The Zeitz Foundation for Intercultural Ecosphere Safety

Usain Bolt’s adopted cheetah, ‘Lightening Bolt’, is growing fast

2010-09-07T09:14:00.002-04:00

On 2 November 2009, Zeitz Foundation Ambassador for Culture (Sport), Usain Bolt adopted a cheetah named ‘Lightening Bolt’ at a ceremony at the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Headquarters in Nairobi. Cheetahs can cover 100 meters in 6.13 seconds with a top speed of 90-112kph over 50 to 100m, meaning that Bolts’ adopted animal can give him serious competition, even if he can run 100 meters in 9.69 seconds.

Nine months later and at almost one year old ‘Lightning Bolt’ or ‘Bolt’ as he is more affectionately known is fast becoming a darling of the KWS Nairobi Animal Orphanage. His handler, Mark, looks after him on a daily basis whilst tourists and school groups from around the country regularly come to see him.

Lightening Bolt’s day begins at dawn when he and his two brothers are awoken by the raising sun. He is fed meat on the bone once a day and occasionally gets a rabbit. Lightning and his brothers keep fit by playing with a football or chasing their favourite toy, a teddy bear, around the pen. Despite the fact the Lightning won't be released into the wild, his predator instincts are still intact as he and is brothers often wrestle to get the teddy bear and see who can hold onto it for the longest.

A mark on his left ear and a fluffier mane make him stand out from his brothers.

At the same ceremony on 2 November 2009, Kenyan Prime Minister, Honorable Raila Odinga, adopted a lion cub, whilst Colin Jackson, world record holding hurdler and Zeitz Foundation Specialist for Culture (Sport), adopted an Eland.

Report compiled by Gathoni Mwai on September 2, 2010

Laikipia and Beyond Unity Cup football tournament ends A great success, with Central Rhinos winning the cup

2010-07-23T12:35:00.003-04:00

Samuel Eto'o, Patron of the inaugural Laikipia and Beyond Unity Cup, was a favourite from the time he touched down. Alighting from a helicopter that landed in the middle of the Nanyuki Municipal Stadium, he was introduced to each player representing four regions of Laikipia - Eastern Grevys, Northern Elephants, Central Rhinos and Uaso Lions. After the national anthem, Eto'o greeted the crowd in French, followed by a translation, and then kicked the match ball to start the first of two semi-finals. He was accompanied by his brother Serges Biket, who also quickly became much-loved by the crowds. As the day wore on, the numbers swelled as thousands came to see Eto'o for themselves.

The following day saw the finals. Jochen Zeitz, founder of the Zeitz Foundation, arrived and, with Eto'o, watched a thrilling match between the Central Rhinos and the Northern Elephants. Favourites from the beginning, the Central Rhinos were pushed to the limit and, at full time, the score was 1-1. In the post-match golden goal (sudden death) penalties, the pressure was too much for the Northern Elephants and the ball hit the post. The ecstatic Rhinos celebrated with their fans around Nanyuki town.

Immediately after, Jochen Zeitz donned his goalkeeper kit and faced 25 invited guests and organisers in a Guest Penalty Shoot Out. Penalty takers (besides Eto'o) included UNEP Executive Director, Achim Steiner; British High Commissioner, Rob McCaire; the South African High Commissioner, Tony Msimanga; Lt Col Rex Sartain of the British Army, MP for Laikipia East, Hon Ndiritu Murithi; MP Laikipia West, Hon Kiunjuri and the Charge d'Affaires from the Brazilian Embassy, Antonio Ricarte.

During lunch, the 32 teams who had participated in the LUC received photographs taken at the regional events. In addition, Zeitz and Eto'o presented the British Army Training Unit in Kenya (BATUK) a certificate mounted with photographs as a souvenir of the event, which they made possible through their partnership in providing accommodation and food for all the players.

Thereafter, there was an exhibition match between Mathare United from Nairobi and the cream of Laikipia, drawn from all the regional teams and named "Laikipia United." Mathare United scored in the first half and Eto'o took to the field for Laikipia much to the delight of the swelling crowd.

The medal ceremony was concluded speedily as Eto'o had to catch a flight back to Nairobi. Each team member received a medal, plus a bag of gifts from the South African High Commission and a shirt from Safaricom, one of the main sponsors. The man of the match, William Muhanji received his gift, a solar powered lamp, from Samuel Eto'o who had picked him out from the start.

Before leaving, Eto'o dedicated his first goal of the new season to Laikipia District and, after a quick press conference, he was escorted to Nanyuki airstrip by the Kenya Police.

2010-07-21T09:55:00.003-04:00

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

The four regional events of the Laikipia and Beyond Unity Cup 2010, sponsored by Safaricom and the Zeitz Foundation and organized in collaboration with Laikipia Wildlife Forum, are now completed and we are gearing up for the finals at Nanyuki Stadium, to be attended by the Patron of the LUC Samuel Eto'o, to take place on the 20-21st of July (next Tuesday and Wednesday).

The regional events have been overwhelmingly successful in meeting the objectives of the tournament and we would like to share a few of the highlights with you before moving on to the finals:

- 4 x 3 day football events have taken place, bringing together thousands of people from every corner of Laikipia in peace and unity, including thousands from rural communities and towns and the local MPs (Hons, Kiunjuri, Muriithi, Ole Kaparo and Muriuki attended opening or closing ceremonies at events in their respective constituencies), chiefs, members of the provincial administration, KWS, BATUK, LWF and the Kenyan Airforce, as well as gaining support and involvement from Nairobi based Embassies – including South Africa, the UK, Germany, South Korea, Mexico and Brazil - and UNEP. These events were organised by Zeitz Foundation, Laikipia Wildlife Forum and BATUK, in collaboration with and hosted by Laurie Sessions and Segera/Zeitz Foundation in Central Unit; Anne and Gilfrid Powys in Western Unit; John Elias in Uaso Nyiro Unit; and Micheal Dyer in Eastern Unit in their capacity as the respective LWF Unit Directors. Most of the Conservancy and ranch owners in Laikipia donated meat and Highlands Water donated over 1000 litres of water.

- 32 football teams have taken part in the competition, culminating in the selection of a regional 'composite' team (which includes the 20 best players from each region) which will represent their region in the semi-finals/finals on the 20-21 July. The winners of the regional events were:

Central Unit - Nanyuki Combined.

Western Unit - Sosian.

Uaso Nyiro Unit - Mpala.

Eastern Unit - Kisima.

- Over 12,000 people, mainly women and children, have received free medical attention from the 20 strong medical team present at each camp. These teams also provided HIV/aids and STD awareness sessions for all the players, as well as HIV testing and deworming to all clients. The medical teams were from Nanyuki District Hospital and the Kenyan Airforce, led by Dr George Mochama. Medicines were donated by the Diplomatic Spouses Association, MACs pharmacy, Gertrudes Gardens Hospital and GSK.

- 1000's of people in Laikipia were able to join in the excitement and spirit of the World Cup through the match screenings on giant screens at every event.

- Over 500 trees have been planted and thousands of people have taken part in many different environmental activities, ranging from local clean ups, to lectures on

conservation agriculture and sustainable water management, through to the construction of predator proof boma's, to mention just a few.

- MYSA (Mathare Youth Sports Association) have held football clinics and environmental education sessions for 1000's of children, whilst doing a great job of selecting players for the regional representative teams. They will also be providing coaching to these teams in advance of the finals. The visiting MYSA football teams played the regional teams in an exhibition match each weekend.

- A further aspect worth noting is that throughout the whole event there has not been a single unpleasant or disruptive incident either on or off the field despite almost a thousand young men and women being brought together and living in close proximity, with thousands of their supporters attending. The behaviour and spirit shown by all teams was exemplary and a credit to the communities and institutions they represent. People really have come together in a spirit of peace and unity and a willingess to collectively build a better future for Laikipia. There is now enormous enthusiasm for the Laikipia Unity Cup and a desire to see it become an annual event from every corner of the District and beyond.

The highlights at the finals on the 20 and 21st of July will see play-offs between the regional teams, a final between the winning regional teams, followed by a match between Mathare United and Laikipia United. The Laikipia United team will be selected from the best players from each region and will truly represent a United Laikipia.

Please come along to the finals and support your region and team. We look forward to seeing you there. Please also note the change in dates from those advertised, it is now on the 20-21st July, not the 21st and 22nd as originally planned.

Thanks to all those who have come together and made the Laikipia and Beyond Unity Cup a great success so far.

With best regards

Dr Liz Rihoy
Zeitz Foundation Programme Director

Dr Anthony King
Laikipia Wildlife Forum Director
--

Patron Samuel Eto’o visits Kenya to preside over finals of the Laikipia and beyond Unity Cup

2010-07-20T12:18:00.006-04:00

20 July 2010, Nanyuki, Kenya… The Zeitz Foundation today welcomed Samuel Eto’o, international football star and Captain of Cameroon, who arrived in Kenya to preside over the Laikipa Unity Cup (LUC) finals at the Nanyuki Municipal Stadium, 20/21 July 2010. As Patron of the LUC, Eto’o watched all the matches at the stadium, including the semi-finals, and the Finals.

Organised by the Zeitz Foundation, in partnership with the Laikipia Wildlife Forum and collaboration with UNEP, the South African High Commission and BATUK – and sponsored by the Zeitz Foundation and Safaricom - the tournament saw scenes of excitement rivaling those of the World Cup.

The finals were the culmination of a month of matches that have drawn upon the power of sport to bring together thousands from every corner of Laikipia and beyond in a spirit of peace and unity.

Jochen Zeitz, founder of the Zeitz Foundation “This first edition of the LUC has scored goals on and outside the pitch. By bringing communities together, promoting environmental wellbeing and giving people access to medical help, I believe this first edition of the LUC has truly made a difference. With not a single red card shown either on or outside the pitches, I hope the LUC will set an example to be followed for years

to come.”

Eto’o said: “I am very happy to have accepted Mr Jochen Zeitz’s invitation to travel to Kenya to participate in the finals of LUC. As the tournament’s Patron, it is very rewarding to see the efforts made in Laikipia to keep peace and harmony through Football. I would like to return with my friends to beautiful Laikipia and hope to be here for next year’s event.”

President Nelson Mandela once noted that ‘Sport has the power to change the world, the power to inspire, the power to unite people in a way that little else can’. The aim of the LUC has been to harness this power and score goals for unity, peace and environmental awareness in the often troubled district of Laikipia.

Throughout the tournament, thousands of people were drawn together from all over the district andrepresenting every ethnic group and most major institutions in Laikipia – including commercial farms and wildlife conservancies, the provincial administration, government Ministries, British Army and Kenyan Airforce.

The best players in each region got a place on the regional teams: Central Rhinos, Northern Elephants, Uaso Lions and Eastern Grevys, that competed in the just concluded semi-finals and finals. The finals were followed by a thrilling exhibition match between Laikipia United - made up of the best players from all the competing teams – and Mathare United.

Joining Eto’o in the stadium were a host of other enthusiastic supporters, including Jochen Zeitz, Founder of the Zeitz Foundation; Assistant Ministers Hon. Muriithi and Kiunjuri, in whose constituencies events took place; Mr Achim Steiner, Executive Director of UNEP; Mr Tony Msimanga – South African High Commissioner; Mr Rob Macaire, British High Commissioner; and Safaricom’s Joseph Ogutu.

