In the race to save elephants, Education for Nature (EFN) grantee Jim Nyamu is taking it slow. A Kenyan native, Nyamu has dedicated his life and career to saving the dwindling elephant population from illegal poaching in Eastern Africa. He will raise awareness by walking more than 650 miles from Massai Mara to Nairobi on a campaign called Ivory Belongs to Elephants.

WWF’s EFN Professional Development Grants provide support for mid-career conservationists to pursue short-term, non-degree training to upgrade their knowledge and skills. These grants provide the tools necessary for professionals to advance in their careers and improve local capacity in their home countries.

Shortly after receiving the grant, Nyamu cofounded the Elephant Neighbors Center (EFC), a non-governmental organization whose mission is to protect African elephants and secure landscape for the endangered species outside protected areas. He and his colleagues are working to change national policy and draw attention to the issues and dangers of wildlife poaching through grassroots efforts.

Walking for a cause

Nyamu already traversed the largest elephant ecosystem in Kenya, the Tsavo, and in the coming months, he will embark on his first tri-national walk covering nearly 1,200 miles starting in Uganda via Tanzania and ending in Kenya.

As Nyamu takes to the road, WWF works to push governments to protect threatened animal populations and reduce demand for illegal wildlife parts and products. Nyamu is a wonderful example of how one individual can make a difference in this ongoing effort. EFN continues to support his work and the projects of conservationists like him.

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