The story of 2021
The story of Hope | Rhino Hide & Bounce-back-ability
The world has learnt tough lessons in 2021, and we were not exempt, but we remain proud of what we have achieved although we are not out of the woods yet! Out of the woods, how apt! We have listened to world leaders at COP26 make groundbreaking statements on climate change and this year we have been plagued with locust swarms, drought (witnessing livestock and wildlife decimation), until finally the rains came late and sporadic. We need to do something, and we all agree that unless we change the trajectory that we are on, the world is in trouble. It takes effort, it takes commitment, and it takes courage – Tofauti is keen to play a small part in these next steps.
The Earthshot prize led by Prince William has identified innovative ways which could bring about game changing methods to revive the planet's recovery. Earthshot’s inspiring approach of collaboration and sharing of information needs to be embraced by us all.
Experience has taught us that we cannot take the natural world for granted. Mother Nature has displayed huge resilience and now has bitten us back, her rhino hide has been punctured and her softer inner layers have continued to be exploited. Rhinos, the casual browsers of the African Savannah, with a thick protective coarse skin cover so that when brushing against the thorny undergrowth they are robust enough to not get perforated. But even they have a delicate underbelly, even they have a soft interior that can be exposed, and we need to continue to protect them with all that we have. Let us join hands and do the same for ‘her’. We have got this, we can do this, with togetherness and bounce back ability.
We thank you for your support alongside us on this journey!
A message from Crista
I would like to start with a vote of thanks, as we conclude this exciting yet challenging journey of 2021. Our team has grown with three newly appointed Trustees and with that our endeavour to be more impactful and effective will be increased. Nothing worth doing in life is easy and while the challenging times continue we are more determined than ever to keep pushing for results. 2021 has delivered much of the same as 2020 left us, however I am proud of the projects and fundraiser that Tofauti has managed to do and also thank you for the part you played!
Conservation and rural community coexistence have to go hand in hand, as one cannot live without the other. Communities living in wilderness areas have to experience a benefit from wildlife and it is our job to assist this process. Due to ongoing reduced tourism numbers to the continent, there has been a huge effect on livelihoods and ability to continue all of the conservation efforts that had been in place prior to the pandemic. Whilst we are disappointed that this is the case, we have done what we can to help and will continue to do so as we enter 2022.
This year we have continued on the successes with the 10% fence plan with Tsavo Trust. We have partnered with the Exodus Foundation and between us we have now installed eight fences around community owned land which border Tsavo East National Park. We have gathered groundbreaking data and seen a dramatic decrease in human/wildlife conflict and positive increases in crop yield for the local farmers.
The Sand Dam in Naibunga Conservancy is now complete and it is filling up with layers of sand and sediment from the recent rains. This is super encouraging considering the normal maturity timespan is three to four years. The Roan antelope species which were 12 in number have now reached 17 in the safe zone in Ruma National Park where our strategic partnership was instrumental for their ultimate survival in Kenya. We also ran a TogetherForWater online fundraising initiative which was well received and supported by the corporate sector, sports teams and individuals within our network which we are hugely grateful for, raising £11,500 for a worthy water cause to be identified in the new year.
Plans are afoot for 2022, as there is so much to do - please continue to reach out, join us and support us as we push boundaries in our quest to approach things in our unique way to make a difference.
Crista Cullen MBE | Founder