During the closing ceremony, supporters tempered their enthusiasm with a serious note of concern: Laikipia is one of Kenya’s most beautiful and valued wildlife conservation areas, yet current environmental degradation is undermining people’s livelihoods, threatening their futures and destroying Kenya’s natural heritage. Only by working together can the people of Laikipia sustainably manage their natural resources for the benefit of their future and that of the nation.

As well as football, the LUC weekend gatherings also held a wide range of environmental activities such as local ‘clean ups’; discussions on conservation, agriculture and sustainable water management; and the construction of predator-proof bomas and hundreds of trees planted.

In addition, the LUC saw people throughout the district receive free medical treatment. The medical camps held during the LUC weekends delivered desperately needed free medical care in the most remote areas of Laikipia. Doctors from dentists to physicians and VCT (voluntary counseling and testing for HIV) counselors treated over 12,000 people, mainly women and children. The most common illness they dealt with was upper respiratory infection.

Meanwhile coaches and teams from the Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA) held football camps and environmental education sessions for thousands of children, whilst selecting players for the regional representative teams that met today. In Laikipia, all members of the MYSA teams were treated to a safari drive in some of the premier wildlife and tourism destinations in Kenya. The LUC also enabled thousands of people to join in the excitement and spirit of the World Cup through live match screenings at every event.

In leaving, players and supporters alike were reminded of the LUC pledge:

‘The Earth is our home and together we must conserve our precious water, land, forests and wildlife. I am proud to pledge that I will unite with others throughout Laikipia and that I will give a red card to environmental destruction and defend our natural heritage'

Ends

For further information please contact

Liz Rihoy, Programme Director,

Zeitz Foundation, Nairobi Office Tel: +254 73 650 3249

Andrew Mudibo, Yolanda Tavares Public Relations,

Tel: 020 272 4383/5/7, Email: andrew@ytpr.co.ke Cell: +254 725 346 936

EDITORS NOTE:
The Zeitz Foundation

The Zeitz Foundation promotes an innovative approach to sustainable ecosystem management which aims to achieve sustainability through a balance of conservation, community, culture and commerce (the 4Cs). Our aim is to encourage actions today for a better tomorrow. Our vision is of an ecosphere – our planet and all of its lifesustaining regions – maintained in the healthiest possible state, with the major contribution to that health coming from people making sustainable choices. Founded in 2008 by business entrepreneur Jochen Zeitz Chairman and CEO of PUMA AG, a leading global sportlifestyle company, the Zeitz Foundation is a non-profit organization registered in Germany, headquartered in Kenya, and with representation in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Find out more: www.zeitzfoundation.org and www.thelongrun.com.

The Laikipia Wildlife Forum (LWF)

LWF is a member driven organisation that brings together land owners and resource users of all kinds including large-scale ranchers, small scale farmers and pastoralists to tackle the challenges in the Laikipia ecosystem. They work together to achieve a common goal: To conserve Laikipia’s wildlife and ecosystem integrity and improve the lives of its people by bringing its societies together to conserve and sustainably use the natural resources on which they depend. Laikipia Wildlife Forum has been the first institution of its kind to develop a significant capacity to foster development and conservation goals on a district-wide level in Kenya.

Now out: Zeitz Foundation newsletter, first issue, July 2010!

2010-07-14T22:48:00.009-04:00

A word from the Founder:

As you read this newsletter, botanists in Kew Gardens, London, are growing a plant that was thought to have gone extinct sixty years ago! Some positive news as scientists remind us that between 150 and 200 species of life become extinct every 24 hours.

At times, the outlook for our planet seems bleak. People are at war, the Gulf of Mexico is filling with oil, we are dealing with a global economic crisis... Yet this current climate is an incentive for us to do more.

At the Zeitz Foundation, we put our energy and resources into making our Long Run philosophy a reality. We believe in an approach to life geared at acting today for a better tomorrow. We strive for improvement.

Our work is about sustainable development, for a better planet, considering the 4Cs – conservation, culture, community and commerce - holistically as areas that need to be balanced.

In this first issue of the Zeitz Foundation newsletter, we hope to draw your attention to important events such as the Laikipia and Beyond Unity Cup. This football tournament is about a lot more than kicking a ball around, it is about promoting environmental awareness and unity through sport.

This newsletter will tell you about our work this year, give you updates from the Long Run Destinations and open a window into the minds of two of our Ambassadors, Usain Bolt and François-Henri Pinault. As with all ‘first issues’, this is a starting block and we look forward to your feedback and contributions to shape and improve the way we keep you in the loop!

Best regards, Jochen Zeitz

To access the newsletter, please click here.

Roars of sanguinity: Uaso Lions

2010-07-07T17:24:00.002-04:00

After a weeks break the LUC got back on the road, heading towards Uaso Nyiro, this is the northern most unit of Laikipia and was headed by John Elias who has now stepped down as Unit Director and in his place comes Kimani Kuria from Ol Jogi to assume the position.

We headed down on the Thursday for our usual briefing with the team, BATUK, LWF, the unit directors and the volunteers. The break had obviously done some good as people were excited and rearing to go for another successful event.

The LUC has been raising quite a buzz with the Laikipian community and the crowds get bigger with every competition we attend.

Day 1

The day started with all the teams arriving on time and registration going smoothly..The opening ceremony started with all the teams marching along to Shakira’s Waka Waka which has become not only the World Cup theme song, but the LUC’s theme song.

The head master of Kimanju Primay School welcomed us to his school and then introduced Dr. Anthony King the Exec Director of LWF who explained the reasons behind the competition and then welcomed the teams to sign the Green Pledge as each received a vuvuzela.

Other people who gave speeches included the Chief of the area, Dr. Liz Rihoy from the Zeitz Foundation, and Col Rex from BATUK.

The football got off to a good start, however the home favourites Kimanju Lions lost their opening match.

That evening on the big screen we watched the World Cup match between Germany and Brazil and then later on we watched Ghana come out of the World Cup after their loss to Uruguay. We were all in mourning.

Day 2

After being woken up to the sounds of vuvuzelas the teams were sat down to a discussion led by Dr Anthony King from LWF about the environment and in particular water management. Each team captain had to answer a few questions on behalf of their team about water conservation. After this, the teams then met with Steve…. From the Laikipia Predator Project a.k.a Living with Lions who gave them some information about predator proof bomas and how to construct them. The teams then each created their own boma, which was then placed in the neighbouring communities.

After lunch the teams went on to play the rest of their group stage matches and the semi finals which saw Ol Jogi facing Il Polei and Mpala meeting Ngimastae. After this match the composite team, the Uaso Lions were picked. This is the composite tea made out of the best players from the Uaso Nyiro Unit

As is the norm, MYSA players were treated to a game drive in the Ol-Jogi ranch located about 70 Km from Nanyuki town on the Nanyuki –Doldol road. The ranch has a game reserve called the pyramid whose seemingly endless rolling undulating landscape boasts a variety of roaming game and bird species. Ol-jogi game reverve also has a mini-zoo that exhibits a black leopard and a Russian brown bear (most probable the only brown bear in Africa).

That evening we watched Spain cruise to victory and into the semi finals of the World Cup.

Day 3

Day 3 is the busiest day of the tournament weekend but this weekend we managed to hold a mini match between the ‘Environmentalists’ and the ‘Medics’. The Environmentalists comprised the Zeitz Foundation team, MYSA officials, Andrew from YTPR and Colour Sergeant Smyth from BATUK. Even though the Environmentalist only had 12 players versus the medics 17 players they managed to outshine the competition with impressive goals from Andrew from MYSA, Andrew of YTPR and the Colour Sergeant. The re match is planned for the Eastern Unit competition.

While this was going on the other team participated in a rubbish collection from around the camp and the school ground.

After that match the Uaso Lions played against the team from MYSA Dandora, previously the MYSA teams have had very convincing wins over the Composite teams but this weekend they had to fight to come back from a goal down to eventually end the match at 1 all.

And for the final match of the day, Mpala took on Ol Jogi to see who would become champions of the Uaso Unit. Both teams fought hard but in the end there could only be one winner and it was Mpala with 3 goals to Ol’jogi’s one.

To bring the weekend to a close we had the prize giving ceremony which, Francis Ole Kaparo the ex Speaker of the House gave a few words as did Regina Hess from the German Embassy about the power of sport to create unity and promote awareness on issues of health and the environment.

Yet again the medical team outdid themselves by treating approximately 2900 people with services ranging from dental clinic, mental health, HIV/AIDS counselling and testing, nutrition to general consultation; all free of charge. Dental problems are really high in this area due to high Floride content in the water.

Once again it was a very successful tournament, all the teams and the organisers having a wonderful time. Next stop Eastern Unit for the last of the regional tournaments.

By the ZF team.

LAIKIPIA AND BEYOND UNITY CUP – A SECOND WEEKEND OF SUCCESS

2010-06-23T11:48:00.013-04:00

WESTERN UNIT TOURNAMENT

Day 1: Thursday 17 June 2010

You would be forgiven to think that after the four intense days at Nyakio for the Central Unit tournament of the Laikipia and Beyond Unity Cup (LUC), everyone would either be at home nursing sunburns or at a physiotherapist’s trying to get their arms or legs working again. I am however glad to report that the entire team of organizers was on their feet and very excited to make the Western Unit tournament happen. From the plenary meeting on Thursday afternoon with all the stakeholders: the Zeitz Foundation, LWF, BATUK and the rest of the Suyian team (the host for this weekend’s tournament), it was obvious that lessons had been learnt and things would run even more smoothly during the weekend, to everyone’s delight.

Our enthusiasm was met with equal excitement from the community who helped on site, from pitching tents and marking pitches to fetching firewood.

This eagerness was further demonstrated on D-day when the participating teams arrived in time for the registration and all psyched up to prove their football prowess -- aren’t we all anticipating the semi-finals!

Day 2: Friday 18 June 2010

The opening ceremony began with Anne Powys, the Unit Director and host of this weekend’s tournament, delivering a rousing speech. The local chief Mr. Mundia, the headmaster of Ol Maisor School Mr. Sasia, LWF director Anthony King, and Zeitz Foundation Program Director Liz Rihoy followed. The MP for Laikipia West, Hon Ndiritu Muriithi also graced the event, and, in true LUC spirit, brought ‘The Peace Caravan’ with him, led by its chairmen Dr. Lenai, who spread the peace message, leaving the crowd with a peace chant –Amani. Milele (Peace Forever).

The MP and each of the participating teams planted trees in the school grounds with the youngest students, with the intention that as the student progressed through school they would nurse the tree into maturity.

The matches began on schedule after taking the Green pledge acknowledging ones intentions to help conserve the environment.

Kaptuya played Ol Moran in Pool A’ whilst Ol malo met Karandi in B’ – with the matches ending 0-1 and 0-6 respectively. The second set of matches saw Suyian beat Rumuruti Administration 2-0, an exhilarating match that attracted the entire shopping centre, passersby and school children who came to cheer their home team. How sweet to win on home ground! From pool B’, Biba FC and Amani combined battled it out, ending the morning session at 0-0.

