Illuminating the Path for Conservation using Science
Save the elephants team at the 2nd International Wildlife Scientific Conference in Naivasha
Scientists, researchers, conservationists, policy makers and community representatives recently gathered for the 2nd International Wildlife Scientific Conference in the biodiversity-rich town of Naivasha in Kenya. Among them was a passionate team from Save the Elephants (STE), armed with new insights and fresh data at this conference hosted by the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI).
Under the theme Innovations in Wildlife Science and Practice for Sustainable Biodiversity Conservation and Socio-economic Development, the conference served as a national platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, with a clear focus that aligned with STE’s ethos of science-backed conservation. As a long-standing partner of WRTI, STE’s delegation included a team of scientists, researchers, and graduate students, who shared insights from studies on elephant behaviour, habitat connectivity, and human-elephant coexistence. Presentations ranged from elephant stress levels in agricultural landscapes to innovative mapping of elephant movements, and how the One Health approach can strengthen community engagement in conservation.
Monicah Wambui, a graduate student, presents her work at the Conference
Dr. Festus Ihwagi, STE’s Senior Scientist and Research Policy Lead, who chaired one of the sessions on Wildlife Population Dynamics and Ecosystem Connectivity, noted that conferences like these are vital for translating science into impact.
“Our work at Save the Elephants shows that data-driven insights can guide real-world conservation. By stakeholders coming together, we’re ensuring that science doesn’t just stay in reports, but that it informs policies, improves coexistence, and protects endangered and vulnerable species,” said Dr. Ihwagi.
Dr. Giacomo D’Ammando presenting at the Conference
Over the three days, while conference participants explored how technology and science can drive practical conservation outcomes, one recurring message was clear: for conservation to be effective, it must be collaborative, inclusive, and based on credible science.
“Every presentation and discussion reinforced one truth; we can’t protect elephants, or any species, in isolation. Forums like this are essential to knowledge sharing, helping build a future where both people and wildlife can thrive,” said Dr. Giacomo D’Ammando, STE’s Research Manager who presented on elephant behaviour at carcass sites. Dr. D’Ammando was also a speaker and moderator of a session on Conservation Science, Practice and Technological Innovations.
His sentiments resonated with Dr. David Ole Nkedianye, WRTI Board Chairperson,who captured the conference’s spirit with a powerful statement: “Science must light the path for conservation.”
In addition to the strong attendance by researchers and conservation practitioners, this year’s conference attracted a heavy government presence. It was officially opened by Mr. Felix Koskei, Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service, and graced by Hon. Rebeca Miano, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, and Hon. Silvia Museiya, Principal Secretary, State Department for Wildlife. Dr. Patrick Omondi, Director/CEO of WRTI – a state corporation established to coordinate and undertake wildlife research and training in the country – was the host. The presence of the senior government officials was a strong show of the Kenyan government’s desire to enhance evidence-based decision-making and cross-sector collaboration in wildlife conservation and tourism.
Belinda Omollo, STE’s Community Outreach Officer, presenting on STE’s adoption of One Health Approach initiatives towards enhancing human-elephant coexistence in Tsavo, Kenya
Key recommendations from the conference included the need to strengthen data-sharing and coordination among research institutions, standardise the process of identifying and securing wildlife corridors, prioritise the completion of Kenya’s National Wildlife Database, integrate One Health approaches to tackle emerging wildlife diseases, and increase investment in invasive species control and ecosystem monitoring.
Our team left Naivasha reaffirmed in the belief that scientific innovation and strong partnerships are key catalysts to effective elephant conservation.