Update from Big5Protection Operations in Malawi…

We were contacted by our old friend, Lynn Clifford, at Wildlife Action Group (WAG), who is the manager of Thuma Forest and Dedza-Salima Forest Reserves in Malawi. She is currently facing an unprecedented increase in poaching and criminal activity and a host of other crisis situations, the outcomes of which could be critical for the future of these reserves. 

In the last week, armed poacher teams with dogs have entered the parks in huge numbers and decimated the wildlife. Lynn’s rangers are unarmed and outnumbered. We had to do what we could to help. 

At short notice, we deployed our Intelligence and Community Lead, Dean, to assist. He is fresh on the ground and here is his first update: 

 “Absolute pleasure to be able to assist WAG at Thuma Forrest Reserve in Malawi. Lynn Clifford, Reserve Manager, is a force of nature; If you imagined a Swiss Army Knife was a person, that would be Lynn. On my first day with her, within 1 hour I saw her brief multiple Ranger Patrols for immediate rapid and integrated deployment; she then broke off to give a basic physio routine to a recovering Ranger; then discussed and assessed the calorific intake and preparation of a new porridge that she had been given for her troops. She is respected and adored in equal measures by her Rangers and Supporting staff. She has an honest and direct approach that in an ever increasing ‘woke world’ is refreshing. 

The reserve is under siege from local poacher; a situation that has been compounded by a recent decline in the local economy and fuel shortages. This has put even more pressure on the reserve’s limited resources. Lynn’s team are doing their best to respond to the increased threat and rise in incursions into the reserve. These criminals are involved in poaching and illegal charcoal production but it is a never-ending task. Funding is tight and incidents that need responding to are relentless. 

The Intelligence systems in place were effective. As with all the parks and reserves, Big 5 engage with, I am working with the Intel staff to refine and maximise the effectiveness of what they are doing; to manage Community-sourced information into Actionable Intelligence. 

All the Rangers are highly motivated, respectful and keen to learn. 

In closing, can I say that if anyone out there who has thought about volunteering to help out in Africa or anywhere else that would benefit from aid, stop thinking and start doing! You don’t have to be ex-Military Special Forces or gung-ho medics, you just need to be competent in the useful services that you can offer and most importantly, have the ability to communicate in sometimes quite challenging environments. 

I don’t know when I will send the next update, as Lynn has some jobs for me to do! Stay safe and strong”. Speak soon… 

Dean”