Sammy Safari: Every creature is important in the environment – for example, the sea turtle.
Within the marine ecosystem, she plays a very big role.
For instance, some sea turtles forage on sponges, preventing excessive growth and creating additional room for other marine creatures to grow.
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But there are local beliefs that the oil from a sea turtle boosts fertility.
They kill them for that purpose.
To effectively engage in wildlife conservation, you need to build a good relationship with the community, so that they can help you with information, which makes your work more effective.
My name is Sammy Safari. At Bahari Hai, I lead the teams responsible for environmental conservation and the antipoaching unit, with a special focus on the sea turtle.
I was born and raised here in Arabuko Sokoke.
There are many animals within the Arabuko Forest that I had very close interaction with as I grew up.
I found them very intriguing.
When I turned six years old, my father began to teach us the importance of wildlife conservation.
Are you in school?
I am on my way.
Teacher: Welcome.
Safari: Thank you very much, sir.
Safari (to students): How are you?
Students: We are doing well.
Safari: How many of you know me?
My name is Sammy Safari, and I am a parent here.
Building a strong foundation is essential in this conservation work.
Starting with children, it ensures continuous growth and learning, and the message keeps spreading.
Supervisor: How are the elephants?
Safari: They are fine; I am taking good care of them.
Supervisor: That’s wonderful. We are also looking after the mangrove forests.
Safari: Mm-hmm.
Supervisor: I am sure everything will be aligned soon.
Safari: Yes, indeed.
When I have been unable to attend to animals, I’ve felt like something is lacking in my life.
Most locals fail to understand and think that the ocean is a property of someone else, not knowing it is their own and for their benefit, and that they should protect it.
Justin Beswick: The world we’re trying to create is one where the marine ecosystem is thriving and so are the people who depend on it.
My role, primarily with Sammy, is transferring of knowledge and skills that I know that would then help him better manage his team, better be an organizational leader, and we see that happening with the antipoaching units, of which Sammy runs.
Safari: I not only work around the sea turtle but all other ocean creatures, their environment — and also I am very passionate about sharing the knowledge with others so that they learn before it is too late.
Look at how beautiful this environment is; why don’t we take care of it?
I have to do this work, not for the salary I receive — this is in my blood.
My hope is that I may be able to do this work from the oceanside to the dry lands.
That is my hope.
[The above is a transcript of this video]