A local NGO called the Bouralgy Community Giraffe Sanctuary (director Hassan Affey), consisting of local conservationists who became concerned about the dwindling number of animals in the area, has been responsible for giraffes and other wildlife in the region since 1989. By 2007, the registered organization successfully lobbied the local government to allocate land for the sanctuary. Members of the NGO and volunteers operated the sanctuary until 2010 when revenue from visitor gate fees became insufficient to cover the expenses for providing the giraffes with water necessary for their survival. The sanctuary was largely left to generate its own revenue since the Kenyan government has no budget from which to allocate resources to protect wildlife in the area, though the local government is very supportive of the NGO’s efforts. Due to the insecure security situation, international tourism is virtually non-existent. In 2009 the Millennium Village Project funded the construction of a main entry gate and water troughs but has not provided further assistance.

The Bourlagy Community Giraffe Sanctuary

In addition to giraffes, the sanctuary also provides a home to various other creatures indigenous to eastern Kenya, including nearly 30 impalas, a type of extremely threatened Hirola antelope (classified as a critically endangered species: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hirola), dik-diks (a small member of the antelope family 12" – 16" high http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dikdik), among others. The provision of water for the sanctuary will greatly contribute to the protection of biodiversity in a region where government of Kenya services and other well-organized, large-scale conservation efforts are virtually non-existent.

Vision for the Sanctuary

The sanctuary is a place from which immense opportunities can emerge. In addition to protecting the wildlife and environment, it can be used to educate the local population on the importance of conservation while at the same time providing a place for recreation. Local craftsman and artisans could set up a small market on the premises to market their work, creating a source of income for themselves with some percentage of the proceeds allocated toward the sanctuary. The establishment of camp sights in yet another way in which revenue may be generated.

A portion of the funds raised will also go towards paying for the services of a local consultant who will work with Hassan to develop a business plan that will put the sanctuary on the path to financial independence. The sanctuary can once again be marketed to locals who will pay modest gate fees to drive in the sanctuary, and the growing number of international development specialists may also be attracted to the site since there are virtually no other tourist facilities in the area. In the medium-term, while the business plan is being refined and implemented, we will write a proposal to shop around to various conservation agencies such as the World Wildlife Fund. If anyone has any contacts or connections at a relevant conservation agency or organization, please email me at the address below.

Financial Donations

Pledgie.com takes 3% from every donation to sustain their business. Donated funds will be deposited into Marco’s PayPal account, after which the funds will then be transferred to a bank account in Garissa, Kenya. Both Hassan Affey and my CNFA colleagues Haji Mahamoud and Dr. Francis Chabari (the senior ranking CNFA employee in Kenya) are involved to ensure proper oversight of funds. Haji and Hassan are mandatory signatories on the bank account.

Thank you for your interest and support! If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at johnsonmarc1@yahoo.com.