Safari Notes

Of late, in the last few months - Africa has become a darling for celebrities. It has hardly been out of International headlines; it is refreshing. In a way. I am tired of reading only about wars, famines, natural disasters, diseases and all the negative very painful reportage on Africa. These celebrities have got the World's attention on Africa's negative aspects, but with a difference. Most have, even in small ways, made positive contributions in changing lives. Bob Geldof, Bono, Mia Farrow, Angelina Jolie and her hubby Brad Pitt, Jessica Lange, Oprah Winfrey, Ralph Fiennes, Rachel Weisz, Matt Dillon and recently - George Clooney. All are taking up issues concerning Africa and letting the World be more aware of them. Whether the celebrities' concern are honest and well intended or just a way of creating and getting publicity for themselves, is irrelevant to me. At least, through them - some of Africa's problems have been getting International attention. Has the year 2

For the last few weeks and months, I haven't had much time for the Internet. Most of my time, I have spent taking care of family matters. Nothing is as important as the Family; and at times, personal matters and issues - over whelm and one has to take time and completely focus on them. And that's what I have been doing. I do thank all friends who have posted comments of concern and encouragement; in particular: Jane , Zack and Joshua . Do all have a happy holiday season and New Year!

Wangari Maathai “When you have the environment degraded, it is always so that we are going to fight over the few resources that are left.” “We are very fond of blaming the poor for destroying the environment. But often it is the powerful, including governments, that are responsible.” “We can work together for a better world with men and women of goodwill, those who radiate the intrinsic goodness of humankind.” "Throughout Africa, women are the primary caretakers, holding significant responsibility for tilling the land and feeding their families. As a result, they are often the first to become aware of environmental damage as resources become scarce and incapable of sustaining their families." "We have planted over 30 million trees that provide fuel, food, shelter, and income to support their children's education and household needs. The activity also creates employment and improves soils and watersheds. Through their involvement, women gain some degree of

Stand Up Against Poverty is a Month of Action from Sept 16 - Oct 17, where millions of people around the world will be showing their support to eradicate poverty and inequality. "Six years ago, 189 world leaders sat down and agreed to end poverty and achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015. On October 15&16, people across the world will stand up to remind them of this promise. Join us as we set the Guinness World Record for the most people standing up against poverty. Together we can end extreme poverty. STAND UP is part of the Global Call to Action Against Poverty month of mobilization around the International Day of Poverty Eradication." To add your own event click here . What You Can Do for STAND UP

Not all stories are bad. Some are good. Some very good and encouraging. One such very encouraging story is that of Bwindi; Bwindi National Park, Uganda. Bwindi's recovery as a major tourist attraction, is a reflection of the recovery of Uganda's tourism industry. During the Idi Amin years and the unsettled years after that, many thought that Uganda would never recover as an attractive tourist destination. Many too, thought, that most of the attraction - wildlife in particular - would no longer be much of an attraction for tourists. Of much concern, were the state of the gorilla population in Western Uganda; close to the Congo-Rwanda border. But the gorillas, mountain gorillas, some how survived all those unsettled years; and have now become Uganda's star tourist attraction. Their population has rebounded. The Uganda Tourist Board says: ' the endangered mountain gorilla, the bulkiest of living primates, and among the most peaceable. Staring into the pensive brown eyes of

“African nationalism is meaningless, dangerous, anachronistic, if it is not, at the same time, pan-Africanism” "Violence is unnecessary and costly. Peace is the only way." More on Nyerere: infed , ANC.org.za , sardc.net , Wikipedia , Google Books , Google Scholar Photo: Mwalimu

"Most people call it a paradise. It's a name that conjures up many images in the mind. Many emotions in the heart. It's a name that, unfortunately, we don't often hear applied to many of the places we have left on this planet.Why? Because paradises these days are often rarer than the endangered animals that are found within their borders." That's the Gamba Complex which lies on the coast of Gabon, a country in western central Africa, just below Cameroon. "The Gamba complex is a critical refuge for Africa's embattled rainforest wildlife." TV for the Environment But now, the Gamba complex is under threat; several animal species are under threat which includes: the western lowland gorillas, forest elephants, leatherback, green, hawksbill and olive ridley turtles; and a variety of other animals. Illegal poaching remains a major and critical problem; but that aside - new roads are being planned to run through the reserve, the continuing prospecting