| The year 2015 will go down on record as one of the most difficult years faced by Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Our international tourism numbers were 40% less than the previous year, we faced drier than normal climatic conditions and the poaching threat against rhinos continued unabated.
That said, despite the difficulties, 2015 has seen us expand our conservation footprint with incorporation of the new 20,000 acre Mutara Conservancy to our north, as well as increasing our community development support by 56% to a considerable USD 750,000 for the year. We have also been delighted to see the numbers of local Kenyans visiting Ol Pejeta go up by a staggering 36% during this time of tourism downturn.
These are considerable achievements that my team and I are justifiably proud of, and surely a sign of better times ahead.
We fervently hope that 2016 is an improved year for all of us with a turnaround in the tourism industry, so essential for our ability to fund the needs of conservation and rhino protection, and improved rainfall – so essential for EVERYTHING. We also pray that recent global efforts begin to result in diminished demand for rhino horn and elephant ivory, leading in turn to reduced poaching pressure upon these species.
Conservation across the planet stands at something of a cross roads from many different perspectives, and the time for people to act is now. On behalf of all of us on Ol Pejeta Conservancy may I take this opportunity to thank you for all your support during 2015, to wish you and your families a very Happy Christmas and New Year, and to humbly request your continued support for our work again during 2016.
With all of our very best regards,
Richard Vigne
Chief Executive Officer |
