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2 episodes with iapf
2 episodes with iapf
2 episodes with iapf
2 episodes with iapf
This is a replay of episode 96 with Damian Mander, originally aired on August 11, 2021. Prepare to be riveted by the extraordinary saga of Damien Mander, a former military sniper turned vegan anti-poaching crusader, as he shares the intimate details of his harrowing journey from the battlefield to the front lines of wildlife conservation. Damien's raw account of grappling with the aftermath of military life, his descent into substance abuse, and the profound epiphany that led him to Africa reveals a man reborn with a fierce determination to defend the voiceless. Our conversation traverses the emotional landscape of his transformation, a stirring testament to the power of second chances and the indomitable human spirit to affect real, tangible change in the world. This episode is an evocative expedition into the heart of conservation, where Damien has dismantled the status quo by championing women's empowerment through the groundbreaking Akashinga program. Venture behind the scenes of the International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF) with us, as we explore how this visionary initiative is reshaping the narrative of environmental stewardship. Discover how placing women at the helm is not only revolutionizing the field of conservation but also knitting together the fabric of local communities by weaving gender equality, job creation, and sustainable development into a cohesive strategy for lasting impact. Guest Bio: Australian-born Damien is an Iraq war veteran who served as a Naval clearance diver and Special Operations sniper for Australia. In 2009 while traveling through Africa, he was inspired by the work of rangers and the plight of wildlife. Liquidating his life savings, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF) was established to be the last line of defense for nature. Over the past decade, the IAPF has scaled to train and support rangers which now help protect over 20 million acres of the African wilderness. In 2017 Damien founded ‘Akashinga - Nature Protected by Women', an IAPF program that has already grown to over 240 employees with 8 nature reserves in the portfolio. They are the only group of nature reserves in the world to be protected by women. Their goal is to employ 1000 women by 2026, protecting a network of 20 nature reserves. He is the winner of the 2019 Winsome Constance Kindness Gold Medal, a prestigious international recognition for services to animals and humans. Past recipients include Sir David Attenborough and Dr. Jane Goodall. He was featured in The Game Changers by Academy Award-winning director James Cameron and has now released another documentary with Cameron and National Geographic about his work with the women of Akashinga. He is a resident speaker for National Geographic and was featured in their magazine in 2019, has spoken at the United Nations, appeared three times on 60 Minutes, and was recognized by the Dutch Government as a Gender Champion. To hear bonus footage with Damian & Carly check out Patreon! Thanks for listening to another episode. Follow, review, and share to help Consciously Clueless grow! Work with me. Join the conscious community on Patreon. Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Youtube | Tiktok Music by Matthew Baxley
The Evolution of an Environmentalist: From Counterinsurgency to Anti-Poaching: Damien Mander "If we don't protect it, there's going to be nothing left. This is our backyard. There's a responsibility upon all of us to look after nature in whatever way we can." - Damien Mander Discover the remarkable journey of a former special operations sniper who transitioned from a life of combat to becoming the founder and CEO of the International Antipoaching Foundation. From the intensity of military operations in Iraq to the African wilderness, Damien Mander's transformation will leave you inspired. But that's not the end of the story. Join us as we learn more about his efforts in leading a team of female rangers, the Ashakinga, in protecting Zimbabwe's wildlife from the devastating impact of poaching. His story tale of unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation and the inspiring people he has met on his journey. About Damien: Damien Mander, a former Australian Navy clearance diver and special operations military sniper, is widely recognized as the founder and CEO of the International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF). After a pivotal encounter in Africa, he committed his life savings to establish the IAPF, focusing on training and supporting rangers across African wilderness. Notably, Mander's innovative approach led to the formation of the first all-female Ashakinga rangers in Zimbabwe, marking a significant advancement in wildlife conservation. With a steadfast goal to employ 1000 women by 2025, Damien Mander's strategic leadership has positioned the IAPF as a prominent force in wildlife