roadwarriorafrica

I will not safari with Somak
Target:10,000 signatures
Sponsored by: Anne Rose

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/petition/521955429

Olkeju Ronkai Ltd. have nearly completed the construction of a brand new fenced lodge in the Masai Mara Game Reserve, Kenya.

The lodge is situated inside important rhino habitat crucial for the survival of the indigenous black rhino population of the Mara.

The Rhino Programme Warden, the Minister for Local Government, the local County Council and Kenya's National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) all originally opposed the construction of the camp due to the threat it would have on the rhino population.

Despite all this, the construction of the camp continued and is now almost completed.

Even if the authorities are not able to stop the ongoing destruction of the Masai Mara, I at least will refuse to spend my money on safaris with Somak, who are advertising safaris at Olkeju Ronkai, in protest and ask them to not use this controversial site.

I enjoy safaris because I love wildlife, not because I want to destroy it.



Background Information:

Indiscriminate Development of Tourist Facilities in Relation to Biodiversity Conservation within the Greater Mara Ecosystem.Samson P Lenjir, Rhino Programme Warden; 6th May 2006

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?ai...2&l=c2bb6b8726



Evidence of Olkeju Ronkai's court case with Narok County Council:

The Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) provides that parties aggrieved by NEMA%u2019s decisions can seek redress at the National Environment Tribunal or in the High court. Given that the EIA process is a consultative, multidisciplinary undertaking, at times some parties may not agree with the Authority%u2019s decision to grant or withhold a license. Among the cases highlighted recently in the media, Cobra%u2019s Corner Limited and Olkeju Ronkai Tourist lodge are in court for various reasons. These cases cannot, therefore, be discussed in detail.
http://www.nema.go.ke/index.php?opti...272&Itemid=171

24 2039/09 Olkeju Ronkai Ltd

(Achoki & Co) Vs County Council of Narok
http://www.kenyalaw.org/CauseList/sh....php?view=4647

Somak advertising safaris at the site Ashnil Mara Camp, constructed by Olkeju Ronkai:

http://www.somakholidays.co.uk/hotel...SAMC1Newspaper articles pertaining to the issue:

Balala is wrong on Mara Project: Nairobi Star, 2nd October 2008

He was quoted as having supported the proposed project, the Olkeju Rongai Lodge, on the grounds that the country needs more tourism revenue. He accused those who were opposing this project -led by his Cabinet colleague William Ole Ntimama - of seeking to protect their own interests. The Maasai Mara National Reserve was never created for tourism. It was created as a conservation area for unique ecosystem that is of worldwide value. Tourism a secondary and complimentary activity to earn revenue, but should never ever be allowed to threaten the protected ecosystem.
http://multimedia.marsgroupkenya.org/?StoryID=232860



Ntimama, Balala clash over Mara camp: Daily Nation, 11 Sep 2008
http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/...c/-/index.html

Survival of the Mara must always take priority: Daily Nation, 16 Sep 2008

http://allafrica.com/stories/200809170411.html

spassvogel

You are running tinto open dorrs on my side!
Of course I oppose such activities! And needless to say I wouldn't stay there.

Isn't that the Rhino sanctuary close to Kicheche Main camp?

BTW - what about the Cheetah drive thur ? Has that been completed? Another weird idea.

What about the Massai Mara North conservation?

http://www.masaimaranorthconservancy.com/

I'll go straight to the petition!

THX for getting us ware!

SV

PS
Have you facebooked already? Cause?

pixelpower

Seems Kenya really lost it.

Like what they did to Amboseli; apparently it's no longer administered by KWS, but it's in the hands some County Council.

This has led to downgrading/demoting a park that had gained international recognition.

Disgusting.

J.

spassvogel

I totally mixed it up. Obviously it's not the one close to Kicheche but rather the one in the Keekorok area.

And Massai Mara North won't have any influence on that area - regrettably.

SV

mkhonzo

It smells of greased palms... for such a development to take root something has to have been fertilized. Seems to me that petitioning from an armchair and petitioning against SOMAK is not addressing the real issue.

The country needs to learn that they can't allow this to take place and sundry other issues that plague the integrity of the politicians whose pens sign the deals into legitimacy.

atravelynn

Mkhonzo, is there something else we should do? What else would be helpful in showing disgust and displeasure with this nonsense. Some money had to change hands under the table somehow for this lodge to sprout.

Leely2

I echo Lynn's question. But yes, absolutely atrocious.

Also, Mara Triangle is reporting (via Facebook a week or so ago, so perhaps I'm wrong and I certainly hope so) that the "cheetah zoo" project in the Mara is on again. Anyone know anything about that?

atravelynn

I thought the zoo was kabash. Oh no!

spassvogel

I am leaving for East Africa in early Feb.
In case I get some info on the Cheetah topic I'll post it here after return.

Regarding further undertakings:

I have contacted and expressed my disgust:

- local political representative (Opposed taxpayer's money for corrupt and ignorant governments!)
- Foreign Aid minister
- Kenyan Tourism Office in Germany as well as Nairobi


SV

mkhonzo

Boycott Kenya, period!

twaffle

Yes, that will help the people and the wildlife … not.

mkhonzo

and ditto for boycotting SOMAK ...