Episode 04 - An Interview With Damien Mander

This week saw the anticipated release of the National Geographic documentary, “Akashinga - The Brave Ones”. The 13 minute documentary is produced by James Cameron and co-produced and directed by Maria Wilhelm. It is masterful and showcases what must be one of the greatest conservation stories of our time. It dispels the traditional faceless and emotionless facade of militarized conservation and instead offers an insight into the individuals who have become the benchmark for community based anti-poaching programs the world over. Their vulnerability and defiance of social convention in becoming rangers provides us with a rare view not just into conservation, but equally importantly, into the socio-economic challenges faced by women across the African continent. The visionary behind Akashinga is the Founder of the IAPF - the International Anti-Poaching Foundation, Damien Mander. With remarkable story of his own, Damien has committed his life to the initiative and is, after 11 years, seeing some very hard earned results. In this interview, Damien shares his journey in creating the documentary, what the deserved global focus on the documentary means to IAPF, his commitment to veganism and finally, his vision for what still needs to be done. To support IAPF, please visit their website to donate.To watch the documentary, see below and visit www.akashinga.film