conservation and anti-poaching initiatives, contributing significantly to the protection of endangered species and their habitats. With insights from influential figures like Dr. Jane Goodall and Dr. Ian Player, the conversation underscores the importance of protecting nature for future generations. Damien's journey and dedication serve as a compelling reminder of the vital role each individual plays in preserving wildlife. Learn More: • Discover effective wildlife conservation efforts to make a positive impact. • Learn about the International Antipoaching Foundation's critical role in protecting endangered species. • Uncover strategies for safeguarding high target species from poaching threats. • Understand the importance of addressing root causes of poaching for long-term conservation success. • Find inspiration from role models in conservation and their impactful contributions. • Understand the importance of addressing root causes of poaching in conservation efforts. • Learn about Akashinga — originally named the International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF) — was founded in 2009 by Australian-born and Zimbabwean-based environmentalist Damien Mander. https://films.nationalgeographic.com/akashinga https://www.akashinga.org/about-us/our-story Follow Us On These Channels: https://www.linkedin.com/emydigrappa www.ThinkWY.org https://www.facebook.com/storiesaboutwhy https://www.instagram.com/storiesaboutwhy Listen on all your favorite platforms and subscribe! As always leave a review if you enjoyed these stories and follow us on Instagram or visit the webpage of the Wyoming Humanities! Sign up for the podcast newsletter using the QR code of follow this link: http://eepurl.com/igy4fH
“You're seeing young men going to prison or getting buried in the ground because they're out there poaching rhinos. And, it just drove a bigger wedge between conservation efforts and the communities. There's only so many times you can look into the eyes of a woman who's lost a brother or a husband or a father or an uncle and expect that we're going to have some sort of relationship with that community. It was the same as Iraq, you've got an occupying force there, which is what we were as a conservation body, and there were no hearts and minds. So, we started doing a lot of research into, what was the most effective tool in community development in Africa. And what we found was an overwhelming body of evidence that said empowering women was the single greatest force for positive change, not only in Africa but across the world.” - Damien Mander Damien Mander is the founder and CEO of Akashinga, an organization that is changing everything we ever thought we knew about how conservation works. Formerly known as the International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF), Akashinga is a nature conservation organization that creates resilient ecosystems where nature, wildlife and communities will thrive together for years to come. Akashinga Rangers are Africa's first plant-based all women anti-poaching unit, and they are revolutionizing the ways that animals are protected, the communities are supported and that wilderness landscapes are restored and safeguarded. Damien is an Iraq war veteran who served as a Naval clearance diver and special operations sniper for the Australian Defense Force. In 2009 he founded the IAPF which later became Akashinga. Damien is the winner of the 2019 Winsome Constance Kindness Gold Medal. He was featured in the James Cameron documentaries “The Game Changers” and National Geographic's “Akashinga – The Brave One's'” about his work with the women of Akashinga. LINKS: AKASHINGA.org https://www.instagram.com/weareakashinga/ https://twitter.com/weareakashinga https://www.facebook.com/weareakashinga
Welcome, everyone. Before we get started, I would like to say a special thank you to the gracious sponsor of this episode's Stratum Tectorium. Outwest Design and Fabrication. You can see all of their beautifully made farrier and vet bodies on full display on their Facebook page. While you're there, maybe just reach out and tell them ~ Thank you for making this episode possible. Way back in one of the first episodes of the podcast, I had complained to a guest that I was struggling to get my hands on a copy of Chris Gregory's forging book, the one that he had written before his infamous textbook. Shortly thereafter, a stranger I'd never met sent me my own copy. He apparently had two. I've had the great pleasure of meeting this gentleman several times since mostly at the HoofCare Summit in Cincinnati, Ohio where Mike Bagley JIICF, APF-I is a constant fixture at the IAPF's booth in the trade show hall. As you will hear he's a kind and humble man who really wants to give back to the industry that has given him so much. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did. Buy The Show A Virtual Coffee: https://ko-fi.com/mullinsfarrierpodcast Swag Shop USA: https://urstore.net/group/mullins-farrier Swag Shop Canada: https://urstore.ca/group/mullins-farrier_531000
Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2023.07.17.549371v1?rss=1 Authors: Finley, A. J., Angus, D. J., Knight, E., van Reekum, C. M., Lachman, M. E., Davidson, R. J., Schaefer, S. M. Abstract: Measures of intrinsic brain function at rest show promise as predictors of cognitive decline in humans, including EEG metrics such as individual alpha peak frequency (IAPF) and the aperiodic exponent, reflecting the strongest frequency of alpha oscillations and the relative balance of excitatory:inhibitory neural activity, respectively. Both IAPF and the aperiodic exponent decrease with age and have been associated with worse executive function and working memory. However, few studies have jointly examined their associations with cognitive function, and none have examined their association with longitudinal cognitive decline rather than cross-sectional impairment. In a preregistered secondary analysis of data from the longitudinal Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study, we tested whether IAPF and aperiodic exponent measured at rest predict cognitive function (N = 234; age at EEG recording M = 54.86, SD = 10.76) over 10 years. The IAPF and the aperiodic exponent interacted to predict decline in overall cognitive ability, even after controlling for age, sex, education, and lag between data collection timepoints. Post-hoc tests showed that "mismatched" IAPF and aperiodic exponents (e.g., higher exponent with lower IAPF) predicted greater cognitive decline compared to "matching" IAPF and aperiodic exponents (e.g., higher exponent with higher IAPF; lower IAPF with lower aperiodic exponent). These effects were largely driven by measures of executive function. Our findings provide the first evidence that IAPF and the aperiodic exponent are joint predictors of cognitive decline from midlife into old age and thus may offer a useful clinical tool for predicting cognitive risk in aging. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info Podcast created by Paper Player, LLC
This Episode: Mike returns from the IHCS - On the phone; Mike's apprentice Ryan Thayer - New farriers getting started - Joining the IAPF to further your farrier business - Nurse turn farrier - Official announcement for Mike Stine WATCHASK JOIN
This Episode: We talk to International Association of Professional Farriers board members; Todd Santoro and Lester Yoder - Bedside manners with farriers - How to continue education - Not for profit - Amish Clinics - Open to everyone to enroll - The key to professionalism as a farrier YOUTUBE QUESTIONS JOIN IAPF
To celebrate my five year vegan anniversary, I have decided to shave my head!WHY you ask? It's for a good cause! During the month of September I am calling on you to donate! I have a goal of raising $3000 to fund a ranger on the ground in Africa. International Anti Poaching Foundation (IAPF) rangers are the first line of defence for Africa's wildlife. IAPF was founded by former Australian Royal Navy Clearance Diver and Special Operations military sniper Damien Mander in 2009. The organisation has now grown to have 500 staff protecting 8 million acres, resulting in an 80% decrease in wildlife poaching and 399% increase in wildlife populations. IAPF's goal is to have 1000 staff protecting 20 million acres by 2026. In this episode, I share the importance of knowing my purpose to help overcome my fears, as well as finding a way to help organisations from afar. DONATE - http://www.akyndlife.comhttps://www.iapf.org/
"We're quick to try and find bandaid solutions to problems we face, while ignoring a solution that's spent the last 5 billion years evolving, and that is nature. It's the best regulating system we have on this planet."Today's conversation is with Damien Mander. Damien is an activist and founder of the International Anti Poaching Foundation. He has a unique background in that he is a former Australian Royal Navy clearance diver and special ops military sniper. His work has been featured on The Guardian, ABC, National Geographic, Forbes, The Game Changers and was the winner of the 2019 Winsome Constance Kindness Gold Medal, a prestigious international recognition for services to animals and humanity.Video version: https://youtu.be/7Tzylk94WTI The key topics in today's episode:03:30 - Who is Damien Mander06:30 - Different types of poaching09:00 - How poaching works12:00 - Impacting local communities15:00 - Human-animal conflict18:00 - Having hope20:30 - The reduction of poaching29:00 - Conservation on a global scale35:00 - Fully plant based Akashinga rangers40:00 - How dangerous is being a ranger42:00 - Being vegan is "not manly"48:00 - Becoming a ranger50:00 - Words of wisdomResources:Connect with Damien:Website | https://www.iapf.org/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/int.anti.poaching.foundation/Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/damien_mander/LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/damienmander/Get 10% Off Four Sigmatic With Code: PLANT10foursigmaticinternational.sjv.io/P0kPPQConnect with me:Instagram | @plant.paradigmYouTube | The Plant ParadigmTwitter | @plantparadigmWebsite | www.theplantparadigm.comSubscribe to the podcast:Apple | Spotify Stay happy,Eat plants,Peace
