(Re-posted from the Research for Development. Click HERE for original article)

"Hunt Emerson, British comic book legend and renowned Beano contributor, is just back from working with the team behind an innovative youth communication initiative in Kenya. Hunt said "Shujaaz is one of the most exciting comics projects I've seen in 35 years in the business. It breaks new ground with its concept, and is so totally worthwhile that I feel privileged to be involved!"

February saw the launch of Shujaaz, a new monthly comic designed to entertain young Kenyans whilst providing them with positive messages and ideas to improve their lives. Shujaaz means 'hero' in Sheng, a mixture of Swahili and English widely spoken by cool young Kenyans and the language in which the comic is written.

Shujaaz has received funding from the DFID-funded Research into Use (RIU) Best Bets programme because of its unique approach to communication and its potential to disseminate messages, including those based on agricultural research outputs, to young people. The monthly comic is complemented with daily FM radio broadcasts and a television spin-off is planned. Shujaaz also has in place an SMS system through which it can engage directly with its youthful readers and listeners as well as a website. Additional mobile phone-based applications are also in the pipeline.

The print-run for 'chapta 1' of the comic was more than 500,000 copies. These were distributed as free inserts in the Daily Nation newspaper and also through mobile phone giant Safaricom’s nationwide network of Mpesa (money transfer) dealers. This combination ensures distribution to urban as well as rural areas and also makes them available throughout the month.

With the first issue on the streets, the project has the opportunity, briefly, to reflect on the success of the first issue – but more importantly to plan the next 12. Planning is important; the messages are embedded into the stories of the lives of four characters based on archetypal young Kenyans and also, in the case of agricultural issues, to ensure they are seasonally relevant.

As part of their support to the project, RIU introduced Well Told Story (WTS), the Nairobi-based company behind Shujaaz, to another Best Bets project, Farm Input Promotions Africa, which is now their major source of agricultural story lines. RIU also introduced WTS to British comic book legend and Beano contributor, Hunt Emerson.

Hunt is very excited about the Shujaaz initiative:

"Shujaaz is one of the most exciting comics projects I've seen in 35 years in the business. It breaks new ground with its concept, and is so totally worthwhile that I feel privileged to be involved!

I have just returned from a week in Nairobi working with the comic's artists on realising the stories they have devised. The atmosphere at the Well Told Story office is stimulating; the cartoonists are producing work that is enthusiastic, fresh, very professional, and comes from the same street level as the young readership it is aimed at.

My part has been to help discover and inspire young, new artists, and to work with them on how best to produce a comic book. This has included showing them how to work as a 'studio', collaborating with each other to produce strips on time, to deadline, using each other's talents in the best ways, with the notion that the finished pages are more important than the individual contributions. I am very impressed with the talents that are coming to light, resulting in work that stands comparison with anything drawn in the UK.

My trip included a visit to a school in a rural area, where the pupils were given copies of the comic for the first time. The way they were immediately and obviously drawn in, and recognised the relevance of the stories and characters to their own lives, proved without doubt that there is something happening here that could actually have an effect."

More information

• R4D project record for the Research Into Use Programme

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100 days out from the annual ‘lights out’ event, Earth Hour 2011 prepares to showcase a growing global community committed to taking environmental actions that go beyond the hour.

From its inception as a single-city initiative in 2007, Earth Hour has grown into a global movement where hundreds of millions of people from every continent join together to acknowledge the importance of protecting our planet.

Inspired by thousands of stories of people going beyond the hour, Earth Hour 2011 will ask individuals, businesses and governments the world over to add more to the annual switch off by showcasing how they are taking action to preserve their environment.

Earth Hour 2011 will ask the world to:

• Switch off your lights for Earth Hour at 8.30pm, Saturday 26 March 2011 and celebrate your commitment to the planet with the people of the world
• Sign up and Share stories of your actions that benefit the planet on earthhour.org
• Sustain your actions beyond the hour

“Earth Hour’s rapid growth over four years has proven that hundreds of millions people want to do more to protect their planet.” said Andy Ridley, Co-founder and Executive Director of Earth Hour.

“Whether it’s a child changing a classroom or a president changing a country, people, organizations and governments everywhere are invited to switch off their lights for Earth Hour 2011 and commit to taking action beyond the hour,” Andy said.

In February, earthhour.org will launch a platform enabling participants to share stories of what they’re doing or plan to do to make a real difference to their environment in the year ahead, showing that, no matter how big or small, together our actions add up.

Earth Hour 2010 was the largest voluntary action for the environment

The 100-day countdown to Earth Hour 2011 has begun, the iconic ‘lights out’ event that has seen some of the world’s most recognized landmarks, including the Forbidden City, Eiffel Tower, Buckingham Palace, Golden Gate Bridge, Table Mountain, Christ the Redeemer statue and Sydney Opera House switch off in a global celebration of the one thing that unites us all – the planet.

