ROUND UP REPORT 2024
The story of 2024
“What you are not changing you are choosing.”
Being consistent in this world is key to bringing about fundamental changes. The key we have learnt is showing up, listening and working in partnerships alongside the people that live the circumstances daily. This forces one to immerse and therefore get the privilege of understanding. Only once this is achieved can you build impact and change. This is a journey of adaptation and transforming livelihoods for a sustainable and economically stable future.
It is a misunderstood concept that economic interests and environmental interests are in conflict. Research suggests that the perception of development vs. conservation is not just unnecessary but actively counterproductive to both ends. Achieving a sustainable future will be dependent on our ability to secure both thriving human communities and abundant and healthy natural ecosystems. This is at the forefront of Tofauti’s work.
This year is similar to previous ones, as we continue to diversify our partner portfolio. This took our endeavors to the coast of Kenya to support artisanal fishermen and women who have depended on produce from the Indian Ocean for centuries. Unfortunately, due to shallow fish species being affected so heavily by ring netters and overfishing these communities have had to survive as best they can on smaller fish or crustaceans. This plunder is not reducing and therefore juvenile species are being harvested in desperation. Mangrove crabs are a species we feel we can support alongside Crabs Alive Ltd to provide a community out-grower programme to mitigate the harvesting from the wild, and start to provide sustainable incomes and harvesting from locally grown and managed ponds. Innovation in all of our projects is key to their success and therefore adapting future proofing concepts to ensure that previously provided ponds from other projects can be made into mangrove crab safe havens. Food substances are also grown specifically for crab growth. For example a simple hybrid Tilapia species which can survive in saline water has been bred so that they circulate above the crabs and can be caught in small nets and fed to the crabs at a measured ratio. We are looking to help develop this knowledge and create a better standard of living for the communities on the coast of Kenya.
The above is just one simple example of less rigid thinking, and rather than hindering growth we are enhancing it. There is much to do, so many worthy causes, and so many past and current partners who are achieving great strides. We continue to commit wholeheartedly in uniting our skill sets in the field to pave a better future for all - wildlife and communities alike. Alone we are nothing, but together we can achieve great things to provide a better future for targeted communities and species.
We are ambitious, we are small and nimble, fully volunteer driven, but we are focused and impactful, and that makes us proud. We’ve earnt credibility and reputation in the field for partnering with like-minded organisations and communities to develop long term locally owned solutions, and working with local people over time to embed and improve how communities can coexist with wildlife and thrive together. It is the Tofauti way.
Help us - join us - as collectively we can make an impact. Together.
A message from Crista
As always, I would like to start with a huge thank you to everyone who believes and supports The Tofauti Foundation in its efforts to make a difference - from the partners that we are lucky enough to work alongside, to the band of very able fully volunteer board of trustees that are always on hand to help guide and nurture ideas. Being the lucky one who analyses and oversees our project partners on the ground, I get to have visibility like no other of the impact and positivity that our projects bring to both wildlife habitats and the community members that we work with.
While there are successes, there are always challenges and I think what sets us apart from other charities is our willingness to take risks, while having a deep understanding of the pressures that ecosystems face. We firmly believe that conservation efforts need to change if we are going to create a coexistence environment for all to thrive. In order to try and achieve this we have to think differently, not be afraid to adapt and change the trajectory, report on the wins as much as we report on the failures. Maintaining our credibility and nimble nature in the industry is key to Tofauti’s future success and I see this only blossoming with the team that we have created.
There are a multitude of directions that Tofauti can take, and we are grounded by our four pillars of execution:
Human: wildlife coexistence
Environmental awareness and education
Wildlife protection
Infrastructure and habitat.
I am proud to report that through 2024 we have touched on all four of our pillars with our project execution. We continue to pioneer in the coexistence space with our 10% fence initiative, with completed fences in Shirango Conservancy to complement those in Kamungi. The success of this initiative has drawn enquiries from Namibia, Zimbabwe and as far reaching as Costa Rica and our collaborative spirit has allowed us to share learnings.
We have been a part of the installation of the tourism eco-lodge within Kamungi Conservancy to build on the communities ability to showcase their wildlife friendly zone. The core objective of providing this opportunity is employment, economic stability and conservancy fees to the remote area. This opens the opportunity for Tofauti supporters to come to the field to witness our projects firsthand on the ground. The Tofauti Tractor continues to support Tsavo Trust’s endeavours at the Nthunguni Dispensary enhancing the vital healthcare facility, Tsavo Trust Airstrip Hangar projects and the Kamungi Permaculture Site. This mighty machine has become more than just a tractor - it is described as a driving force behind progress! Together, we’re building a brighter future for our communities and wildlife.
We are about continuity and longevity, not short-lived exploits, and so we continue to monitor and support the Roan rehabilitation in Ruma, Naibunga Conservancy's sand dam provision amongst other projects. 2024 has been quite the journey in our growth, and we look forward to becoming established in the US this next year alongside Empower Africa so we can invigorate our fundraising efforts. We will look to start planning another Tofauti Conservation Ball again scheduled for 2026, amongst other fundraising events so please do keep your eyes peeled.
Thank you for what you have done and continue to do, we couldn’t do it without you. Please reach out to us, or better still join us in trying to make a difference for Africa’s wildlife and people.
Crista Cullen MBE | Founder
A message from the Chair of Trustees
Having registered Tofauti with the UK Charity Commission in late 2022 and established the Board of Trustees, strategy and governance in 2023, 2024 was very much a year of consolidation and expansion.
Our priority in 2024 was to consolidate our early field success and deploy more funding into more ventures that would broaden our reach and impact. Crista has mentioned the ongoing work of the Tofauti tractor, the expansion and exportation of the 10% fence plan, the completion of the tourism eco-lodge in Kamungi conservancy, and our Crabs Alive project. These have been a blend of old and new that has successfully broadened our horizons, developed new skills and partnerships and created positive impacts in new ways and means. We are delighted with this progress.
We had the pleasure of appointing two new Trustees in 2024 - AIessandra Corrado joined in January to look after Social Media channels and Chris Smith came on board in June to take over our Finances. Our heartfelt thanks go to Peter Reynolds and Ben Moralee who stepped down, both of whom made meaningful contributions to our early establishment, and they carry on their involvement as advocates and ambassadors for the Tofauti family.
We have expanded our team in Kenya to support Crista with on the ground operations. Rose Taranu has joined to strengthen our local presence and provide logistical support and operational oversight, which is such an important part of our operating model/governance.
In 2025, our attention will turn to fund raising. We plan to close multiple new private syndicates and we will be planning our next Conservation Ball, most likely for 2026. We are also venturing into the US market for the first time in partnership with Empower Africa. Having developed our deployment capabilities, we want to increase the volume of fundraising to maintain this momentum and continue to create positive impacts.
On behalf of myself, our Founder and our Board, our gratitude goes to all our hard-working volunteers, our thanks to our donors for your continued support and generosity, and a big thank you to the various partners who have helped us to grow and develop these new projects, territories and skills. Your support is very much appreciated, and we look forward to working with you more in 2025.
Andrew Lewis | Chair of Tofauti Trustee Board