Damien is an Iraq war veteran who served as a Naval clearance diver and special operations sniper for the Australian Defense Force. He is an environmentalist and founder and CEO of the International Anti-Poaching Foundation. In 2009 while traveling through Africa, he was inspired by the work of rangers and the plight of wildlife. Liquidating his life savings, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF) was established as the last line of defense for nature. Over the past decade, the IAPF has scaled to train and support rangers which now help protect over 4 million hectares of the African wilderness. In 2017 IAPF founded ‘Akashinga – Nature Protected by Women', a program that has already grown to over 170 employees, becoming the only group of nature reserves in the world to be protected by women. The goal is to employ 1000 women by 2025, protecting a network of 20 nature reserves, all managed by the IAPF. Damien is the winner of the 2019 Winsome Constance Kindness Gold Medal, a prestigious international recognition for services to animals and humanity. Past recipients include Sir David Attenborough and Dr. Jane Goodall. He was featured in the newly released James Cameron documentary The Game Changers and is now releasing another documentary with James Cameron and National Geographic about his work with the women of Akashinga. To support and give to the Gianna Simone Foundation: http://bit.ly/1GU6few STAY CONNECTED WITH ME: Plant Love cookbook: https://giannasimone.com/checkouts/pl... Website: http://giannasimone.com/ Facebook: http://facebook.com/GiannaSimone Instagram: gsimone - http://instagram.com/gsimone Twitter: http://twitter.com/GiannaSimone1 IMDb: http://imdb.me/GiannaSimone
“In conservation, the lost causes are the best worth fighting for.” This week, Kathy speaks with Damien Mander, the renowned war veteran and founder of the International Anti-Poaching Foundation. In this informative episode, Kathy and Damien discuss:Damien's unique path to animal activism after an extensive military career ultimately led to establishing found the IAPFHow Damien transitioned to a vegan lifestyle in 2012 after realizing that he “ran out of excuses” for not going plant-based sooner: “I was saving some and eating others.”Why nature is the “best self-regulating system” and how IAPF approaches environmental issues through social justice activism, including scholarships and health care reform, in neighboring communitiesAkashinga: Africa's first armed, plant-based, all-women anti-poaching unit whose lives are completely changed by finding their voices and purpose in their workKatana, the newest canine member of IAPF, and the role of working dogs as part of the ranger team in AfricaTo follow the IAPF and stay updated on their work, check out their social media pages here:FacebookInstagramTwitterFind the Akashinga documentary short from National Geographic here.Watch Damien's Ted Talk here.Connect with Kathy Stevens:Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal SanctuaryTwitter: @CASanctuaryBook: Where the Blind Horse SingsWebsite: CASanctuary.orgInstagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuaryYouTube: Catskill Animal SanctuaryTikTok: @CASanctuary
Damien Mander is the founder and CEO of the International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF). He is a former Australian Royal Navy clearance diver and a special operations military sniper who became an anti-poaching crusader and an environmental and animal welfare activist. In 2009, while traveling through Africa, he was inspired by the work of rangers and the plight of wildlife. He liquidated his life savings and established the International Anti-Poaching Foundation. Over the past decade, the IAPF has scaled to train and support rangers which now help protect over 20 million acres of African wilderness. In 2017 Damien founded ‘Akashinga - Nature Protected by Women,' an IAPF program that has already grown to over 240 employees with 7 nature reserves in the portfolio. They are the only group of nature reserves in the world to be protected by women. And, these women are changing the game in terms of what it means to fight poaching. Damien was featured in the James Cameron documentary The Game Changers and has now released another documentary with James Cameron and National Geographic about his work with the women of Akashinga – “The Brave One's.” He is a resident of the National Geographic Speakers Bureau, has spoken at the United Nations, is featured in June 2019's National Geographic Magazine, and has been featured three times on 60 Minutes. And, if you haven't seen it, watch his TEDx Talk at the Sidney Oprah House, it's just awesome. It was an honor to spend time with Damien. He is a warrior, a hero, and a man who understands what it means to never stop evolving.
