Caroline Lumosi
In this Interview with Rotimi Olawale, Caroline Lumosi, a Kenyan Environmental Scientists and a Post-graduate student at the Wageningen University in the Netherlands shares her experience on working around conservation and environmental issues in Kenya
Q: Can you give us a brief introduction of you, who you are, what you do and where you work?
I am a simple girl, who loves nature, poetry, singing, watching plays, classical music, adventure, networking and I am passionate about conservation and I ask a lot of questions. I guess that’s why am a “scientist”. I am an Environmental Practitioner by profession and I have worked in the conservation field in the area of forest conservation, climate change and community livelihood issues. My previous work was with the Environment Liaison Center International – ELCI in Kenya, I am currently pursuing my masters in Forest and Nature Conservation in Wageningen University, The Netherlands
Q: How did you get involved in environmental protection and climate change advocacy?
I would say I had a keen interest in nature and conservation from a tender age inspired by nature and my parents into the field, after campus due to my curiosity and asking too many questions, I would find myself in several workshops and meetings and one thing led to another I would get offers to intern or do some work related to my field and eventually i landed in conservation
Q: Many people in this part of the world still do not believe that climate change is real, how would you convince them if given a chance?
I don’t need to convince anyone you just need to look outside your window and see, the changes are drastic and sporadic we can hardly predict weather patterns, we are less certain of our climate in the next 30 years, history also tells a story, looking back at the climate from the early 40, 50, 60 and to present we see rapid increase and (decrease in some places) in global temperatures, rainfall patterns, seasons among others, the change is here we just need to be keen to see it
Q: You have benefited from attending international trainings and conferences, have these had any impact on your work? Can you share some examples?
It has been a privileged and honour to participate and actively contribute in several international fora, this has definitely changed my perspective of life and thinking, my view of the climate change work has been advanced, as an advocate the change has to start with you then flow to the people that you want to change, I work with various youth groups at different social settings and I actively try to preach the water I am drinking in relation to conservation. Several young people have requested me to be their career mentors and to me this is humbling, I many not change the whole world but If i can change just one person’s perception towards issues of conservation, I would term my efforts as successful, I want to exemplify the humming bird in Waangari Maathia’s story doing the best I can a step at a time 🙂
Caroline on the field
Q: How has environmental factors affected the livelihoods of fishing communities around Lake Victoria?
The fishing communities around Lake Victoria are faced with several environmental factors. Among them are issues of pollution of the lake, deforestation of the catchment and lower fish catch at different seasons. There are several anthropogenic and natural factors that may cause these issues and for ELCI the key to facilitating these communities to solve their issue is to enable them to recognize where the problem is, how will it be a problem to them and their livelihoods and what can they as the owners of the problem do to address this, ELCI is building the capacities of the groups to better advocate for issues within their community, ELCI is also assisting the community groups form strong advocacy networks to enhance facilitation. I must say that i no longer work with ELCI as i am currently pursuing my masters degree.
Q: Where do you see yourself in the next 10years?
Oh I could fill a whole page about this! 🙂
Well I see Caroline Lumosi as a change agent an advocate for nature and people, I see myself working more with community groups, in policy issues, livelihood issues and conducting research because i am very curious, so I have got to find the answers to my many questions.
Q: If you were given a chance to change one policy in Kenya, what will it be?
Wow this is a tough one, I guess I have always been passionate about forests, I would not necessary want to change any policy but I would find a way to strengthen what already exists, to make it more practical, for example there are many policies in Kenya dealing with environmental issues, some of them clash and some contradict each other, my desire would be so see these policies working in harmony and most importantly being properly implemented at the grass root level. I look forward to the day when the real benefits of conservation and nature are directly felt by the communities that are adorned with these resources.
Q: Who are your role models?
I tend to pick out something from most people I interact with at various levels, I tend to admire several aspects in different people, I look up to the people I work with, the youth groups, the community groups. My parents have been my greatest inspiration through exemplifying hardwork, persistence and faith in God. My siblings always encourage me they keep calling me CEO, while my friends refer to me as mama misitu (mother of forest), i have tried to shake off this terms but it keeps coming back i guess its here to stick and i like it! 🙂
Q: How would you like to be remembered?
I inspired you to bring about a positive change!
Caroline in a discussion with Watamu Community in Kenya
Q: What are your parting words?
1. Do not try to conquer the world, but do the best you can one step at a time a day at a time
2. Something beautiful happens when people come together towards a common cause, building strong working networks is key, being open to ideas and sharing information freely will facilitate this
3. Smile, its a beautiful world 🙂
