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MERC Maasai Environmental Resource CoalitionWildland Adventures supports the Maasai Environmental Resource Coalition (MERC), a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the wildlife and Maasai cultures of East Africa. The Maasai Environmental Resource CoalitionWildland Adventures supports the Maasai Environmental Resource Coalition [MERC], a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the wildlife and Maasai cultures of East Africa. 1. General information – please visit MERC’s website at: http://www.maasaierc.org 2. Contributions are made to a USA bank 3. Contact Kurt Kutay, Vice-President, MERC USA, Seattle WA, 206-365-0686 or EMAIL: kkutay@maasaierc.org Wildland’s largest contribution for our Africa trips is to the Maasai Environmental Resource Coalition. We encourage African-oriented travel agents, tour wholesalers and inbound ground operators to learn more about MERC and support its work because there is no more direct connection to grassroots Maasai in Kenya and Tanzania than this network of grassroots Maasai organizations. Furthermore, Wildland Adventures and MERC have developed a new community-based ecotourism program that not only provides more benefit for Maasai, but gives travelers a very authentic and meaningful cultural experience. Wildland has a 20 minute documentary about our new “Maasailand Safari” available for presentations. Furthermore, Mr. Meitamei Dapash, a native Kenyan Maasai and Executive Director of MERC currently located in Washington DC, is also available to make presentations in the US as well as Wildland Adventures President, Kurt Kutay. The Maasai Environmental Resource Coalition (MERC) is a grassroots non-governmental organization founded in 1987 in Kenya. MERC is also registered in United States with offices in Washington, D.C. Since its inception, MERC has diligently upheld its mission of advocating for positive social, economic, and political change of the Maasai community, and successfully implemented numerous development projects—ranging from water projects to girls’ education; and from micro economic enterprises projects for Maasai women to HIV/AIDS awareness education. Though facing the shortage of operational resources, MERC has successfully brought social and economic empowerment to Maasai women; raised community awareness on environmental threats posed by inappropriately planned human activities; raised the community interest in formal education and gave education opportunity through scholarship awards to many underprivileged Maasai children throughout Maasailand; brought water to the thirst-stricken communities in Amboseli; introduced HIV/AIDS awareness education among sections of the Maasai people in Amboseli through a 6-month program; highlighted (both nationally and internationally) economic, educational, social, cultural, and environmental problems of the Maasai people through UN conventions, electronic and print media, and formal publications. MERC can proudly point out to the community and its sponsors these tangible benefits! 2. MERC’s Mission The mission of the Maasai Environmental Resource Coalition is to advocate for the protection of the traditional land rights of the Maasai people, and for conservation, management and sustainable use of the great ecosystems of East Africa. To ensure their survival, MERC supports social cultural, educational and economic development of the Maasai peoples in Kenya and Tanzania. For any other questions contact Kurt Kutay at Wildland Adventures: kurt@wildland.com Wildest regards, Wildland Adventures |
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