In the 7th episode of the Principles of Change podcast, I discuss the work of the International Anti Poaching Foundation with its founder, Damien Mander. Damien is a former Australian Royal Navy Clearance Diver and Special Operations military sniper who used his life savings and funds to start the International Anti Poaching Foundation, where we find the Akashinga: Africa's first armed, plant-based, all-women anti-poaching unit. In Today's Episode:Intro & Damien's StoryHow the IAPF startedDo confrontations get violent?Are all the rangers really Vegan?How many animals have you saved?What about demilitarisation?How can people help?Damien's Principles of Changehttps://www.iapf.orgDownload this app to help animal sanctuaries and non profits at NO cost to you!Sign up with referral code: SEBALEX https://bit.ly/39rKNDi
Damien grew up on the east coast of Australia, spending most of his life between Melbourne and Sydney. Some would say he lived in the ocean, enjoying free diving and scuba diving. Damien had the opportunity of turning his passion into a career with the Australian Navy, when he became a Naval Clearance Diver. He later served with the Special Operations unit of the Australian Army, an elite brotherhood that thrived on having a mission and purpose. After nine years in the military, Damien knew it was time to move on after experiencing burnout. He travelled along the coast of South America for 11 months feeling lost and hit rock bottom, which was a turning point. Having heard about the conservation effort in Africa, Damien decided to go on a six month African adventure through the southern part of the continent. Damien went to Africa looking for a fight, but he never expected to witness the struggles and challenges rangers faced on the ground. It made him reflect on the reasons for being in Africa and inspired him to do something different with his life. Damien founded the International Anti Poaching Foundation in 2009. At the time, the conversation effort in Africa had become highly militarised, which Damien recognised was not a sustainable strategy within the local indigenous community. Damien utilised one of his greatest strengths, his ability to evolve and created Akashinga, an all female, plant based, anti poaching unit. Akashinga began with just 16 women protecting 90,000 acres of reserves in Zimbabwe. The program has been such a success for conservation and community development, that it has now been scaled to over 300 staff protecting 8 reserves and 1.3 million acres across three countries. National Geographic recently produced a short documentary called "Akashinga: The Brave Ones" which celebrates the impact the program is having for communities, wildlife and the environment. Damien not only raises awareness about his organisation and the plight of African wildlife, but also the link between veganism and conservation. He is a Director of Conservation Guardians and Speaker for National Geographic Live Bureau. In this episode, Damien also shares an insight into the dynamic role of rangers, his path to veganism and advice for people trying to make a difference for animals. https://www.iapf.org/https://www.instagram.com/int.anti.poaching.foundation/https://www.facebook.com/iapf.org/Akashinga: The Braves Ones (Documentary)https://www.iapf.org/the-filmTEDx TalksModern Warrior - https://youtu.be/9FCsyK4aRXQFrom Sniper to Rhino Conservationist - https://youtu.be/PXBjQ7bc6PYSixty MinutesDamien's War - https://youtu.be/e74kwO8HRRQThe Brave Ones - https://youtu.be/xl7EXoU2xgo
Damien Mander is a former Iraq War veteran that used the skills he developed in the Australian Special Forces to found the International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF) that provides training to local communities in Zimbabwe, and beyond, on how to protect and conserve the native animal population of Africa from poaching. Hosts Chinny and Emmett of the Play it Forward Podcast presented by PeacePlayers explore with Damien the moments where he realized this passion to conserve and protect the environment turned to purpose. And in one of Play It Forward's more inspiring conversations, we also hear how the IAPF stumbled onto one of Africa's most successful and sustainable community development programs to date; oh, and it's also led by some of Africa's most vulnerable population, women that have experienced great trauma. This program, and these women, are known as the Akashinga. Today's episode features strong language and depictions of violence against women and animals, viewer discretion advided. To learn more about the work Damien is doing visit the links below: International Anti-Poaching Foundation - https://www.iapf.org/ National Geographic short