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Representing a critical piece of the Kenyan circuit , it not only offers a world-class game experience but also aligns with many of our ambitious impact objectives in terms of securing and protecting endangered wildlife and habitat ecosystems , as well as enabling conservation through empowered communities ,” explains Joss Kent , andBeyond CEO and Executive Chairman .
“ In Suyian Conservancy and Space for Giants we have found the perfect partnership through which to bring our dream to reality . We are totally aligned in our goals to create one of the finest conservancy and lodge operations in Kenya and , indeed , Africa .”
Space for Giants was founded by Dr Max Graham ten years ago , off the back of research into the conflict between people and elephants in Laikipia , home to the second largest population of elephants in Kenya and one of the largest free-roaming populations on the continent . A key lesson from this research , the importance of removing the cost of wildlife to local people and replacing it with benefits , has driven a strategy of transforming private ranches into wildlife conservancies owned by not-forprofit trusts , attracting investment into enterprises that can ensure the region is valued , not just because it protects critically important biodiversity , but also because it generates employment and builds the local and national economy .
“ Space for Giants has grown immensely in the last ten years and now operates across eleven countries in Africa ,” explains Dr
Graham . “ If Laikipia is the heart of the organisation , Suyian is its soul . Last year , through the generosity of the former owners of Suyian and a transformational gift by American philanthropist Louis Bacon , we were able to support the transition of ownership of the 44 000 acres to the Suyian Conservancy Trust , a Kenyan not-for-profit . This will ensure Suyian and its wildlife are protected in perpetuity for the benefit of Kenyans and , indeed , the world .”
The partnership between andBeyond and Suyian Conservancy represents an important milestone in the property becoming a leading financially selfsufficient model for Protected Area Management in Africa .
ISSUE 64 2024 THE ART OF LUXURY