The afternoon matches finished as follows:

Ol Moran - Rumuruti Administration: 1-1

Karandi - Biba FC: 1-1

Suyian FC - Kaptuya FC: 0-0

Ol Malo - Amani combined 0-5.

MYSA Kahawa provided football training clinics and environmental education to the children in the community, as part of their community service. They also provided first aid during the football matches, carrying injured footballers off the field in stretchers.

By the end of the day, the medical team had provided treatment to approx. 200 members of the community, and approx. 150 people volunteered for counseling and HIV testing. Similar to what was observed in Nyakio; upper respiratory infection was the most common illness observed and quite a number of patients had arthritis. While the turnout was relatively low compared to the previous week in Nyakio, the team anticipated that more people will show up for treatment in the next few days as the word spreads.

Day 3: Saturday 19 June 2010

As expected, Saturday afternoon was the day of the Semi’s and everyone was looking forward to his or her team performing beyond expectations.

Suyian FC; the local team vs. Rumuruti Biba and Karandi FC Vs. Rumuruti Administration were the teams that got through to the semi-finals, which saw both Rumuruti Biba and Administration drop out.

The teams were treated to a pleasant surprise when Mr. Jochen Zeitz, founder of the Zeitz Foundation, one of the LUC organizers, met them for lunch.

That evening before the World Cup matches, the participating teams watched a 30-minute video followed by a question session on sexual-education aimed at raising awareness of sexually transmitted diseases.

Day 4: Sunday 20 June 2010

On Sunday morning, all the teams in pools A’ and B’ participated in an environmental awareness session. Various organizations made presentations about their contribution to environmental conservation in their areas, among them were the Sosian Centre environmental group who make charcoal briquettes ‘with a twist’….theirs contained cow manure and charcoal dust.

LWF also gave a presentation about some of their activities in the area. And the school choir then ended the session with a song welcoming the teams to the community.

The Groups then separated, some collecting garbage around the centre while the others dug a garbage pit for the local community.

The medical camp saw an influx of patients in the last two days bringing the numbers to approx. 600 with 370 being tested and counseled for HIV/AIDS.

Then came the much-anticipated final game, Suyian FC versus Karandi FC, that brought the western unit tournament to a close. By the end of the second half, both teams were tied to 1 all. This led to a nail biting penalty shoot out. Suyian FC, the local team, came up top scoring the last penalty. The final score was 4-3.

The regional team, Northern Elephants was named amid deafening applause from the fans. From where I stand the event couldn’t have been any more successful!

By Grace Wanjuki

Long Run Destination Segera first Newsletter out - Segera, a source of inspiration

2010-06-18T11:15:00.009-04:00

A land rich in wildlife and overwhelming natural beauty, Segera is now home to a number of exciting initiatives that this newsletter brings to you. In these few pages, you will discover the Zeitz Foundation’s new conservation and community outreach strategies; participate in Segera’s imminent opening to tourism; and, amongst others, read about the visit of the fastest man on earth, Usain Bolt, and the launch of the ‘Laikipia and Beyond Unity Cup’ football tournament.

Today, I believe that we are at a crossroads and the outcome of tomorrow depends on our finding new ways to translate our passions into meaningful connections with the world around us. Segera therefore aims to balance conservation, community, culture and commerce; and, I hope, to encourage a new model for sustainable development.

Segera is a place where we strive to maintain and enhance the ability of ecosystems to deliver services - clean water, fresh air, abundant wildlife - for the benefit of mankind. This year, Segera became one of the select Long Run Destinations, nine sites around the world that work on sustainable, mostly tourism-driven, enterprises, whilst fostering community development and cultural stewardship.

As home to the Zeitz Foundation, Segera shares in the vision of our planet maintained in the healthiest possible state, with the major contribution to that health coming from people, like you and me, making sustainable choices. We therefore weigh up everything we do in Segera to ensure the negative impact on our surroundings is minimal whilst the positive effects are maximised. This is in line with the Zeitz Foundation philosophy of a fair, honest, positive and creative approach to life, aimed a transforming all that we do into ways and means to move this world forwards in a sustainable manner.

With this in mind, I hope you enjoy this first issue of Segera’s Newsletter.

Unity and the Power of Sport Laikipia’s own Cup, first round: Central Unit

2010-06-17T11:13:00.004-04:00

The South African High Commissioner Tulani Nyembe handing a Vuvuzela to the Laikipia Central DO-1.

The raucous sounds of the Vuvuzela heard on the savannah grasslands down in Lamuria at Nyakio Primary school on the 11^th of June 2010 certainly didn’t travel all the way across from South Africa; they came from the eight teams that participated in the inaugural Laikipia and Beyond Unity Cup (LUC) football tournament.

Unity being the message of the weekend, the first of five football events that culminate in the finals on July 21^st and 22^nd in Nanyuki brought the communities of the Central region together through a combination of activities focused on sport and the environment. The local community also benefited through the provision of free medical services.

A brainchild of the Zeitz Foundation, sponsored by Safaricom ltd, the LUC was hosted by Nyakio primary school, courtesy of the Headmaster Mr. Mucheru, and had its opening ceremony graced by the presence of the Acting South African High Commissioner Tulani Nyembe; MP Laikipia east constituency Hon. Assistant Minister of Water and Irrigation, Mwangi Kiunjuri; the Hon. Assistant Minister Youth and Sports, Kabando Wa Kabando; the District Officer Laikipia Central, the Lieutenant Colonel BATUK (British Army Training Unit Kenya); Laurie Sessions, a local wheat farmer; Dr. Anthony King, Director Laikipia Wildlife Forum; and Dr. Liz Rihoy, Zeitz Foundation Programme Director.

During the official opening, the MC Mr. David Ombisi of UNEP introduced the participating teams who then proceeded to march onto the field for the recital of the green pledge acknowledging their intentions to help conserve the environment:

The BATUK, under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Rex Sartain and the supervision of company quarter master sergeant Davy Smyth, did a fantastic job feeding and housing almost 250 participants for the entire weekend. Indeed, this event never would have happened without all of their hard work and generous support.

Hundreds of community members lined up early in the morning to receive free medical care provided by a team consisting of 28 doctors, nurses and pharmacists from the Nanyuki District Hospital and the Kenya Air Force. In total, approximately 1,600 local people were seen and treated by the medical team, while another few hundred benefited through the provision of valuable medication. Patients were treated for a variety of ailments, including upper respiratory and urinary tract infections, and over 100 people tested and counseled for HIV/AIDS.

Members of Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA), an NGO based in the slums of Nairobi and supporting sports and environmental activities, shared their experiences with the children from the community and provided football-training camps.

Football matches got underway Friday morning, with team Tigithi winning 1-0 against Ol Pejeta, and later defeating Laikipia Air Base 3-2, while Laikipia Air Base won 7-1 against Mutara. In group B, Segera team put up a good fight, yet were defeated by Nanyuki Combined 2-0. Team Sirima won 1-0 against Lamuria, and Nanyuki Combined won 4-0 against Lamuria.

At the end of the day, footballers and 100’s of community members gathered to witness the opening ceremonies of the World Cup on a large screen provided by DSTV and watch the exciting opening match played by South Africa vs. Mexico. As Africa and the rest of the world celebrated the biggest football event the world over, the LUC participants could not be left out, it was a great way to end a successful first day of the tournament.

Day 2 of the tournament proved to be another successful day. Members of the LWF and UNEP provided interactive environmental awareness education focusing on some of the main issues affecting the central region of Laikipia, such as the impact of deforestation and water conservation. The talk generated a lot of interesting discussion among all the participants.. Following the talk, everyone pitched in to clean up garbage around the school grounds and each footballer partnered with a primary student to plant a tree. Laurie Sessions a local wheat farmer and neighbor to Nyakio primary school also shared his experiences in conservation agriculture, as his no tillage method of farming is an inspiration to other farmers in the area especially since he was able to produce a harvest despite the recent drought conditions.

Day 3 of the tournament and the end of the first round of the LUC saw the Nanyuki combined team play against Tigithi scoring 1-0 to walk away with one of the unique LUC regional trophies made from recycled glass. A selection of excellent players dubbed the Central Rhinos was then put together by a team of professional talent spotters from MYSA to play in a friendly game with the MYSA football team.

The prize giving saw all team members getting certificates and medals. Volunteers and other participants who assisted in making the event possible were also awarded certificates of appreciation while all outstanding players got prizes of solar lamps. The winning team also took home goal posts and a net.

After the vote of thanks, everyone dispersed with their hearts full of hopes of a more united, greener Laikipia and definitely looking forward to the finals.

MYSA: Football a man’s game? Think again.

2010-06-17T11:08:00.011-04:00

Millicent Atieno & Mary Snider

If you have been to Laikipia, you will know that most communities draw lines clearly defining gender roles. During the Laikipia and Beyond Unity Cup (LUC), a tournament whose local teams are exclusively male, the Zeitz Foundation was able to interview two girls who have dared to venture into the male dominated sport and excelled against all odds.

Meet Mary Snider and Millicent Atieno, both 16 years old and members of the Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA) who for the first time got the rare chance to travel outside of the slums of Nairobi, and together with the rest of the team went for a game drive at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy to witness some of Kenya’s spectacular wildlife for the first time in their lives. Among the wild animals they saw, they were most amazed by the gazelles, ostriches, giraffes, rhinos and warthogs which they had never seen before. They were also captivated by facts about wildlife, for instance that the oldest female elephant is the matriarch of the family group.

Laikipia with its hot days and chilly nights was a change from the weather they are accustomed to, however they appreciated the difference in climate and thoroughly enjoyed the camping in the middle of the bush; a totally new experience to them. Mary would like her team members to be given more opportunities to travel throughout Kenya and learn about different cultures and communities. Mary noted that Laikipia was very dry and would like to see more trees planted in Laikipia to green the harsh conditions.

Disappointed that there were no women represented at the Unity Cup, Millicent would like girls in Laikipia to break from the myth that football is a sport for boys and participate in the future. They were pleased however to see that both young and old people were present on the teams and played very well together.

In this interview with the Zeitz Foundation, Millicent confessed to have met resistance from her parents to play football in the beginning and that they wouldn’t buy her the necessary equipment let alone allow her to go for practice. However, through her experiences traveling and playing, her father has had a change of heart and is now proud of everything she’s achieved. Although Mary’s mom worries about her being around male managers, coaches, and players for fear of her daughter getting pregnant and while her community finds it undignified to play and hang around boys, Mary has never had a problem as she is treated with respect and she doesn’t feel any threats thanks to the structures in MYSA that respect and protect all its members irrespective of their gender.

Millicent’s main focus is education. She would like to study nursing and hopes to play football for her University in the future. Mary’s focus is also on education, although because of financial constraints, she is unlikely to go to university. That said, she knows how important the MYSA experience has been and doesn’t want to waste it, hoping she will be picked to play for an international team. Should she be able to continue her education, she would like to become a math and English teacher.

Millicent comes from a family of five where the boys don’t play football, yet she encourages her younger sister to play so she can benefit from MYSA like she did. When they achieve their dreams they would like to give back to the community and help disadvantaged people and especially encourage young girls to pursue sport and football.