-ends-

About Earth Hour
Earth Hour is a global initiative in partnership with WWF. Individuals, businesses, governments and communities are invited to turn out their lights for one hour on Saturday March 26, 2011 at 8:30 PM to show their support for environmentally sustainable action. The event began in Sydney in 2007, when 2 million people switched off their lights. By 2010, Earth Hour had created history as the largest voluntary action ever witnessed with participation across 128 countries and every continent, including the world’s most recognized man-made marvels and natural wonders in a landmark environmental action.

About WWF
WWF is one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost five million supporters and a global network active in more than 100 countries. WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world’s biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.


Notes to Editors
Earth Hour2011 will take place at 8.30pm, Saturday, 26March, 2011.
A special Earth Hour ‘60+’ logo reflecting the call to go ‘beyond the hour’ in 2011 can be obtained in hi-res at the following link:

http://www.divshare.com/direct/13222108-5e9.zip


Interviews:
To interview Andy Ridley, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Earth Hour, please contact:
Billy Gentle, Earth Hour Global
Ph: +61 (0) 404 929 243 E: billy@earthhour.org

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On planning my trip I had expectations of what a month in Kenya would be like. Arriving at Muhaka, all expectations had already been surpassed. Eustace and Gladys made our group feel immediately at home and we bonded quickly. Dipesh talked us through the projects available and everyone was keen to get to work.

I spent my time building Mama’s house and teaching English at Muhaka Islamic Primary School. Mama showed us the spot and we began to build, the team never waivered in their passion to get the job done in the month we were there and with the expertise of Sam and Hamissi we got the house completed in 3 weeks. To see something come from nothing and to be able to hand over the house to mama, knowing we had made a difference to a woman’s life is a feeling you can’t forget easily. We spent time with her grandchildren playing games and dancing, they made it so much easier to stay positive when you got tired.

To say thank you for the house we had dancers come into Muhaka camp and perform for us, we joined in and then headed to Forty Thieves to continue the celebrations. Fourty Thieves, was the perfect “local”, every weekend we would head down there and get on the Tuskers. We spent our Saturdays on the beach, jet skiing, sunbathing, playing Frisbee, attempting the pontoon challenge, it was awesome.

 During my time teaching I was guided by Fatuma and learnt so much from her. The children were obedient, positive and so appreciative of what you had to offer them. The staff at Muhaka Islamic Primary were so welcoming and eager to share their culture and learn about mine. We met a girl, Monasha, who was desperate to attend secondary school but her Father could not afford to send her. Rachel, my Aussie twin, organised a collection and we presented a cheque so that Monasha can now attend the school she had dreamed of. She came to the camp to thank us and seeing her so happy was reward enough for the January team!

The food at Muhaka was brilliant; Jimmy and the kitchen crew had us well looked after and always chatted away while we washed up our plates. Evenings at camp were never boring; we would play pool, write our journals and have themed nights, tea party anyone? Australia day was brilliant, we played cricket, had a pool tournament and us Brits got an education on Aussie history.  

The one month crew said their goodbyes when we went to Mwaluganje to visit the elephant sanctuary. The most beautiful surroundings, we saw 25 elephants all along the river getting a drink and cooling down. We made paper out of elephant dung and built a road. We helped at another school in the area as part of their wildlife projects and got to chase goats. So much fun! It was a real change of pace from the busy village and gave us a chance to reflect on our trip so far. Plus showering under the stars on a mountain, who could ask for more?

We spent 5 days at Muhaka camp without the 2 and 3 month crew as they had their turn at the sanctuary and were so happy when they came home. We spent our last weekend making the most of being all together and had two awesome nights out at Forties.

The one month crew said their teary goodbyes to the Muhaka family and we headed to Tsavo. We met Ken the safari legend, who took us around Tsavo East where we saw giraffe, elephant, cheetah, zebra and lions.  Then we visited the Masai and got taught about their way of life. We had 3 amazing days with the wildlife and the remaining members of our Kenya family on the final leg of the trip. We said our goodbyes throughout the day as people made their way to their next destination, lots of tears, lots of laughter and the most incredible memories from the best month of my life. So many things are structured into 4 weeks and it’s overwhelming to think how much I achieved as part of a team and personally. I faced my fear of the sea and made some incredible friends. Camp Kenya has the perfect balance of culture, hard work, fun and education. People say you fall in love with Africa and they are right. An inspiring place and beautiful people. There is still so much work to be done so I urge anyone considering this to go for it. Asante sana to all at Camps International that make these experiences possible. Mikono Juu Na Cheza!

Lin “Leni” Fever

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WILDLIFE WORKS DELIVERS WORLD’S FIRST VCS REDD CARBON CREDITS

Leads The Way For REDD To Play Key Role In Halting Climate Change While Bringing Solutions To Rural Poverty And Endangered Wildlife

San Francisco, CA and Rukinga, Kenya – February 7, 2011 – Today, Wildlife Works announced its pioneering Kenya based Kasigau Corridor REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation) project as the first ever to be issued Voluntary Carbon Units (VCUs) for REDD under the Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS), the most widely used carbon accounting standard among projects issuing credits in the voluntary market. The company received early support for the project from Nedbank Group of South Africa, through a multi-million dollar carbon credit sale, brokered by Nedbank Capital, which demonstrates that Carbon markets can bring solutions to endangered forests, wildlife and enhance the well being of rural communities.  
 “This is a watershed moment for REDD projects everywhere because it demonstrates they can attract private investment to this critical work,” said VCS CEO David Antonioli. “These credits, which are the world’s very first REDD credits issued under a major third party GHG program, will chart the course for the conservation of large swaths of forest.”  
“This project is proof positive that REDD projects can engage communities in changing the economic incentives that drive deforestation,” said Antonioli. “Coupled with being able to measure emissions reductions accurately and generate verified credits, this is exactly what is needed to attract private investment for forest protection.”
 
