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

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.

Launch of the Zeitz Foundation and the Long Run

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

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 Proud to Support "Home", a film by Yann Arthus-Bertrand

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.