MYSA has a program to clean up garbage in the areas where the teams are drawn from. They noticed in the past there was more garbage, and people would dump anywhere, but now there is a garbage collection program which has resulted in less dumping. They also receive environmental education from different organizations. They would like the area they live in, Baba Ndogo, to have a better sewage system and for the companies to maintain them. They would also like to see better control of livestock coming into the city to reduce the spread of disease. They appreciate that in Nairobi there are more tree planting programs around schools and parks.

Other members who don’t play football but are still a part of MYSA participate in other activities such as dancing, gymnastics, photography, music and poetry.

Millicent’s role model is Bobbi Munro, the chairman and founder of MYSA, Mary’s is Steve Biko, their coach.

This interview was conducted during the LUC, a tournament organized by the Zeitz Foundation and others, with an aim:

• To promote unity and understanding amongst diverse groups within Laikipia and beyond, contributing to peace building efforts, conservation and local development;

• To raise awareness of environmental and conservation issues amongst Kenyan youth and the contribution to conservation endeavours in Laikipia;

• To promote Laikipia as a tourism destination.

For more information: http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=109130542463301&ref=ts

Zeitz Foundation Ambassadors for Culture, Amadou&Mariam, perform tonight at FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Celebration Concert in Johannesburgh

2010-06-10T16:03:00.002-04:00

The long awaited 2010 FIFA World Cup begins tomorrow, June 11, in South Africa. As with many large international events, festivities begin tonight, Thursday 10 June, with the inaugural FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Celebration Concert. Amongst the performers will be Zeitz Foundation Ambassadors for Culture (Art), Amadou & Mariam, whose song “Celebrate the Day” was the official anthem for the previous World Cup in Germany in 2006.

The show will take place at Orlando Stadium in Soweto, Johannesburg, beginning at 8PM SAST (6PM GMT/ 2PM ET) and will be streamed online at worldcup.vevo.com so that fans across the globe can partake.

All proceeds from the show will go to the 20 Centres for 2010 Charity, which aims to build football centres for ‘hope’ across Africa, in a bid to help improve living conditions and healthcare for young Africans.

Airforce and Nanyuki Combined top seeds at Laikipia and beyond Unity Football Cup

2010-06-10T08:35:00.009-04:00

Tree planting and Conservation agriculture key themes in Central Laikipia

Nairobi, 8 June 2010… As the world’s attention focuses on South Africa this Friday with the start of the month-long FIFA World Cup TM, the communities in Central Laikipia District will be gearing themselves for their own football fiesta – the inaugural Laikipia and beyond Unity Cup (LUC).

Starting on Friday, 11 June, a few hours before the Official Opening Ceremony at Soccer City, Johannesburg and the first match between host nation South Africa and Mexico, tops seeds Laikipia Air Base and Nanyuki Combined will take the field in the first of four regional tournaments, at Nyakio Primary School, Lamuria from 11am. This will be preceded by an Opening Ceremony to be addressed by acting South African High Commissioner, Thulani Nyembe, a partner of the event and the Honorable Mwangi Kiunjuri, MP Laikipia East.

With the aim of creating unity and understanding amongst the diverse communities of Laikipia and raising awareness of environmental issues amongst Kenyan youth, tree planting and conservation agriculture will be the main theme for the environmental activities that have been planned for the eight teams and communities this weekend.

Pool A is headed by Laikipia Air Base and includes Ol Pejeta, Mutara and Tigithi Combined. Nanyuki Combined will head Pool B and will play against Lamuria Combined, Segera and Sirima Combined to qualify for a place in the semi-finals, Sunday.

The Semi-finals play off will decide the teams for the finals, after which a composite team will be selected to represent the Central Unit to be pitted against Mathare Huruma, making a guest appearance.

Matches will start on Friday morning, with a half-day set aside on Saturday for tree-planting and demonstrations of conservation agriculture methods. All the pool matches will end on Saturday afternoon. Environment talks and activities will be interspersed with mini-football for children throughout the weekend co-ordinated by the Laikipia Wildlife Forum and United Nations Environment Programme. (UNEP) And to tie-in with Africa’s celebration of the World Cup, the organisers have arranged for live screening of the matches during the regional events.

Conceived by the Zeitz Foundation and sponsored by Safaricom, the Laikipia and Beyond Unity Cup it is being organised to unite the district’s communities through football and environmental activities for the next six weeks, under the patronage of Cameroon Football captain, Samuel Eto’o, who will attend the finals at the Nanyuki Municipal Stadium on 21 and 22 July 2010.

Members of the Laikipia Wildlife Forum are hosting the regional events, starting at Lamuria for the Central Unit. The Western Unit tournament will be held from 18-20 June at Sosian Centre; whilst the Uaso Nyiro Unit tournament will take place from 2-4 July at Kimanju Primary School with the last of the four event to be held at the North Kenya Polo ground from 9-11 July.

The Laikipia and beyond Unity Cup is also supported by other institutions, including the British Army who are providing the infrastructure for the players accommodation and pitches; the Kenya Airforce base and Nanyuki District Hospital are running free medical camps at each tournament.

Ends

For further information please contact

Liz Rihoy, Programme Director,

Zeitz Foundation, Nairobi Office Tel: +254 73 650 3249

Andrew Mudibo, Yolanda Tavares Public Relations,

Tel: 020 272 4383/5/7, Email: andrew@ytpr.co.ke Cell: +254 725 346 936

Note to Editors

The Laikipia and Beyond Unity Cup is an invitational event. A total of thirty two teams will compete at the four events for regional honours, with each region then selecting the best players from the eight teams within their region to form a Combined Team to represent the region in the Finals in Nanyuki. The teams are drawn from rural communities, local institutions, local government authorities and commercial ranches. Also invited are the Mathare Youth Sports Association who will send a team to each region to play the Combined Regional team in an exhibition match. The visiting teams from Nairobi will be treated to game drives to experience wildlife and wilderness on a firsthand basis.

Laikipia District has one of the most diverse, cultural and tribal groupings in the country. The unique Laikipia ecosystem encompasses unblemished wilderness, the mighty Mount Kenya, arid drylands savannah and forest and thus provides unique football venues.

The Zeitz Foundation

The Zeitz Foundation for Intercultural Ecosphere Safety (I.E.S.) is inspired by a vision of the Ecosphere – our planet and all of its life-sustaining regions – maintained in the healthiest possible state, and is committed to promoting an inclusive, holistic paradigm of conservation that enhances livelihoods and fosters intercultural dialogue.

The mission of the Foundation is to create and support sustainable, socially and ecologically responsible projects and destinations around the world to achieve long lasting impact and sustainability through the holistic balance of conservation, community, culture and commerce (the 4C’s) in privately managed areas.

The Laikipia Wildlife Forum (LWF)

Laikipia Wildlife Forum is the first institution of its kind to develop a significant capacity to foster development and conservation goals on a district-wide level in Kenya.

South Africa as you have never seen it before

2010-06-08T07:26:00.003-04:00

As all eyes turn to the tip of Africa this month with the World Cup, Friend of the Zeitz Foundation and best-selling author Michael Poliza captures the country’s richly diverse land and people in his stunning ‘South Africa’ coffee table book.

The Rainbow Nation comes alive under the lens of Poliza and some of South Africa’s most famous photographers invited to contribute to this book: Vanessa Cowling, Chris Fallows, Justin Fox, Craig Fraser, Chris Kirchhoff, Mandla Mnyakama, Obie Oberholzer and Thomas P Peschak.

The result is a reminder of the country’s stark natural beauty and an invitation to protect it!

Laikipia and Beyond Unity Cup football tournament kicks off on 11 June - Cameroon star, Samuel Eto'o, is patron

2010-05-25T08:15:00.004-04:00

The inaugural Laikipia and beyond Unity Cup, will commence on 11 June 2010 with the first of four regional events at Nyakio Primary School, Lamuria in Central Laikipia District.

Conceived by the Zeitz Foundation and sponsored by Safaricom, it is being organised in conjuction with the Laikipia Wildlife Forum.
The Laikipia and Beyond Unity Cup is under the patronage of Cameroon Football captain, Samuel Eto’o, who will attend the finals at the Nanyuki Municipal Stadium on 21 and 22 July 2010 accompanied by a former Cameroon captain, Roger Milla.

With the aim of creating unity and understanding amongst the diverse communities of Laikipia and raising awareness of environmental issues amongst Kenyan youth, the Laikipia and beyond Unity Cup, and members of the Laikipia Wildlife Forum will host the regional events in Sosian, Uaso Nyiro, Kisima and Lamuria from 11 June until 9 July 2010.

Full story on: the Laikipia and Beyond Unity Cup facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=109130542463301&ref=ts

Zeitz Foundation contributes to win-win strategies

2010-05-10T18:26:00.003-04:00

During the “Win-Win Strategies for Sustainable Development” conference held in Cairo, the Zeitz Foundation explained how the Long Run Destinations (LRDs) contribute to sustainable development.

With kind support from the Hanns-Seidel-Foundation Kenya, Britta Klemmer, Zeitz Foundation Programme Manager, explained how the Global Ecosphere Retreat certification helps LRDs maximize the positive and minimize the negative impacts of their activities, whilst encouraging them to strive for higher-order learning and long-term achievements.

A Representative of the Egyptian Ministry of Environmental Affairs, the German Ambassador and a Member of the German Parliament, Dr. Ruck gave keynote presentations. The latter emphasized the importance of functioning ecosystems for sustainable development and referenced the study on “The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)”.

Dr. Angela Lusigi from UNEP opened the first plenary session with a presentation about lessons learned regarding ‘poverty and environment mainstreaming’. She described the linkages between poverty and environment and how a lack of alternative livelihoods and of incentives for sustainable development can lead to increased poverty and worsening environmental problems. Other presentations focused on “Anticipating Climate Change Effects on the Local Community Level”, environmental justice, compliance and environmental awareness.

Participants heard case studies from Tunisia and Morocco about community involvement in environmental protection programmes. Mr. Hassan Noor Hassan from Kenya spoke about the experience with multiple stakeholder groups in the context of the Mau Complex conflict.

Parallel sessions addressed: “Urban Waste Management”, “Ecotourism”, and “The Built Environment”. The ecotourism session was opened by Mr. El-Kaissouni from the Ministry of Tourism in Egypt. He passionately described the importance of environmental protection and conservation of natural heritage for the future of ecotourism in Egypt. Mr. Chris Johnson, Director of Wild Jordan, talked about how ecotourism and private sector partnerships support forest conservation in a project in Ajloun, Jordan.

In the same session, Britta Klemmer presented the “Long Run Destinations and the Global Ecosphere Retreat Certification of the Zeitz Foundation”. The audience was interested to hear what the added value is for the Long Run Destinations to get certified and how new destinations could join. Participants from Egypt and Lebanon made suggestions for potential destinations, while another commended the impact orientation of the Zeitz Foundation. The feedback was positive and encouraging.

The conference, held at the American University and hosted by the Hanns-Seidel-Foundation, closed on 30 April 2010 with a summary of reports from all parallel sessions and the official launch of the website www.winwininitiative.net.

Business to power green economy

2010-04-27T11:18:00.001-04:00

The fourth Business for the Environment (B4E) Global Summit held from 22 to 23 April 2010 in Seoul saw CEOs, senior executives of multinational corporations, leaders from government, international agencies and NGOs discuss “Powering growth for the global green economy”.

