The Big Conservation Lie is a book written by Mordecai Ogada and John Mbaria, two native Kenyan authors who seek to challenge the commonly held beliefs about the environmental movement.
They argue that the conservation narrative in Kenya and much of Africa is heavily influenced by colonialism, racism, and exploitation.
One of the main ideas they seek to dismantle is the belief that wilderness was untouched by humans until the arrival of Europeans.
They suggest that this narrative is fueled by deception and bribery and excludes the participation of native communities.
Instead, the authors advocate for closer partnerships with local and tribal communities and a greater respect for the indigenous expertise about the natural world that exists in Kenya and other parts of Africa.
They argue that this is the key to finding African solutions to Africa’s problems. By working with local communities and taking advantage of their knowledge and resources, it is possible to preserve wildlife and wilderness more inclusively and transparently.
Overall, The Big Conservation Lie is a thought-provoking and important read for anyone interested in the struggles of the environmental movement.
It challenges the traditional narrative of conservation efforts and offers an alternative approach that is more inclusive and respectful of the expertise and resources of local communities
