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Conservation Circle members are invited to special, and often exclusive, events where they have the opportunity to meet leading conservationists, conservation pioneers and fellow donors. Past event themes have included climate change, business and the environment, species conservation, poverty and conservation and the impact of emerging economies on natural resources. They offer the opportunity to meet and talk with other people who share a passion for the natural world.
Our most recent event was the Conservation Circle Autumn Dinner on 30th September 2009 at the Reform Club, London. We were delighted to welcome over 40 guests who came to hear about the challenges facing our seas and shores. Guests learned about our current marine and coastal work, with short presentations from three speakers, including FFI Council member and renowned marine biologist Professor Callum Roberts, author of ‘The Unnatural History of the Sea’.
After dinner, conversation revolved around how we are all affecting the oceans – from plastic micro granules in skin exfoliators which are working their way into the foodchain, to the island of plastic rubbish in the Pacific which is the twice size of France. Solutions were also offered, with examples from FFI’s portfolio showing how we can achieve real successes from relatively small investments.
It was also quoted (from Callum’s book) that to safeguard 1/3 of the world’s oceans would take an estimated $8 billion annually – which when put in context with the $18 billion spent annually by Europeans and Americans on ice cream, doesn’t seem very much!
Forthcoming events:
10th March 2010
Women in Conservation discussion and drinks
Beach Blanket Babylon, Notting Hill, London
By invitation only
Female Conservation Circle members and their friends are invited to join us to hear from selected conservation heroines to hear about gender issues that affect our conservation work, and what can be done to mitigate these. This event offers the opportunity to engage with some of our most impressive female field staff and to network with high profile women from a range of industries and businesses.
Introducing one of our unique speakers Mbake Sivha
Mbake Sivha is an exceptional person, in terms of her character, courage and dedication. She has been leading conservation action tied to community development and welfare in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since 1989.
Throughout her career Mbake has shown an incredible commitment to long-term community-driven solutions that link conservation and human development. Mbake has worked against the terrible conditions inflicted by the war and civil unrest, which killed an estimated 3.8 million people since 1998. She remained one of a few key personalities to ensure that conservation efforts for these parks continued regardless of the obstacles.
Mbake’s work has made a tangible difference to the local people living in extreme poverty and hardship tied to the 16 year long conflict in the DRC. She has ensured that conservation and development assistance is directed to these communities, and has ensured that schools and dispensaries are built, and medical supplies are provided for the people.
Her work has helped build enormous support for the park and its wildlife, despite the fact that for many people, the wildlife is perceived as a threat, causing crop damage and sometimes injury. However, the parks are often the stronghold for the violent militia and rebel groups that forcibly recruit children as soldiers, pillage the villages and rape the women and girls, and as a result of her committed efforts, Mbake has herself been targeted and attacked by these militia groups who intended to destroy the natural resources for personal gain.
10th May 2010
The Changing Face of Conservation
Brooks’s Club, St. James's Street, London
By invitation only
Our very special guest speaker will host a talk about the changing face of conservation across the globe and their own experiences with endangered species.
The Conservation Circle is a special group of forward-thinking individuals, dedicated to ensuring that Fauna & Flora International’s work is sustainable in the long-term
Perhaps the most special benefit of Conservation Circle membership is access to bespoke trips to visit our network of projects around the world, providing the opportunity to see our conservation work for themselves.