During a roundtable entitled ‘Green Business: A New Growth Engine for the Planet’, Jochen Zeitz, CEO of PUMA and founder of the Zeitz Foundation, emphasized the role of the consumer in choosing sustainable products, and noted that companies have a responsibility to educate the consumer by translating their green messages into understandable terms and discussed PUMA’s innovative initiatives in doing so. He highlighted that innovation requires the courage to surrender certainty and that companies should use the goal of sustainability to drive innovation.

He further called for collaboration on standards among companies, NGOs and government. In this sense, the Zeitz Foundation’s Global Ecosphere Retreat Certification system does just that. As a driving force in promoting and developing sustainable thinking around the globe, the certification ensures that best practices in sustainability are adhered to and innovative approaches experimented with, whilst drawing on and incorporating other standards, such as the Fair Labor Association for labor standards or the Tourism Sustainability Council for eco-tourism operations.

On Thursday afternoon, CNN’s Anna Coren hosted a televised edition of Earth’s Frontiers shown at 8.30pm HKT during which Zeitz underscored that business will be part of the solution to climate change. Other panellists, including, Changhua Wu from The Climate Group, Mohamed Nasheed, President of the Maldives, and filmmaker James Cameron, gave their perspective on leading the world towards a low carbon future.

The B4E’s goal was to consider the outcome of the fifteenth Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and discuss the role of business in realizing a low carbon future.

In closing on Friday afternoon, participants agreed that the conference had produced fruitful discussions and defined business solutions for environmental problems and a range of new environmental strategies, approaches and innovations, such as incorporating development objectives and embracing new models of water management.

The meeting saw agreement on expanding sustainable procurement and green supply chains, and on promoting longer-range investment horizons incorporating environmental and sustainability considerations. Corporate biodiversity strategies that recognize the value of ecosystems to economies and societies were also adopted.

Zeitz Foundation Ambassador, Usain Bolt, to compete in Shanghai IAAF Diamond League

2010-04-20T12:54:00.011-04:00

At the gathering in Shanghai on 23 May, Bolt will run a 200 m, his second of the year after Kingston on May 1. It will also be the first time Bolt returns to China to compete since his Olympic triumphs and three medals in 2008.

The 2010 IAAF Diamond League circuit begins on 14 May in Qatar, and will be held in 14 cities around the world, with a one-day event at the Shanghai Stadium on 23 May. It replaces the Golden League.

http://www.diamondleague.com/

Wolwedans Long Run Destination adorns cover of Ralph Lauren Magazine

2010-03-12T08:11:00.006-05:00

The beauty of the desert, the vastness of its views; once again, Wolwedans Long Run Destination is covered in praise. Featuring on the cover of Ralph Lauren’s Spring 2010 Magazine, Wolwedans reveals its mystique. The article explains how travellers are increasingly seeking ‘a more meaningful travel experience that focuses on privacy, simplicity, and a connection with the natural world’, noting that the latest travel buzz is being monopolized by smaller, less flashy hotels in remote locations. A precursor in its field, Wolwedans has been offering just that for the past ten years.

In the words of Stephan Brückner, the managing director and son of Wolwedans’ founder, "we don't want to attract the guys that want marble bathrooms, (…) instead, the Reserve offers a very honest, down-to-earth nature experience."

The architecture is "soft on nature," continues Brückner: "Every camp or lodge we built, we can take away without leaving any traces." And the camps, with their rust and sandstone colours and natural wood, do indeed camouflage against the landscape.

Read the article

Friend of the Zeitz Foundation, Yann Arthus-Bertrand, launches new environmental NGO

2010-02-22T10:07:00.003-05:00

Good Planet is a French NGO founded by photographer and Friend of the Zeitz Foundation, Yann Arthus-Bertrand. It offers information, news and opinions on environmental topics, such as food and agriculture, biodiversity, and pollution. The Good Planet website http://www.goodplanet.info/ presents the different sides to a variety of environmental and ecological debates; provides interesting facts and figures; and a series of green tips. The website is available in French and English.

Die Zeitz Stiftung in „style in progress“

2010-02-22T08:44:00.010-05:00

Mit dem Titel „Die Zukunft ist die beste Motivation“ stellt auch die Zeitschrift „style in progress“ die Zeitz Stiftung und ihre Initiative The Long Run vor. Darin erklärt Jochen Zeitz, was ihn dazu motiviert hat, die Stiftung zu gründen: „Nachhaltigkeit bedeutet nicht unbedingt verminderten wirtschaftlichen Wohlstand. The Long Run soll zeigen, dass Bemühungen um die Bewahrung unserer Ökosphäre auch wirtschaftlich sinnvoll sein können“. Die Long Run Destination Nihiwatu in Indonesien und die dort durchgeführten umfangreichen Naturschutz- und Gesundheitsprogramme werden detaillierter vorgestellt.

Reisemagazin Traveller’s World präsentiert die Zeitz Stiftung

2010-02-22T08:32:00.011-05:00

Die Zeitz Stiftung und ihre Initiative “The Long Run” wird ausführlich in der neuesten Ausgabe von Traveller’s World vorgestellt. Auf sechs Seiten begleitet das Magazin Jochen Zeitz nach Kenia. Die Farm Segera im Laikipia Distrikt wird ebenso beschrieben wie die acht anderen Gründungsmitglieder der weltweiten Allianz von Long Run Destinations. “Diese Allianz wird eine treibende Kraft sein, um nachhaltiges Denken zu fördern und den Tourismus zu verändern”, so ein Zitat von Zeitz. Auch der offzielle Launch der Stiftung, für den Sportbotschafter Usain Bolt nach Kenia reiste, ist ein Thema. Bolt engagiert sich im Rahmen des Long Run für die Vision eines nachhaltigen Schutzes der Lebensräume, die von der Zeitz Stiftung verfolgt wird.

Supermodel turned women’s rights activist, Waris Dirie, becomes a Friend of the Zeitz Foundation

2010-02-12T08:59:00.002-05:00

Waris Dirie, world famous model and activist, recognised globally for her efforts to improve women’s rights and for her writing and acting careers, is endorsing the Zeitz Foundation’s cause.

“The Zeitz Foundation is working for a better world. Through its projects, the Foundation engages with communities, promoting culture, conservation and commerce. Since I am also striving for a better tomorrow, particularly for women in all countries, I am proud to be a Friend of the Zeitz Foundation. I believe individuals have the power to change things, and collectively, we can achieve a lot. I back the Foundation’s work because I see it brings a more stable future for communities and therefore more possibilities for women to decide how to conduct their lives,” said Dirie.

By becoming a Friend of the Zeitz Foundation, Waris Dirie adds to the many feathers in her cap. Amongst other roles, in 1997, she was appointed UN Special Ambassador for the elimination of female genital mutilation; in 2002, she founded the Waris Dirie Foundation; and in 2009 she established the PPR Foundation for Women’s Dignity and Rights’ with François-Henri Pinault, CEO of PPR, and Hollywood actress, Salma Hayek.

Dirie has received a multitude of accolades, including Knight of the Legion of Honour from the French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, and Women’s World Award from former Russian President, Mikhail Gorbachev.

As Friend of the Zeitz Foundation, she joins other prestigious personalities such as film-maker and photographer, Yann Arthus-Bertrand; writer, producer and director, Luc Besson; Grammy Award-winning singer Angelique Kidjo; and football star Samuel Eto’o.

China, a budding market for ecotourism

2010-02-08T09:40:00.001-05:00

If your business is within the tourism industry, now is the time to focus on marketing towards Chinese tourists. It is the first week of February, one week away from the Chinese February 15-19 “Spring Festival”, and tourists are most likely finalizing their trip itineraries. As an emerging player in the tourism market, China is favouring responsible tourism and ecotourism, with 2009 declared ‘Chinese Ecotourism Year’ with the slogan “be a green traveller and experience eco-civilization”.

Environmental awareness has had a slow start in China but has picked up its pace, as factory pollution, waste incinerators and dam relocations now result in thousands of protests annually. In civil society, green NGOs have also increased in number and influence.

Along these lines, this year, China is hosting the World Expo 2010, in Shanghai, from May 1 to October 31, under the theme "Better City, Better Life". The expo will see exhibitions, events and forums as Shanghai hopes to build a powerful and lasting pilot example of sustainable and harmonious urban living.

This trend towards sustainability is reflected by a quest for eco-friendly holidays. At the end of last year, China awarded Kenya as the best global destination for ecotourism and the third best overseas destination for the people of China. The number of Chinese visitors to Kenya increased by 27% in 2007 and then again by 12% during the first nine months of 2009.

More and more Chinese are now financially able to travel and demonstrating a commitment to environmental causes which they want to reflect in their destination of choice. According to the China National Tourism Association, domestic tourism numbers doubled between 1996 and 2000, and between 2008 and 2009, they rose by 11% to 1.9 billion. International travellers from China reached 47.5 million in 2009.

Long Run Destination provides setting for ecosystem valuation study

2010-01-22T10:50:00.004-05:00

Tahi Beach, a Long Run Destination located in New Zealand, is to be one of two case study sites for research into the value of biodiversity and ecosystem services. The research - which has been facilitated by the Zeitz Foundation and will be carried out by Masters Student Jonathan Middendorf - will evaluate the costs of biodiversity loss and the associated decline in ecosystem services worldwide, comparing them with the costs of effective conservation and sustainable use. The study will provide information to guide the activities at the two sites, as well as contribute to the growing global body of knowledge on ecosystems management and the value of ecosystems services.

Middendorf will evaluate two protected areas situated in Northland, on New Zealand’s East coast, from a social and economic perspective. One site is the privately-owned Tahi protected area, whilst the second is a mix of public and private initiatives at Bream Head.

As a first step, the management practices of both conservation initiatives will be investigated to demonstrate whether they are cost-effective. The study will look into implementation, the role played by the public and local authorities, and the skills required to ensure effectiveness.

The evaluation will generate a list of good management practices, define threats and areas for improvement, and highlight the importance of protected areas to the individual and society in general.

Jonathan Middendorf is preparing for his master thesis, the final stage of his bi-national Master´s programme in International Nature Conservation, offered jointly by the University of Göttingen in Germany and Lincoln University in New Zealand.

‘Laikipia and Beyond Unity Cup’ football tournament launch

2010-01-14T10:28:00.017-05:00

Caption, from left to right: Nzoika Waita, Safaricom Head of Legal and
Regulatory Affairs; Samuel Eto'o; Angela Cropper, Deputy Executive Director,
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); Jochen Zeitz,
Founder of the Zeitz Foundation. Credits: Zeitz Foundation

On January 6th 2010, Jochen Zeitz launched the Zeitz Foundation’s ‘Laikipia and Beyond Unity Cup’ football tournament, in Nairobi, Kenya. The press conference, full to the brim with journalists, saw Samuel Eto’o, who was in the country with the Cameroonian team training for the Africa Cup of Nations, named Patron of the Unity Cup.

Sponsored by Safaricom and supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the tournament aims to raise awareness about environmental issues, particularly in the context of the International Year of Biodiversity.

During the launch, Eto’o said he hoped to be in the final on Segera Ranch, headquarters of the Zeitz Foundation and Long Run Destination, in July.

The tournament, which will become an annual event, will be played in the heart of the Laikipia ecosystem, in the North of Kenya, an area of unique beauty. Teams from a variety of backgrounds, including rural communities, will experience wildlife and wilderness first hand.

