Winnie Cheche of chechewinnie | Women in Conservation

Winnie Cheche

I am a blogger currently based in Nairobi, Kenya, promoting sustainable living and wildlife conservation through Cheche Winnie which I started in 2017.

Through collaboration with various groups like the Environmental Journalism Society of Kenya, Kenya Environment Activists Network, Africa Climate Activists, and One Up Action Africa, I have advanced my idea.

I started fighting for animal space pretty early, with my pets and other cute animals. I was a member of the Wildlife Clubs of Kenya throughout my schooling, which formed the foundation for my higher learning studies in Wildlife Management (bachelor’s degree).

I credit the knowledge and skills acquired while undertaking the wildlife management programme to my strong belief and advocacy for sustainable living and wildlife conservation.

Scope of my work

I was working on an interactive project on promoting conservation education, climate change reality, and domestic tourism, before Covid19 pandemic restrictions.

Winnie- Planting tree at Uhuru Park

My main target has always been the youth and teens, as they are the current and future custodians of nature. If they embrace and own the natural resources and wildlife, they will ensure sustainable exploitation.

My motivation

My love for nature and animals plays a significant role in my conservation activities. I was lucky to be raised next to the Lake Nakuru National Park. I enjoyed watching wildlife from the fence; I discovered amazing animals, besides my pets.

Winnie- Cleaning up river at Arboretum Nairobi

I believe I have inspired a couple of people to appreciate and protect the environment and wildlife through awareness creation via talks, clean-up activities, projects, and writing. I have also mentored a few who subscribe to similar thoughts and ideas reach their goals.

The Misconception

People are misinformed on environmental and wildlife matters. It’s sad that most people think wildlife belongs to Kenya Wildlife Service, and that KWS is the only one that is supposed to ensure their safety. Because of little to no direct benefits individuals generate from wildlife, most people are unwilling to co-exist with the animals hence the increasing cases of human-wildlife conflicts.

Through awareness creation, I have witnessed a change in attitudes among individuals and communities who initially were hesitant to wildlife conservation.

Challenges

Lack of the needed good political will impedes conservation. We have lost wildlife due to poor decisions by our government. The problem is persistent. One wonders, when will the government stop seeing wildlife as secondary occupants of the environment?

It’s funny that we do much on improving tourism facilities but leave out wildlife. Yet wildlife is the leading player.

Lack of funding to support my activities is a challenge as well

So..

I believe love conquers everything, so when we love and value nature and wildlife, we will coexist in an ecofriendly environment. Caring for nature (environment and wildlife) is not limited to conservationists only.

STory was written by WINNIE CHECHE and edited by CAROLINE KIBII