Netflix, the world’s leading streaming service collaborated with Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism, the Kenya Tourism Board and Kenya Wildlife Services to participate in this year’s Magical Kenya Expo which took place at the Bomas of Kenya between 5 – 7 October.
At the event on Friday, October 7, Netflix screened a short video that showcases its sustainability efforts through its support of The Wildlife Works Kasigau Corridor REDD+ Project located in South Eastern Kenya, between Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks. The video also showcases the Netflix documentary – Our Great National Parks – which dedicates one of the episodes to the Tsavo National Park.
The screening was kicked off with opening remarks by Kenya Wildlife Service’s Director General – John Waweru – who thanked Netflix Team by stating: “For the last two years, Netflix has been filming within Tsavo; and Kenya Wildlife Services sees this continuing into the future.” He added, “With partnerships we can achieve more and the documentary is an example of the work we do with Netflix, Kenya Tourism Board and the community in protecting this very important place of Kasigau within the Tsavo ecosystem. With over 22,000 Square kilometers, Tsavo’s ecosystem has the largest park system in the country and the fourth largest park system in Africa. Sometimes [for us] people working in conservation we get so engrossed in the work we do that we forget to tell our stories. What this documentary showcases is an example of transformation happening in conservation. The transformation has been made possible by engaging the community in many ways including providing resources which transforms the livelihoods of community members.”
His remarks were followed by Netflix’s Director of Public Policy, Shola Sanni, who iterated Netflix’s Net Zero + Nature commitment – announced in March 2021 – to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by the end of 2022, and every year afterwards. We have since shared an update that we’re on track to meet our science-based climate targets and while we’ve made progress this year, we still have a long way to go. “At Netflix, we strive to contribute positively to local economies, culture, and creative communities, and thereby are dedicated to understanding and minimizing our environmental impact wherever we operate, across the globe, and many of our top creators see sustainability as a source for creative excellence and authentic storytelling that attracts vast audiences – particularly young audiences,” said Sanni.
Sanni added; “With all that in mind, we have ambitious climate targets, in particular in terms of scope and urgency and investing in operational changes to reduce our direct emissions while partnering with suppliers such as Wildlife Works and technology partners in our value chain to tackle indirect emissions.
A panel featuring the Wildlife Works Kasigau Corridor REDD+ representatives; Captain Kenneth Ochieng, Senior Assistant Head Director at Tsavo National Park, Jane Okoth- Media and Communications Officer, Joseph Mwakima – Community Relations Officer, Constance Mwandaa – Ranger and Head of Training, explored the impact of the ‘Kasigau Corridor REDD+ Project’ and shared updates and progress since filming of video.
A key takeaway from the panelists was the importance of educating and sensitizing the local communities on the need to protect the environment and wildlife, with Captain Kenneth Ochieng assuring the attendees that KWS is working well under structured engagements and has signed various joint MOUs to bolster the safety and security of wildlife. Ranger Constance Mwandaa was glad to share that the local community at Kasigau Corridor now recognises female rangers and accords them the same treatment with their male counterparts. Joseph Mwakima – Community Relations Officer reiterated that without the community involvement and inclusivity among key stakeholders, the conservation efforts of the Wildlife Works Kasigau Corridor REDD+ Project wouldn’t have been successful, adding, “The documentary represents the uniqueness of our project and how we work. It included everyone –they are the people who come up with ideas and make decisions.”