The launch dinner, attended by the Cameroonian football team, the German Deputy Ambassador, UNEP dignitaries and Kenyan VIP’s, was held at the Windsor Golf and Country Club.

Zeitz noted that the Cup would put Laikipia’s extraordinary biodiversity in the limelight whilst promoting unity, cultural appreciation and understanding.

Samuel Eto’o, whilst graciously accepting to have his photo taken with many fans, said he ‘looked forward to being part of the tournament and following in the footsteps of his friend Usain Bolt by adopting one of Kenya’s Indomitable Lions.’

Please view our media kit for further media coverage.

2009-12-18T02:45:00.002-05:00

Zeitz Foundation Planning Workshop

London, December 5^th - The Zeitz Foundation held a first planning workshop with its Ambassadors and Specialists to determine strategic priorities and to discuss potential future programmes. Derek de la Harpe, Specialist for Commerce, facilitated the meeting, which opened with a keynote address by Holly Dublin, Specialist for Conservation. Holly outlined global challenges as well as areas where the Zeitz Foundation could add value.

The Long Run Destinations including the Global Ecosphere Retreat Certification will be at the center of future activities. Specific needs of the destinations will emerge from the certification and the Zeitz Foundation will support its members by seeking funding for these project ideas through different channels.

The fascinating stories behind each destination as well as current activities and news will be featured on the Long Run website: www.thelongrun.com The meeting concluded on Sunday and everybody was in agreement that the dialogue and exchange among this diverse group needs to be continued.

Many thanks to Amadou & Mariam, Marc-Antoine, Jenny, Laurent, Stephen, Auret, Colin, Derek, Holly, Charles and Marika, Rich, Andrea and Sulman for their time commitment and invaluable input.

Jennifer Covert writes about her experience as a Zeitz Foundation Intern

2009-12-17T10:57:00.002-05:00

Twelve months ago I signed up for my last seminar class required by my graduate program. Little did I realize that when I signed up for a semester long course, I was actually signing up for a year long commitment with the Zeitz Foudnation and their Long Run Destinations initiative. As most students are when signing up for their last course schedule, I was excited - I could taste the gratification of completing my master's degree in International Environmental Policy from the Monterey Institute of International Studies (MIIS).

MIIS is located in one of the most beautiful areas of California, is recognized as a biodiversity hotspot, and is considered home to students from every continent. Students can specialize in a variety of specialties, ranging from, amongst others, conflict resolution, public administration, trade negotiations, and the environment. The environmental policy program at MIIS focuses on merging the importance of preserving our natural world while also emphasizing human decisions and the impacts that the environment has on society. Jeff Langholz, a faculty member of the environmental policy department would be teaching the Protected Area Policy seminar that I had signed up for. Topics in this class ranged from sustainable use and conservation, the costs and benefits of private parks and ecotourism and ecoagriculture, along with many other pertinent issues.

It was through this class, and specifically Jeff Langholz, that I began working on a project with the Zeitz Foundation in February, which then developed into an internship. The primary focus of my internship has been to research agroforestry methods across a variety of ecosystems where Long Run Destination are located. Agroforestry is an integrated approach of combining trees and shrubs with crops and/or livestock; the benefits of introducing an agroforestry program into an area are many. Ecologically, such systems provide for increased biodiversity and species richness by eliminating existing fragmented habitat, protecting watersheds, reducing soil erosion, and increasing carbon sequestration. Economically agroforestry increases resilience to the impact of climactic fluctuations, which can result in periodic crop failures, and allows for a more diverse means of income.

My assignment has been to find out everything there possibly is to know about agroforestry from existing literatrue, compile it all, packaging them into a thorough manual from which Long Run Destinations can learn how to integrate agroforestry systems into their privately managed natural area. This manual will contain program management information, species information and guide each Long Run Destination to create an approach specific to their needs and ecosystem. When a Long Run Destination integrates an agroforestry system onto their privately managed natural area, they will become a member of the environmental community dedicated to sustainable biodiversity protection and fighting and adapting to climate change.

I feel lucky to have had a sneak peak into what a Long Run Destination is and to have had an effect on what one can also become. As my internship winds down and I have time to reflect over the past year, I realize how much of a reciprocal relationship this internship turned out to be. My internship taught me a considerable amount about what it takes to create a cohesive manual accessible to others unfamiliar with the topic - a significant task when there is so much information out there! It also provided me with a glimpse of what program development entails. For the Zeitz Foundation, I have created a tool that they will offer to their Long Run Destination members. While I did have my own project to focus on, I also gained insight to and have been a part of the development of a foundation and an initiative, fine tuning concepts and ideas. Albeit an intern, I was treated as a member of the Zeitz Foundation team and it has been an exciting and rewarding experience.

Launch of the Zeitz Foundation and the Long Run

2009-12-15T09:15:00.006-05:00

When a local daily carried a front page picture with the caption “Usain Bolts into Kenya” on the same page with “32 ministers still cling to their prestige limousines” not many people in Laikipia took any notice. But in the next four days Laikipia was constantly in the news as the land of endless horizons, affable people and spectacular wildlife played host to arguably the most recognizable face of modern sport, Usain Bolt. As the fastest man on earth enjoyed his first game drive, Laikipia also staked a claim as a “must visit” for anyone who enjoys a wilderness experience.

But what was the sprint king doing in the land of long distance runners? The likeable and down to earth man from Trelawney Parish in Jamaica was in Kenya as Ambassador for the Zeitz Foundation’s ‘Long Run’ initiative. Founded by Jochen Zeitz, the Chairman and CEO of Puma AG, the foundation is inspired by a vision of the Ecosphere – our planet and all of its life-sustaining regions – maintained in the healthiest possible state, and is committed to promoting an inclusive, holistic paradigm of conservation that enhances livelihoods and fosters intercultural dialogue.

Through the Long Run, which encompasses 9 Long Run Destinations globally, the Zeitz Foundation is aiming to demonstrate that working toward ecosphere safety can be economically viable if a balance between conservation, community, culture, and commerce is achieved. Segera Ranch is one of these 9 Destinations. Asked why he agreed to be global Ambassador for the initiative, Bolt says "I was attracted to the Long Run because I share its objectives on the conservation of the environment and co-existence of different cultures."

Laikipia being the melting pot of Kenyan cultures, Bolt was not disappointed for the two days he interacted with the locals. On Saturday the 31st October, after a game drive at Segera Ranch, the Kenyan headquarters of the Zeitz Foundation, he was made a Maasai moran and aptly named Loingwany. After an hour of dancing Maasai warrior style Loingwany Bolt was heard telling Collin Jackson, a former Olympic 110 meters hurdles champion and the Zeitz Foundation’s Specialist for Sport “These Maasai men can dance, man! It is like a gym workout.” That dance was perhaps a warm up for the following day as school children gave Bolt and other invited guests from Laikipia a proper cultural “workout” though dance and poetry recital after a luncheon hosted by Mr. Zeitz for local leaders.

The finale of the launch was a showing of HOME movie by celebrated French filmmaker Yann Arthus-Bertrand. The thought provoking movie shows the diversity of life on Earth and how humanity is threatening the ecological balance of the planet. As the narrator says in the movie, we cannot afford to be pessimistic, each of us has role to play in bringing about ecosphere safety and that is the message of the Zeitz Foundation.

Usain Bolt and Colin Jackson honoured with local ceremony to become Maasai warriors

2009-11-06T04:19:00.003-05:00

As part of the launch of the Zeitz Foundation in Kenya, Usain Bolt and Colin Jackson were made honorary Maasai moran or “warriors” during a visit to Segera Ranch in Laikipia. They received the traditional Shuka dress and stick. Both athletes proudly participated in the traditional dancing and chatted with the moran about their culture.

Usain Bolt, Colin Jackson and Jochen Zeitz receive warm welcome in Kenya during launch of Zeitz Foundation

2009-11-06T03:55:00.002-05:00

Nairobi, 2 November 2009 - Usain Bolt, Colin Jackson and Jochen Zeitz, in Kenya as part of the official launch of the Zeitz Foundation and The Long Run initiative, were enthusiastically received in Nairobi on Friday. During their 4-day visit to Kenya and to Segera, one of the nine Long Run Destinations, they experienced Kenya’s rich heritage and environment culminating in Bolt and Jackson being made honorary Maasai warriors and adopting endangered wildlife.

During the press conference on Friday that was attended by more than 100 journalists and camera teams, Usain Bolt said, “This is my first visit to Kenya and to Africa. I am excited to be here and I am looking forward to seeing more of Kenya over the coming days, in particular to visit Segera Ranch in Laikipia.”

Segera is part of the global alliance of nine Long Run Destinations around the world that are committed to become ecologically and socially responsible Global Ecosphere Retreats and to protect the integrity of local ecosystems and the cultures and people living within them. The Long Run initiative intends to provide and build sustainable, mostly tourism driven enterprises, community development and cultural stewardship. As the inaugural initiative by the Zeitz Foundation, The Long Run is a practical approach to a sustainable way of living and is endorsed by sprint superstar Usain Bolt and Colin Jackson, former world champion and BBC sports commentator, who act as Ambassador and Specialist for the Zeitz Foundation in order to support its aims and spread its message.

At Segera, Usain and Colin enjoyed a game drive that brought them close to groups of elephants and giraffes and dozens of zebra. “Seeing these animals in their natural environment is an amazing experience. The tranquillity of the place is something very special and its an honor to be a part of The Long Run to ensure that it is protected and continues to exist in this state,” said Colin Jackson. Later on, in a ceremony with twelve local Maasai, the two athletes were made honorary Maasai moran or “warriors” and received the traditional Shuka dress and stick. Both proudly participated in the traditional dancing and chatted with the moran about their culture. A group of local school children joined them on Sunday to watch the movie HOME at Segera Ranch. Jochen Zeitz, Founder of the Zeitz Foundation, said “It means a lot to me to see these children here at Segera and to introduce them to this wonderful movie from Yann-Arthus Bertrand. Its message is so important and we will continue to communicate it beyond today’s event.”

On Monday, Bolt, Jackson and Zeitz had an audience with H.E., the Honorable President Kibaki and senior ministers, who warmly welcomed the party to Kenya and encouraged them to enjoy the wonderful sights and wildlife that Kenya has to offer. At a ceremony attended by the Rt. Honorable Prime Minister Odinga, Bolt, the world’s fastest man, fittingly adopted a cheetah, the fastest animal on land, and Jackson adopted an eland antelope. At the ceremony, Zeitz was made an Honorary Warden of Kenya and a Trustee of the Kenya Wildlife Service Endowment Fund. A game drive in Nairobi National Park concluded the day. Jackson commented, “It has been an impressive trip. I have been to other African countries but I have never seen so many elephants. My only regret is that it has been too short, and I am certain I will be back soon.”

The Zeitz Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Amadou & Mariam as Ambassadors for Culture (Art)

2009-11-04T10:11:00.014-05:00

London, October 28th – Amadou Bagayoko and Mariam Doumbia, the musical duo from Mali, met in 1977 while attending the Institute for Young Blind in Bamako. By then, Amadou was already a teenage guitarist in a well-known band. Mariam had, since a young age, sung at weddings and other traditional Malian festivals. They played their first concert in 1980 and embarked on a career that would take them around the globe, win numerous awards and produce with “Dimanche à Bamako” in collaboration with Manu Chao one of the best-selling albums ever to come out of Africa. For their latest album “Welcome to Mali” they worked with other musicians including Damon Albarn on the track “Sabali”, the Somalian rapper K’Naan and Keziah Jones.