In addition to delivering significant environmental and biodiversity conservation benefits to the region, the Wildlife Works Kasigau Corridor REDD project was designed to bring sustainable benefits to local communities in the form of job creation, education and direct financial rewards – all of which contributed to the project’s previous GOLD level validation with the Climate, Community and Biodiversity (CCB) Standard, the most rigorous standard for ensuring that communities and biodiversity benefit from climate change projects.  
According to Kevin Whitfield, Head of Carbon Finance for Nedbank Capital, the primary significance of the validation and verification of the Wildlife Works Kasigau Corridor REDD project is the evidence it presents that REDD is now a truly viable commercial investment market, rather than merely a means of delivering on environmental targets. “The realization of these VCS REDD credits illustrates Nedbank Group’s long-held belief in the commercial, environmental and social opportunities inherent in the carbon market,” Whitfield explains, “and is unquestionable proof that sound investment decisions and a strong social and environmental conscience are by no means mutually exclusive.”
 
Mike Korchinsky, founder and CEO of Wildlife Works echoed this sentiment and commended Nedbank Group for having the courage of its convictions to step forward and act on its commitment to be Africa’s first Carbon Neutral bank. By purchasing these offsets, Nedbank helps to bring broad benefits to rural Kenyans, while ensuring protection for Kenya’s magnificent biodiversity.  
“Thanks to Nedbank’s commitment and the hard work and dedication of the many people who have played a role in making this landmark event happen, the world is now witnessing the potential that exists for economic development to take place through global carbon markets,”  said Korchinsky, “and I am especially proud of the dedicated staff of Wildlife Works in Kenya led by Rob Dodson, VP African Field Operations, and in the US led by Jeremy Freund, VP Carbon Development who made this happen”  
Korchinsky added, “I am also immensely grateful to the Kenyan communities of the Kasigau Corridor who have been patient and continued to trust Wildlife Works to deliver unprecedented opportunities for sustainable development.”
 
Building on Nedbank Group’s early financial support for the project, Wildlife Works is now leveraging the extensive rural African experience it has gained. The organization aims to expand its innovative forestry protection model to other REDD projects in Africa and elsewhere in the world where biodiversity and communities face threats from deforestation.  
“The project was an excellent fit with the bank’s integrated approach to sustainable development and investment. As the recognised ‘green’ bank in South Africa, and one that fully subscribes to the guidelines of the Equator Principles, Nedbank Group is very pleased that the backing we were able to provide has helped establish Wildlife Works as a leading force in the rapidly emerging REDD marketplace. Projects like this align extremely well with Nedbank’s integrated approach to environmental, social and economic sustainability and afford us a valuable opportunity to tangibly demonstrate the value of such an approach for all our stakeholders.” said Whitfield.
 
The project was validated and verified against the VCS REDD “Methodology for Avoided Mosaic Deforestation of Tropical Forests”, developed by Wildlife Works.
 
"We are impressed with the very high standards that Wildlife Works established for this project" said Sam Stevenson, who leads REDD Climate Change Activities at DNV, the validation and verification entity for the project. “It was clear throughout our evaluations in Kenya that every detail of the project has been carefully managed.”
 
Wildlife Works selected Markit to register the Kasigau Corridor REDD project. Markit Environmental Registry will provide Wildlife Work’s REDD VCU credits with financial markets registry infrastructure for their carbon credit serialization, transactions and documentation.  
 
“We believe the global voluntary carbon marketplace is ready for carbon credits that the average consumer can relate to. Carbon credits that protect natural forests, endangered species and the livelihoods of Africa’s rural communities will be massively appealing to organizations or consumers wanting to do their part by reducing their own carbon footprint.” said Korchinsky
 
About Wildlife Works Wildlife Works is a leader in applying innovative market based solutions to the conservation of biodiversity. The company established Wildlife Works Carbon llc, a new joint venture to pursue the use of the emerging marketplace for REDD Carbon Offsets as a sustainable and scalable funding mechanism for biodiverse forest protection and to help local landowners in the developing world monetize their forest and biodiversity assets whether they are governments, communities, ownership groups or private individuals.
 
The company’s flagship “Kasigau Corridor REDD project” protects over 500,000 acres of forest and brings the benefits of direct carbon financing to Kenyan communities while also securing the entire wildlife migration corridor between Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks.  Wildlife Works is actively developing a portfolio of additional REDD projects in Africa with an aim to; protect 5 Million hectares of native forest that will mitigate 25 million tons of CO2 emissions annually, create thousands of sustainable jobs for rural Africans and secure enduring markets for the products they produce.
 

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