Nairobi/Amboseli National Park, Kenya – June 28-July 6, 2010

The second meeting of all Southern and Eastern Young Leaders Team members in Kenya provided the platform for a lively exchange among members and African as well as European experts. The Young Leaders Team members were asked to present the progress they have made since the last meeting, including theoretical advances and first experiences in the field. Again the seminar was combined with an educational tour in order to put theory into practice and give the team members a chance to gain inspiration and ideas for their own research and education.

In short the programme included the following:

• Introduction session
• Presentation of research proposals (including feedback and discussion)
• Discussion on internships and field research grants
• Introduction to the field context by partners from Moi University
• Visit to a ecolodge (a conservation enterprise supported by AWF, one of the associates of the 3A-STEP project)
• Field trip to Masaai cultural manyattas around the Amboseli National Park
• Presentation and discussion about “tourism and community needs”
• Visit the Kimana Sanctuary
• Presentation and discussion about “contraction of wildlife dispersal”
• Talk with a tourism warden about the roles and challenges facing Amboseli
• Discussion with group ranch association
• Reflection on experiences
• Reflection on workshop and way forward

Until the next Young Leaders Seminar in April 2011, the team members are asked to carry out their field research (if they have not done so yet) and a few will also complete their internships with organisations such as African Wildlife Foundation, Netherlands Development Organisation, Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO), Oulu University, Wilderness Safaries, etc.