Their unique mix of sweet melodies and funky rhythms, driven by Amadou’s bluesy guitar and the duo’s compelling voices make up the vibrant magic of their music. They have their roots deeply planted in Africa and yet they give us music for the world rather than world music.

“Our musical creativity allows us to cross borders, expand horizons and build connections. There is a new opportunity to do so within the Zeitz Foundation, and we are thrilled to embark on The Long Run as a sensible, honest and positive approach to life.”

They join an esteemed group of supporters including:
Ambassador for Commerce: François-Henri Pinault
Ambassador for Conservation: Stephen Hopkins
Ambassador for Culture (Sport): Usain Bolt
Ambassador for Community: Gregory David Roberts
Specialist for Culture (Art): Mark Coetzee
Specialist for Culture (Sport): Colin Jackson
Specialist for Community: Auret van Heerden
Specialist for Conservation: Holly Dublin
Specialist for Commerce: Derek de la Harpe

You can enjoy their music at one of their concerts in November / December 2009:
France:
10. November: Creil - La Faiencerie
11. November: Les Ulis - Espace Boris Vian
12. November: Gap - Le Cube
13. November: Nice - Theatre Lino Ventura
17. November: Tours - Atrium
18. November: Avignon - Salle Montfavet
19. November: Thonex (Switzerland)
21. November: Vienna (Austria) - Konzerthaus
03. December: London (UK) - HMV Forum
11. December: Oslo (Norway)

2009-10-01T05:53:00.004-04:00

The Zeitz Foundation Appoints Dr. Holly Dublin as Specialist for Conservation

London, September 29th – The Zeitz Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Holly Dublin as Conservation Specialist.

Dr. Holly Dublin has spent the past three decades as an active conservation practitioner - linking the inherent values of biodiversity to human livelihoods and well-being. For many years Holly served as a Senior Conservation Adviser to WWF and then IUCN. She is presently a Senior Conservationist with the Wildlife Conservation Society, an Adviser to IUCN on Sustainable Use and Human-Wildlife Interactions and the Chair of the African Elephant Specialist Group.

"The challenges for a sustainable future have never been greater and we are at growing risk of losing much of the natural and culture diversity we most value around the world. Innovative approaches, novel partnerships and inspirational ways of communicating hold new opportunities for reversing this escalating trend. As a new player on the block, the Zeitz Foundation can bring fresh energy, enthusiasm and ideas and build powerful, positive synergies."

Holly joins an esteemed group of supporters including:

• Ambassador for Commerce: François-Henri Pinault

• Ambassador for Conservation: Stephen Hopkins

• Ambassador for Culture (Sport): Usain Bolt

• Ambassador for Community: Gregory David Roberts

• Specialist for Culture (Art): Mark Coetzee

• Specialist for Culture (Sport): Colin Jackson

• Specialist for Community: Auret van Heerden

2009-09-30T20:25:00.013-04:00

The Zeitz Foundation Appoints Derek de la Harpe as Specialist for Commerce

London, September 29th – The Zeitz Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Derek de la Harpe as Commerce Specialist.

Derek de la Harpe is a Zimbabwean Chartered Accountant and has spent the last 30 years working in finance, wildlife conservation and tourism development in sub-Saharan Africa as well as in Latin America and South-East Asia. At present, he is working as a freelance consultant in these disciplines. Derek specialises in the financing and management of protected areas, both privately- and state-owned, and the role that tourism plays in ensuring sustainability of these areas. Hence the link with the “Commerce” dimension of the 4Cs.

“Securing access to adequate funds for protection, management and development of protected areas is the greatest challenge to wildlife conservation the world over,” says Derek. “The best hope for securing these funds and ensuring sustainability of conservation is through sustainable use of the resources to be conserved. Educating stakeholders on these needs is a major challenge.”

Derek joins an esteemed group of supporters including:

• Ambassador for Commerce: François-Henri Pinault

• Ambassador for Conservation: Stephen Hopkins

• Ambassador for Culture (Sport): Usain Bolt

• Ambassador for Community: Gregory David Roberts

• Specialist for Culture (Art): Mark Coetzee

• Specialist for Culture (Sport): Colin Jackson

• Specialist for Community: Auret van Heerden

Announcement

2009-07-08T16:48:00.002-04:00

The Zeitz Foundation for Intercultural Ecosphere Safety
Appoints Liz Rihoy as Program Director and
Britta Klemmer as Coordinator

London, June 25th – The Zeitz Foundation for Intercultural Ecosphere Safety is pleased to announce the appointment of Liz Rihoy as Program Director and Britta Klemmer as Coordinator.

Ms. Rihoy will be based in Nairobi, Kenya, and will assume the responsibility of realizing and expanding the Foundation’s programmes and goals, beginning September 1, 2009.
Ms. Klemmer will be based in Pretoria, South Africa, and assumes her position beginning July 1, 2009.

Founded by Jochen Zeitz, Chairman and CEO of PUMA, the objectives of the Foundation are inspired by a vision of the ecosphere—our planet and all of its life-sustaining regions—in the healthiest possible state. Through investing in research and implementing innovative projects that balance conservation, community, culture, and commerce (what Zeitz calls the “4Cs”), the Foundation will promote holistic approaches to enhancing economic, environmental, and social sustainability, with the goal of achieving intercultural ecosphere safety.

“Over the years, I have come to believe that if each of us were to find new ways to translate our passions into meaningful connections and make a contribution, whether small or large, towards achieving not only personal but larger social and environmental goals, then the world can undoubtedly change for the better. I have confidence that under the leadership of Liz Rihoy and Britta Klemmer the Foundation can play its role in bringing these goals closer to realization,” says founder Jochen Zeitz.

Ms. Rihoy has over 20 years experience working in various African countries on community development and natural resource management initiatives. Her work has spanned from village level field-work to advising on international and national environmental policy development. Most recently she held the post of Executive Director of Resource Africa UK, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to working with a range of global and African partners to encourage and deliver new models of natural resource management which prioritize community involvement and empowerment. She remains an active member of the board. Ms. Rihoy is also the Chairperson of the Chinese Environmental Education Initiative, one of the biggest environmental education initiatives in China focused on and engaging with approximately 3,000,000 children. She has extensive experience in programme management and has been instrumental in the management and restructuring of various CBOs and NGOs in rural and urban areas in Africa.

In addition to her role as implementer and practitioner in natural resource management initiatives, Ms Rihoy has conducted extensive applied academic research in Africa on natural resource governance and land tenure regimes, and environmental policy processes. Her academic expertise and interests lie in the fields of political science and rural development. Currently a resident in Kenya, she is completing a PhD on the links between natural resource management, governance reforms and democracy. She is the author of numerous academic and technical publications, covering topics as diverse as “Using theatre in participatory environmental policy making” to “Devolution and democratization of natural resource management in Southern Africa.”

Britta Klemmer is specialized in organizational strategy development and implementation advisory services, with an emphasis on value-driven strategy systems that balance financial and non-financial organizational goals. Ms Klemmer holds a Masters Degree in Management and International Politics and a Postgraduate Degree in Development Studies. She started her career in 1996 working as technical advisor for the International Labour Organization, a specialized UN agency with the mandate to promote decent work throughout the world.

Ms Klemmer then moved on to the private sector and, since 2000, has worked as a freelance consultant for a range of clients, including consultancy companies and non-profit organizations with global outreach such as the Fair Labor Association (FLA), a US-based multi-stakeholder initiative dedicated to ensuring compliance with core labor standards.

Britta Klemmer has extensive work experience in developing countries, emerging economies and economies in transformation. Previously, she worked for five years in Southern Africa, four years in South Asia, two years in East Asia and since January 2008 has been operating out of South Africa.

The Foundation’s inaugural programme is to create and support a worldwide alliance of Global Ecosphere Retreats (GER)—privately-managed natural land areas of high conservation value that are dedicated to realizing the highest standards of sustainability. Ms Rihoy and Ms Klemmer bring their expertise and experience to further the mission and compliment the approach of the Zeitz Foundation in developing the GER programme: listening to the experiences of stakeholders and local communities, encouraging communication and collaboration through participation and creative expression, and protecting and preserving the integrity of the ecosystems in which the GERs are found.

Stephen Hopkins joins the Zeitz Foundation as Ambassador for Conservation

2009-06-19T17:30:00.015-04:00

Award-winning director, writer and producer, Stephen Hopkins, joins the Zeitz Foundatinon's esteemed group of supporters as its Ambassador for Conservation. Born in Jamaica and raised in England and Australia, Hopkins shares with the Foundation a deep passion for the wildlife and the environment.

“I believe that there are innovative ways in which we can all do more. Whether in support of environmental awareness, conservation projects, or the preservation of culture through film and other forms of art, as a part of an overall plan to combine different perspectives, industries, and ways of thinking, the key—I believe—is to find what is most important to us and translate that into action. I think the Zeitz Foundation is absolutely on the right track and I am inspired by their 4key operating principles of being fair, honest, positive and creative in everything they do. It's innovative, and very exciting."

Gregory David Roberts named Zeitz Foundation Ambassador for Community

2009-06-11T12:08:00.006-04:00

The Zeitz Foundation is grateful for the support of Gregory David Roberts, activist and author of the book Shantaram, for his acceptance as the Zeitz Foundation Ambassador for Community.

Says Roberts, "I have watched the Zeitz Foundation for Global Ecosphere Retreats develop from what I consider to be a noble idea to something that has become a practical and sustainable reality. At every stage I have been inspired by the personal vision of Jochen Zeitz, and excited by the contribution that this initiative makes to the better world that most of us want, and all of us desperately need. The new paradigm at the heart of these Global Ecosphere Retreats is an integrated part of the big paradigm shift towards a creative, courageous compassion for all living things in the biosphere—including our beautiful, damaged selves—and I support it passionately, with heart and mind."

Roberts will work alongside the Zeitz Foundation Specialist for Community, Auret Van Heerden, to help guide the Foundation's community-related activities. He is also an ambassador for the humanitarian organization Médicins Sans Frontièrs (Doctors Without Borders).

The Zeitz Foundation is Proud to Support "Home", a film by Yann Arthus-Bertrand

2009-05-05T16:00:00.012-04:00

Join us on June 5th, 2009—World Environment Day—as part of a worldwide release of the film Home, a magnificent portrait of the Earth shot by Yann Arthus-Bertrand and produced by Luc Besson.

Home offers a powerful look and insightful commentary on the environmental and social challenges facing our world today.

The simultaneous worldwide release of the movie on June 5th in cinemas, on television, on DVD, and on the internet will help contribute towards increasing awareness of our responsibility towards the planet.

Bertrand, a friend of the Foundation who is best known for his collection of photographs entitled Earth From Above, recently said, "“The Zeitz Foundation speaks to something that is very close to my heart: to look at the world as a Whole and to ‘start where we are.’ We all have a responsibility to protecting it because we all have a stake in it—its resources, its wildlife, its people. Ensuring harmony with the planet is not only crucial to its survival, but to ours, as well.”

