标签： Africa

At Kenya’s Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, a revolutionary conservation model is reshaping the relationship between wildlife protection and community development. Under the equatorial sun, Samburu tribespeople have established Africa’s first entirely Indigenous-run elephant sanctuary, creating an innovative symbiotic system that benefits both orphaned elephants and local communities.

The sanctuary’s breakthrough came through an unexpected nutritional solution: goat’s milk. When manufactured formula proved costly and unsuitable, caretakers discovered that milk from local goat herds provided an ideal nutritional substitute for elephant milk. This revelation sparked an economic transformation—more than 1,200 Samburu women now supply nearly 700 liters of milk daily to the sanctuary, generating income that provides financial independence and improved living standards.

Beyond milk production, Reteti employs approximately 100 Samburu people, making elephants what sanctuary spokesperson Dorothy Lowakutuk describes as “the keystone of the entire economy.” The model demonstrates how conservation efforts can directly benefit local populations, particularly women who have traditionally had limited economic opportunities.

The sanctuary’s success reflects a broader trend in Kenyan conservation where tourism and wildlife protection increasingly support Indigenous communities. Organizations like Uplift Travel have emerged specifically to channel tourism revenue into local development projects, particularly those supporting women and girls. Founded by travel writer Kim Schneider and philanthropy partner Tanja Wittrock, the organization demonstrates how strategic tourism can significantly impact quality of life while providing immersive cultural experiences.

Kenya’s conservation landscape includes multiple innovative approaches to human-wildlife coexistence. At the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, armed guards protect the last two northern white rhinos while scientists work on advanced reproductive technologies to save the species. In Masai communities, beehive fences create natural barriers that protect both crops and elephants through the insects’ buzzing and stinging deterrent effect.

These initiatives represent a paradigm shift in conservation philosophy—moving from exclusionary protection models to integrated approaches that recognize Indigenous communities as essential partners in preserving Africa’s magnificent wildlife heritage.

South African authorities have confirmed the death toll from last week’s structural collapse at a Hindu temple construction site has reached five victims as investigative teams initiate a formal probe into the catastrophic incident. The multistory building, which was under illegal construction atop the Verulam temple complex approximately 25 kilometers north of Durban, catastrophically failed last Friday during expansion operations. Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda verified that search and recovery teams extracted four additional bodies from the wreckage over the weekend, supplementing the initial fatality confirmed at the scene. Officials have withheld victim identities and declined to specify how many individuals might remain trapped within the debris. Preliminary investigations by Durban’s regional government reveal the construction project lacked legally mandated building approvals, prompting Verulam law enforcement to open an official inquest. The temple complex, situated on a steep incline overlooking pastoral land, suffered sudden structural failure shortly before noon on Friday, with municipal photographs depicting horrifying scenes of twisted steel reinforcement, shattered concrete pillars, and massive rubble accumulation. Local government authorities emphasized that clearance operations will require extensive time due to necessary safety protocols for systematic debris removal. South Africa’s Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities issued a statement acknowledging the profound trauma inflicted upon worshippers, families, and the broader community, noting that sacred spaces represent fundamental sanctuaries for spiritual practice and communal solidarity. Hinduism constitutes a minority faith practiced by under two percent of South Africa’s population, with its strongest presence in the KwaZulu-Natal region where this tragedy occurred.

Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a pivotal media nexus was prominently showcased during the inaugural Global South Video News Awards, a cornerstone event of the Bridge Summit. Organized by Viory, a UAE-based video news agency, the ceremony served as a transformative platform for journalists who are fundamentally reshaping international perceptions of the Global South.

The gathering attracted major media institutions from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, signaling a paradigm shift in how the global industry regards this increasingly influential media sector. The event balanced celebratory recognition with profound purpose, highlighted by opening remarks from media personality Mai Maxwell and an impactful address from Alex Kobia, Viory’s African Distribution Lead.

Kobia’s declaration that “The Global South is not emerging – it has arrived” resonated throughout the summit, emphasizing the critical importance of verified, ground-level visual journalism. He detailed Viory’s extensive network of over 3,000 video journalists worldwide committed to bringing clarity and human depth to underrepresented stories.

The awards gained substantial credibility through a distinguished judging panel comprising senior media representatives from Clarín (Argentina), Hindustan Times (India), Korean Broadcasting System (South Korea), TeleSUR (Venezuela), and the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation.

Recipients of the inaugural honors included Maximiliano Jonas (Best Camerawork), Enrique Ortiz (Most Creative Shot), Masoud Al Jarousha (Exclusive Lens), and Ernest Dela Aglanu (Vital Footage Award). Their work was celebrated for its courageous impact and ability to capture defining moments that strengthen global storytelling.

The ceremony also featured poignant reflections from UAE youth representative Shahd Alabdouli, who shared insights from her humanitarian work in conflict zones, reminding attendees of the human experiences behind every journalistic piece and the responsibility to preserve truth.

Viory concluded the event by reaffirming its commitment to supporting journalist communities and ensuring essential Global South stories receive deserved visibility. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s strategic investments in media innovation and its positioning as a bridge between global markets, marking a significant step toward more authentic and inclusive global narratives.

