Flowers for Elephants: How a Conservation Movement in Kenya Offers Lessons for Us All

by Peter Martell

When northern Kenyans find elephant bones, they lay down blossoms and branches as a mark of respect, honouring their crucial connection with the wildlife they live alongside. In our changing world, these values are vitally important. For decades, northern Kenya was one step away from a warzone, on the frontlines of climate change and habitat loss. People slept with their shoes on, fearing attack. Wildlife was decimated. Yet, facing the most extreme challenges, people united. What began as a last-ditch effort to save rhinos from extinction sparked a remarkable return of wildlife, with the once-struggling cattle ranch Lewa named a UN World Heritage Site for its outstanding value to humanity. This served as a catalyst for much broader action. Communities created a network of protected lands across an area larger than Switzerland. Through conservation, they built peace, driving social, environmental and political change. From tracking elephants through the bush to gun battles with bandits and treks through Al-Qaeda territory, Peter Martell tells the exciting story of a conservation movement that gives hope. At a time when humanity is reassessing its broken relationship with nature, these communities offer an inspirational blueprint, proving that environmental change does not have to divide, but can bring us together.

Genres: Nonfiction

304 pages, Hardcover

Published March 10, 2022

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gifted writer and compelling story, highly recommend

[Suresh Rajagopalan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everybody should read this!

[Mike Tremaine Thomson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent record of the incredible achievements that Kenya's community conservation movement have made, and how this success was reached. Thoroughly researched, interesting and enjoyable.

[Tom Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martell writes superbly. For anyone who loves animals, Africa and is thoughtful about the environment. Grab this book, it's a wonder.