Boots on the ground podcast

Boots on the ground pod
  • 4.3 (3)
  • Nature
  • Semimonthly

Amplifying voices for conservation one conversation at a time.

  1. 1d ago

    From Dreams to Reality: Dr. Stephen Chege's Journey to Wildlife Vet

    Wildlife veterinarian Dr. Stephen Chege joins Boots on the Ground host Dibblex Lesalon to trace his path from rural livestock-keeping in central Kenya to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). He explains how early experiences, setbacks, practical work with farming communities, and a near-fatal encounter during a black rhino translocation shaped his career. key topics Growing up in central Kenya, Chege cared for livestock and rabbits, and early experiences sparked his interest in animals and their welfare.He first pursued veterinary medicine alongside interests in forestry and agriculture, then saw a leopard being sedated during a university visit to a conservancy.After Kenya Wildlife Service could not offer him an attachment, he worked in other veterinary roles rather than abandoning his wildlife ambition.In Kiambu, he approached a dairy-farming women’s group and developed practical training around productivity; he cited improving milk yields from three litres to five as an example.His experience with farmers and poultry helped him secure a role at Kenchic before he joined Kenya Wildlife Service in 2004.In 2006, Chege became the first veterinarian assigned to the northern landscape, serving the area for nearly four years with limited access to remote guidance.During a project to move 34 black rhinos to support genetic diversity and reduce inbreeding, a rhino charged at him at close range; he escaped by dropping flat and climbing an acacia tree.The team completed the 34-rhino translocation in 16 days, despite the dangerous start.Chege credits his mother, wife, and children with believing in and supporting him. Enjoy and be inspired🎙️💚

    From Dreams to Reality: Dr. Stephen Chege's Journey to Wildlife Vet

  2. Oct 10

    From Kibera to the Global Table - Faustina Mwololo's Journey

    Faustina Mwololo shares her journey from growing up in Kibra to leading youth-driven environmental initiatives and influencing global conservation efforts. This episode highlights the power of local action, youth participation, and indigenous knowledge in creating a sustainable future for Africa. key topics Faustina's background and early environmental awarenessThe creation of briquettes from paper waste in high schoolFormation and impact of Kijani World organizationChallenges and opportunities for youth in environmental advocacyThe role of indigenous knowledge in climate solutionsFaustina's experience as a Youth Ambassador and advisorThe importance of youth participation in decision-makingConnecting local issues in Kibra to global climate debatesLessons learned from grassroots innovation and collaborationFuture hopes and advice for young environmental leaders Enjoy and be inspired💚🎙️

    From Kibera to the Global Table - Faustina Mwololo's Journey

  3. Oct 5

    How a Young Rwandan Leader Turned Water Scarcity Into Action - A candid conversation with Immaculee Namahirwe

    summary Immaculee Namahirwe shares her journey from understanding conservation as simply protecting trees and wildlife to recognizing the interconnectedness of people and nature. She discusses her work empowering marginalized women in Rwanda through climate action and sustainable livelihoods, including planting grafted avocado trees to address nutrition and climate challenges. key topics ✔️The shift in understanding conservation from wildlife to interconnectedness with people ✔️Immaculee's experience growing up in Rwanda and her motivation to support her community ✔️The founding of Green Rwanda to empower marginalized women ✔️Planting grafted avocado trees to improve nutrition and combat climate change ✔️The role of community-led climate action in addressing water scarcity and flooding ✔️The importance of sustainable livelihoods in conservation efforts Enjoy and be inspired💚🎙️

    How a Young Rwandan Leader Turned Water Scarcity Into Action - A candid conversation with Immaculee Namahirwe

  4. Aug 21

    From the Maasai Mara to the World - A candid conversation with Brian Kaelo

    In this episode, Brian Kaelo shares his journey from growing up in the Mara to becoming a conservation scientist. He discusses the changes in the landscape, the importance of community involvement, and the role of technology and innovation in conservation. key topics Growing up in the Mara and early interactions with wildlifeChanges in the Mara landscape over 25 yearsCommunity benefits from conservation effortsRole of organizations like Kenya Wildlife Trust and Mara Predator Conservation ProgramImpact of climate change on wildlife and habitatsUse of technology and drones in conservationAdvice for young people seeking opportunities in conservationThe importance of seeing beyond local surroundings and global exposureScience and indigenous knowledge in wildlife managementFuture plans to give back to the Mara ecosystem Enjoy and be inspired💚🎙️

    From the Maasai Mara to the World - A candid conversation with Brian Kaelo

  5. Aug 6

    The Future of African Penguins: Insights from Christina Hagen

    In this episode, Christina Hagen shares her journey into conservation, focusing on the plight of African penguins, their ecological importance, threats they face, and innovative conservation strategies. Discover how international collaboration, community engagement, and scientific research are vital to saving this iconic species. key topics The ecological role of African penguinsMajor threats: overfishing, pollution, climate changeConservation interventions: fishing quotas, breeding colonies, artificial islandsInternational collaboration in conservation effortsCommunity involvement and ecotourism as sustainable solutions Enjoy and be inspired💚🎙️

    The Future of African Penguins: Insights from Christina Hagen

  6. Jul 31

    The Power of Data in Protecting Wildlife - World Ranger Day Special with Antony Nampaso

    In this episode, Antony Nampaso shares his journey into wildlife conservation, the importance of data in protecting ecosystems, and the vital role of community engagement. Discover how a passion for nature turned into a calling and the impact of data-driven conservation efforts in the Maasai Mara. key topics Antony Nampaso's conservation journey from childhoodThe role of data and technology in wildlife protectionCommunity engagement and conflict mitigation in conservationThe importance of patience and resilience in fieldworkSuccess factors of Enonkishu Conservancy model "Protect a ranger, protect an entire ecosystem" Enjoy and be inspired💚🎙️

    The Power of Data in Protecting Wildlife - World Ranger Day Special with Antony Nampaso

  7. Jul 15

    The Future of Marine Conservation: Insights from Dr. Lorraine Shuttleworth

    In this episode, Dr. Lorraine Shuttleworth shares her journey into marine conservation, focusing on whale physiology, the marine big five, and innovative technologies transforming wildlife monitoring. Discover how her research and conservation efforts are making a difference for endangered species like the African penguin. Enjoy and be inspired🎙️💚

    The Future of Marine Conservation: Insights from Dr. Lorraine Shuttleworth

  8. Jul 2

    The Beating Heart of Conservation Storytelling with Jonathan Benaiah

    In a world where storytelling shapes perceptions and understanding, few voices resonate as deeply as that of Jonathan Benaya, a conservation storyteller from Uganda. With a unique blend of filmmaking, photography, and writing, Jonathan has dedicated his life to revealing the beauty and complexities of Africa's natural world. In this post, we explore his journey and insights into the art of storytelling, the power of nature, and the importance of preserving African narratives. Enjoy and be inspired💚🎙️

    The Beating Heart of Conservation Storytelling with Jonathan Benaiah
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About

Amplifying voices for conservation one conversation at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    Boots on the ground pod
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    171
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Boots on the ground pod
  • Show Website
    Boots on the ground podcast