The African Safari Lecture - Oct. 14
Join Mike DeVivo, Professor of Geography for a special lecture Tuesday, October 14 at 1 p.m. in Sneden 108 while he discusses his experiences in Sub Saharan Africa. A “bucket list” item for many, the African safari is only a dream for most. Some lucky travelers might find themselves in five-star accommodations with close-up views of lions and elephants, and others might lodge in leaky tents and view wildlife only from a distance. Some might be guests of companies committed to conservation, sustainability and the welfare of indigenous people in nearby communities, and others will lodge in camps owned by investors who seek only to gain financial profit. In fact, despite what one might glean from TripAdvisor reviews, most safari companies in Africa’s Safari-Belt countries can be considered questionable. Discussions of responsible ecotourism at academic geography conferences have lent considerable insight, as have conversations with indigenous people in their villages, visits to safari lodges and fieldwork in national parks and nature reserves. With 20 years of fieldwork in Sub Saharan Africa, as well as participation in numerous academic conferences, Mike has gained substantial understanding of African wildlife conservation, community development and the role of safari tourism. IIPD funding has supported not only conference presentations, but also fieldwork. Illustrated with photos of African wildlife, this lecture promises to be informative while providing insight concerning the African safari.