In a remarkable ceremony at Qasr Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan presented honors to Sheikh Shakil, an Indian expatriate residing in Al Ain for 21 years, for his exceptional philanthropic contributions. Despite his limited financial resources, Shakil made 42 separate donations to the Life Endowment campaign, both in his name and on behalf of family members.

The recognition ceremony, organized by the Authority of Awqaf and Minors’ Funds Affairs in Abu Dhabi (Awqaf Abu Dhabi), highlighted Shakil’s story to demonstrate that the endowment initiative receives support from donors across all socioeconomic backgrounds. ‘When Awqaf Abu Dhabi first contacted me about the recognition, I was truly surprised,’ Shakil expressed. ‘I never imagined that my contributions would lead to being honored by the President of the UAE. Attending the ceremony was an unforgettable moment that reminded me of the values this country was built upon—generosity, compassion and caring for one another.’

Established in May 2023, Awqaf Abu Dhabi serves as the central authority promoting and developing the endowment sector through strategic investments and partnerships aligned with sustainability values. The organization manages endowment processes while also overseeing financial guardianship and wealth development for minors and other vulnerable groups, contributing to greater financial and social inclusion.

The Life Endowment campaign specifically focuses on creating sustainable funding for medical treatment of chronic illness patients who cannot afford care costs. Beyond immediate medical support, the initiative works to enhance long-term healthcare services, improve community wellbeing, and build more resilient societies through endowment practices that transcend traditional charitable giving.

In a disturbing recurrence of violence targeting religious institutions, armed assailants have abducted at least 13 worshippers from Evangelical Church Winning All in Nigeria’s central Kogi state. The attack occurred during Sunday morning services in the rural farming community of Aaaaz-Kiri, marking the second church kidnapping in the region within a fortnight.

According to Kogi State Information Commissioner Kingsley Fanwo, security forces engaged the perpetrators, resulting in five gunmen fatalities while others escaped with injuries. The official described the attackers as ‘bandits’—a local term for criminal organizations that routinely conduct kidnappings for ransom payments.

This incident follows a nearly identical abduction two weeks prior in nearby Ejiba, where gunmen captured a pastor, his wife, and several congregants who remain in captivity despite security intervention efforts. Commissioner Fanwo attributed the escalating violence to displacement effects from security operations in neighboring Niger and Kwara states, suggesting intensified pressure there is pushing criminal elements toward Kogi.

These events highlight Nigeria’s deepening security crisis, particularly across northwestern and central regions where armed groups have executed numerous mass abductions, village raids, and assaults on religious venues. The most significant recent incident involved the reported kidnapping of over 250 children and 12 staff members from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger state, during late November.

While the Nigerian government frequently attributes such attacks to jihadist organizations like Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), independent analysts contest this narrative, providing evidence to the BBC that criminal gangs are primarily responsible.

President Bola Tinubu has recently directed security chiefs to enhance intelligence-led operations against kidnappings, authorizing additional troop and police deployments to identified hotspots. Authorities report some success through joint military-police task forces in dismantling certain armed groups. Nevertheless, attacks persist with alarming frequency, especially in rural areas where security presence remains limited and response capabilities are inadequate.

Dubai’s skyline is poised to welcome another architectural marvel as developer Nakheel officially reveals the design for the Palm Jebel Ali Friday Mosque. Conceptualized by the renowned architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), this spiritual sanctuary is strategically positioned along the central axis of the artificial archipelago, destined to become the cultural and spiritual nucleus of the entire development.

The mosque’s design represents a sophisticated fusion of traditional Islamic architectural principles and contemporary innovation. Its most striking feature will be a 40-meter minaret, engineered to serve as a prominent visual landmark across Palm Jebel Ali. The structure incorporates geometric patterns deeply rooted in Islamic tradition while employing modern design elements that reflect Dubai’s forward-looking vision.

A distinctive textile-inspired canopy extends from the main roof structure into the courtyard, providing functional shade while creating visual harmony with the surrounding environment. The comprehensive layout includes meticulously landscaped pedestrian pathways, clearly defined circulation routes, and dedicated ablution facilities designed for both practicality and aesthetic appeal.

The interior design philosophy emphasizes spiritual tranquility through the masterful manipulation of natural light. Specially designed apertures filter sunlight into prayer spaces, creating softly illuminated interiors that foster an atmosphere of contemplation and serenity. This careful attention to lighting design aims to enhance the worship experience while maintaining thermal comfort.

Khalid Al Malik, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding Real Estate, emphasized the dual purpose of the project: “This mosque is conceived not merely as an architectural statement but as a functional sanctuary that will provide spiritual nourishment and peace for both residents and visitors to Palm Jebel Ali.”

Chris Cooper, Partner at SOM, elaborated on the design inspiration: “Our approach reinterprets Emirati vernacular architecture for contemporary context. The design draws meaningful inspiration from Palm Jebel Ali’s coastal environment, utilizing geometry, light, and materiality to create a serene sanctuary that honors tradition while embracing the future.”

With a capacity accommodating up to 1,000 worshippers, the mosque will serve the rapidly growing community of Palm Jebel Ali, which spans seven islands across 13.4 kilometers and features 16 fronds with over 90 kilometers of beachfront property.