey harvesting in Eburu. The people living around the forests are true stewards of their environment; they value their forest and are dedicated to helping protect it. It was a great experience to share in their knowledge through the medicinal guidebook and honey harvesting.”

Question: What do you think are the key takeaways and/or highlights from your trip overall?

“It is important to build relationships with all potential collaborators in the area in order to advance conservation. When in Kenya, I was able to attend the joint site committee meeting, where I met our collaborators at Rhino Ark, collaborators in government (Kenya Wildlife Service and Kenya Forest Service), and other NGO and for-profit organizations. Everyone gave updates on the progress they made towards enabling the reintroduction of Bongo to Mount Kenya. I was also able to attend the Expert Advisory Committee meeting, where reintroduction experts and veterinarians gathered to discuss the details on Bongo release and monitoring. Both meetings highlight the importance of bringing together different perspectives and expertise so that we are proceeding forward with sound science and best practices. It takes so many people to make conservation work. Donna is doing a great job at bringing everyone together.”

Dr. Brichieri-Colombi’s visit to Kenya highlighted the vital role of collaboration and community engagement in wildlife conservation. Her firsthand experiences underscore the deep commitment of both the conservation community and local stakeholders.