The Zeitz Foundation celebrates Bertrand's work and his passion for sharing with us an unflinching look at the state of the Earth today.

Watch the film now.

Zeitz Foundation Launches Website Today May 6, 2009

2009-05-04T14:57:00.017-04:00

Over the years, I have come to believe that if each of us were to find new ways to translate our passions into meaningful connections and make a contribution, whether small or large, towards achieving not only personal but larger social and environmental goals, then the world can undoubtedly change for the better. It is with my Foundation, whose aim is to work towards sustainability, that I endeavor to do my part. I chose today, May 6, to go live with my Foundation website as it marks the 150^th anniversary of Alexander von Humboldt’s death in 1859. "As a scientist and explorer, he was the first to see the world as a whole: He discovered that all aspects of the world are intertwined…and that ecology and sustainability are the essential topics for the survival of our modern world" (The African Times, April, 2009). The Foundation and the work we aim to achieve are inspired by a vision of our ecosphere—our planet and all of its life-sustaining regions—in the healthiest possible state and it is my hope that it will inspire you, too. For more information about our work and projects, please visit www.zeitzfoundation.org.

- Jochen Zeitz, Chairman and Founder
The Zeitz Foundation for Intercultural Ecosphere Safety

What Some of Our Friends Say about the Zeitz Foundation

2009-05-01T16:37:00.007-04:00

Angelique Kidjo, Grammy-award winning singer and songwriter

Benin-born Angelique Kidjo, a Goodwill Ambassador for Unicef whose own Batonga Foundation supports girls' education in Africa, lends her voice to the Zeitz Foundation in recognition that as a collective, we can all contribute to the change we want to see.

“I am a passionate advocate for girls education in Africa and during my many visits across the continent and in my native Benin, the message I return with continues to be loud and clear—we must keep working. Encouraging open dialogues and creating learning opportunities, as a start, requires the efforts of many and I am happy to know that the Zeitz Foundation is doing its share, in Kenya and beyond.”

Luc Besson, writer, producer, and director

Besson, whose early years were characterized by a life aquatic, raveling around the world with his scuba diving instructor parents, has always had a passionate connection with the environment:

“I have always shared my passion for nature and expressed my deep respect for the Earth through my films. Art can be a powerful communication tool, one that offers new perspectives and encourages more profound connections with the people and places around us. The Zeitz Foundation understands that and I salute their work.”

The Zeitz Foundation is honored by the support of these powerful individuals and we are priveleged to call them Friends.

Olympic Athlete Usain Bolt Among Zeitz Foundation Ambassadors

2009-05-01T10:10:00.017-04:00

Usain Bolt, often called the world's fastest man, showed the world in 2008 that determination and persistence can achieve the seemingly impossible. As both a dynamic athlete and personality, Bolt is an emblem of true sportsmanship, embodying the positive spirit of sport.

The World Champion Athlete, Olympic Gold Medalist and Zeitz Foundation Ambassador for Sport recently stated, “Sport is not only a personal passion, but a symbol of the spirit and the ability to achieve any goal we set our minds to. As an athlete and as an Olympian, I have experienced the true convening power of sport—to come together, in friendly competition, promoting the values of fair play and respect. Zeitz Foundation for Intercultural Ecosphere Safety promotes these universal values, supporting sport activities that contribute to building a sustainable future while creating a culture of peace.”

Mark Coetzee Contributes as Zeitz Foundation's Culture Specialist in Art

2009-05-01T09:45:00.016-04:00

Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, Mark Coetzee has established himself as a prominent force in the international art scene. A respected artist, prolific writer, recognized art historian, and curator, Coetzee's career has included distinguished positions as Director of the Rubell Family Collection (RFC) in Miami and Program Director of PUMAVision. He has been an adjunct curator and faculty member at a variety of institutions and we are honored by his commitment to lend his support and expertise in art as a Zeitz Foundation Specialist.

“Art has the capacity to help us understand our place in the world: our cultural past reflects how we have impacted the world that surrounds us, and the present challenges us to consider how we wish to impact the future through the traditions, cultural activities and customs we surround ourselves with now.

Art does not allow us to simply accept the status quo but demands that we be aware of our actions, aesthetic traditions and ethical practices. It also asks us to think carefully on such complex issues as what it means to be both human and responsibly human.

I am honored to be associated with the Zeitz Foundation. Their dedication to promoting a holistic approach to understanding our world through art is exemplary. Their long-term goal—of finding creative ways to nurture more positive relationships in the world—is nothing short of inspiring. I join with them in striving to achieve these goals.”

- Mark Coetzee
The Zeitz Foundation Culture Specialist in Art

Samuel Eto'o, Friend of the Zeitz Foundation

2009-05-01T09:15:00.002-04:00

International football star, Samuel Eto'o, commented on the value of sport as a peace-building tool by contributing these words about the Zeitz Foundation:

“As a football player, I have traveled to many different places and have experienced the great imbalances that continue to challenge us as a global community. Every time I return to my homeland of Cameroon, I realize that there is still so much to be done and that any honest and responsible effort, regardless of how big or small it is, counts. The Zeitz Foundation’s dedication to community development and conservation is therefore important to me, particularly when it comes to working towards sustainable solutions within Africa, helping preserve the beauty and enhance the lives of people of my continent.”

Zeitz Foundation Community Specialist, Auret van Heerden

2009-05-01T09:00:00.008-04:00

The Zeitz Foundation welcomes Auret van Heerden as its Specialist in the 4Cs dimension of Community. He is the CEO and President of the Fair Labor Association and his expertise and leadership will contribute greatly to the Foundation's community development work.

van Heerden began fighting for workers' and communities' rights as a student in apartheid South Africa over 30 years ago. He has been a major force in the anti-sweatshop movement and his work on labor issues in China and elsewhere belie a history of brave and passionate dedication to enhancing livelihoods and ensuring fair work practices.

Upon his appointment, van Heerden said, “The Zeitz Foundation’s commitment to promoting fair labor and human rights standards as an integral component to their innovative model of sustainability is unique in the conservation world. I am delighted to be working with the Foundation as the FLA’s first participating non-profit company.”

This unique collaboration with the FLA further underscores the Zeitz Foundation's dedication to pursuing fair labor standards in sustainable tourism and non-tourism industries worldwide.

BBC Commentator and World Champion Athlete, Colin Jackson, Appointed Zeitz Foundation Specialist

2009-05-01T08:00:00.022-04:00

As an important part of our universal culture, the Zeitz Foundation believes in the power of sport to unite. The Foundation is excited to announce the latest addition to its roster of Specialists. A Welsh former sprinter, 110m World Champion hurdling athlete, and Olympic Medalist who is currently known as a BBC sports commentator, inspirational speaker and author, Colin Jackson brings to the Foundation his positive message as a Culture Specialist for Sport.

“I believe in the capacity of sport to inspire and galvanize, and we should never underestimate that power. The message that the Zeitz Foundation sends—by utilizing sport as a way to communicate universal goals and bring people together in ways that contribute towards conservation and social awareness—is one that could not be more relevant at this moment in time.”

The Zeitz Foundation Specialists are experts in their respective fields whose specialties correlate with working towards furthering the Foundation’s mission and goals. The specialists are closely connected to our Ambassadors, contributing their expertise across each of the 4Cs dimensions: conservation, community, culture, and commerce.

Zeitz Foundation Commerce Ambassador, Francois-Henri Pinault

2009-05-01T06:30:00.016-04:00

The Zeitz Foundation is pleased to announce Francois-Henri Pinault, Chairman and CEO of PPR, as its Commerce Ambassador. The Zeitz Foundation Ambassadors represent individuals who have become internationally recognized for their contributions in their fields and who inspire change. Our Ambassadors help by raising awareness and, in tandem with our Specialists, contributing across each of the 4Cs dimensions that are integral to achieving "ecosphere safety"—the dynamic and sustainable balance of conservation, community, culture and commerce.

Says Pinault, "I believe that every company—whether small or large, for-profit or not-for-profit—regardless of its field, must look into socially responsible and sustainable ways of doing business. In order to tackle challenges, businesses must take the whole picture into account. It is precisely this approach that the Zeitz Foundation has adopted for its paradigm of sustainable commerce and conservation as they work towards realizing their vision for a safer, more sustainable planet. As a businessman who is also a passionate supporter of culture and art, I am personally inspired by their mission and vision.”

Pinault joins a distingushed group of powerful voices whose support is enabling the Zeitz Foundation to serve as a platform for change.

Michael Poliza, Friend of the Zeitz Foundation

2009-05-01T06:15:00.003-04:00

World renowned photographer, Michael Poliza, whose collection of photographs Eyes Over Africa changed the way we see the African continent, says about the Foundation:

“I have had the incredible fortune to see many parts of the world from a birds-eye perspective that only a few others have had. Our planet and people are facing enormous challenges and I think that if we could all truly experience the immense beauty of this earth from a fresh & new perspective, we would surely change our ways. Fortunately, there are those who are, indeed, offering new perspectives and working towards creating change. The Zeitz Foundation is one of those. I support their dedication to promoting sustainability which is evident in their initiatives and partnerships."

Zeitz Foundation's "Global Ecosphere Retreats" Certification System

2009-04-24T11:28:00.021-04:00

One of the ways in which the Zeitz Foundation achieves its mission is through the development and support of the Global Ecosphere Retreats (G.E.R.) certification system. The G.E.R. certification system reflects, observes and incorporates available national and international standards and guidelines for all areas of an ecosphere, while still accommodating the need for flexibility when it comes to different ecosystems. Through the certification system, G.E.R. members go beyond these accepted standards to serve as “best practice” models, continuously setting new standards through an ongoing process of learning and innovation. The G.E.R. certification system is transparent, relies on independent experts and follows procedures that are common in other international certifications such as in ecotourism.

Certified G.E.R. are forming an alliance of sustainable and innovative tourist and non-tourist enterprises around the world. The Zeitz Foundation further supports this alliance of G.E.R. members in achieving its mission through, among other initiatives, sponsoring an online directory and travel destination hub for G.E.R. certified operations. Currently in development at www.ecosphere.org, members and visitors alike will be able to access and contribute a variety of information related to the G.E.R., including destination highlights, traveler reviews, sustainable tourism industry information, and the G.E.R. criteria and application guidelines. As members of this alliance, G.E.R are connecting across the globe and, as a collective, contribute to safeguarding the ecosphere.

The Zeitz Foundation's Philosophy

2009-04-24T11:19:00.011-04:00

As we approach the first decade marker into the 21^st Century, it is clear that we are at a crossroads. Never before has it been more apparent that if we don’t change direction soon, and dramatically, it may be too late. The complexity of the challenges facing our world today can be both overwhelming and paralyzing—not only for our governments and institutions, but for us as individuals. But we think that’s the key—finding solutions that work by harnessing the power of one: one individual, one family, one community, one company, one nation at a time, working for the common cause of a better world. We cannot wait for governments to do this for us, and we cannot escape our responsibility. Real and viable sustainability begins when we recognize that we all have a role to play as contributors to positive change. The Zeitz Foundation seeks to make its contribution through promoting innovative and holistic approaches to enhancing the economic, environmental, and social sustainability in order to achieve intercultural ecosphere safety.