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Breaking the culture of denial

Category: Uncategorized | Date: May 26 2009 | By: paula

As WildlifeDirect we often find ourselves receiving and sharing information that authorities do not want to hear. This has happened recently over the poisoning of wildlife using Furadan as well as over the deepening bushmeat crisis facing – both issues affecting wildlife in Kenya.

 

I guess we should expect questions and concerns, to verify our data etc, but to be outright dismissed? That was not what we expected.

 

I ignored all those who said ‘watch your back’. After all, we live in a democratic country with excellent freedom of press in Kenya.

 

Nevertheless, I can now report that despite our communications with some government regulators, we are not getting any positive constructive response, indeed we are being told to lay off. In the last few days I have even been personally harassed and threatened which makes me think one of two things.

 

1. We are on the right track to have upset some people so badly

 

2. It is even more important that we stay the course as a member of a large community of conservationists who are witnessing threats to wildlife and are willing to raise concerns and do something about it. But, we need to be very careful. It’s not uncommon for ‘accidents’ to affect people who stick their necks out in this country

 

Needless to say last night I went to bed feeling rather angry at the short sightedness of our government authorities, and frightened for the first time. I didn’t want to make this statement on the blog, but feel that I should make are record of it though I will not name the institution or individuals involved.

 

But I will reiterate what I’ve been saying all along, we need open and constructive dialogue between the conservation community and government agencies, after all, we are all on the same side and have the same objectives, that is to save wildlife and wild places.I’m happy to say that at least FMC, the manufacturers of Furadan did come to us to discuss our concerns even if we disagreed on some points. That dialogue helped us to understand each others concerns.

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7 Responses to “Breaking the culture of denial”

Brenton H, on 27 May 2009

Thankyou Paula for all THAT you are doing. Thinking of you and all at Wildlife Direct. Brenton.

Wanda, on 27 May 2009

It does not set well with the
overall deception they want to project, obviously -
I admire you for posting and I hope it continues.
Stay safe!

Anna M, on 27 May 2009

Sorry to hear this news but like you say we must be on the right track when some individuals are getting upset and a bit touchy, I also think the open dialogue is the only way forward, but be careful !

sheryl, washington, dc, on 27 May 2009

You know you’re getting to the truth when the death threats start coming in. Be careful, Paula, but don’t back down. This issue needs a lot more attention and a lot more people need to get involved in calling for a complete ban on Furadan in Kenya. So if you have a blog, write about it; send the link to this post and the Poisoning Wildlife blog to everyone you know; post it on Twitter, Facebook, or whatever social media you prefer; write letters to your local newspapers. Get active.

s.

Siggi, on 27 May 2009

Thanks for all you do Paula!! Be safe!!

Paula, on 28 May 2009

Thanks everyone, after talking to a number of friends and colleagues, I know we are not alone in the concerns that we are raising about how wildlife is managed in Kenya. Please keep supporting us. Paula

Alana, on 28 May 2009

Thank you for this post, Paula.
You are so right, when people get angry, you know you are doing a good job of bringing the real issues to light. We must all continue to work together. Stay safe.

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