Over the past two days a strong contingent from the North West Lion Working Group attended the Puros Conservancy Annual General Meeting (AGM). While Puros has been experiencing some intra-conservancy difficulties over the past few months, it was heartening to see that the AGM was well-attended and that discussion concerning the past year and upcoming years in the Conservancy was quite vigorous. Particular issues of note were joint-venture contracts with tourism operators in the Conservancy and balancing the role of Traditional Authorities with the Conservancy Committee. While it may not always be pretty, this is direct democracy at the absolute grassroots.

The AGM also presented an opportunity to complete more farmer surveys, as some of the gentlemen came from difficult to access locations.

Thanks to the Puros Committee, particularly Chairman Allu Uararavi. Thanks to Puros for its hospitality – the portions of meat at the AGM were particularly generous.