on Akashinga - https://youtu.be/WUYQS40I9mw Twitter: @IAPF Instagram: @int.anti.poaching.foundation Facebook: @iapf.org Facebook - Akashinga: @Akashinga Interested in learning more about PeacePlayers mission to build a more peaceful and equitable world? Visit our website https://peaceplayers.org/playitforwardpodcast/ and check out our social handles. Twitter: @peaceplayers Instagram: @peaceplayersintl and @playitforwardpodcast Facebook: @peaceplayersintl LinkedIn: PeacePlayers International YouTube: PeacePlayers The Play It Forward podcast is produced by: Chinny Nwagbo Emmett Shepard Leif Frymire The Play It Forward podcast audio engineering and editing LeBaron Leath Animation and music created and designed by LeBaron Leath Podcast Cover Art by: Adam Hawkins Marketing by: Gabriella Mora Sophie Kennedy Bailee Rasmussen
On this new Wild For Change podcast episode, we will be speaking with Damien Mander, founder of the International Anti-Poaching Foundation. Damien was a naval clearance diver and special operations sniper for the Australian Defense Force. He completed 3 years of duty in Iraq. While traveling through Africa, he was inspired by the work of game rangers. He decided to liquidate all his assets to create the International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF) in 2009. The mission of IAPF is to deliver ecological stability and long-term protection of large-scale wilderness landscapes by supporting and empowering local communities. In 2017, IAPF founded Africa's first armed, plant-based diet, all women anti-poaching unit called Akashinga – which means the Brave Ones. This unit began with 16 women who came from the local community and were trained to protect nature reserves. The goal is to employ 1,000 women protecting 20 nature reserves by 2025. Now women have the opportunity as much as men to be on the frontlines protecting the wildlife.Key accomplishments made by IAPF:1.3 million acres have been protected by AkashingaThere has been an 80% reduction in poaching in the communities where IAPF serves.350% increase in wildlifeIn 2019, Damien received the Winsome Constance Kindness Gold Medal. It is a prestigious award given to individuals who dedicate their lives to humanitarian and animal causes. During this podcast, we learn from Damien:How women rangers are helping change the face of conservation Why looking after nature can provide us with a brighter futureWhat we can do to help improve the future for animals, ourselves, and our planet What IAPF's vision is for the next ten years
You would never initially think that women would make some of the best game wardens in all of Africa and lead to complete social reform within the community! There is a lot to learn here, and today we're going to dive head first into a world of social entrepreneurship with Damien Mander. Damien is an Iraq war veteran who served as a Naval clearance diver and special operations sniper for the Australian Defense Force. It was during his service, traveling through Africa, that he was inspired by the work of rangers as they defended the wildlife. The International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF) was born soon after, to be the ‘last line of defense for nature.' Since it started, the IAPF has trained and supported rangers resulting in the protection of over 4 million hectares of African wilderness! In 2017 IAPF founded ‘Akashinga (The Brave Ones) – Nature Protected by Women', a program that has enabled the only group of nature reserves in the world to be protected by women. After giving women the opportunity to serve, the impact they've had on the community around them not only benefited the social structure, but even the economic structure. Let's jump right into Damien's incredible journey and learn a new model to defend nature and community - empowering women. [00:01 - 6:36] Opening Segment I introduce Damien Mander A reminder of the 5 characteristics of innovators' recipe Damien' s approach to tackling an issue Getting started and gaining momentum is the most important thing You can't steer a stationary ship The importance of having a team around you to disagree with you Pushing through even without confidence or comfort Feeling most comfortable outside of your comfort zone [06:37 - 23:40] Jumping into the Middle of the Problem Damien talks about how he started into solving the issue he saw “I need to see it for myself” Jumping into the problem instead of waiting for it to come to you Starting without a plan and figuring out the direction after Filling the void in the world of conservation Rapid militarization within the industry The targeting of elephants and rhinos Employing a short term solution first The community needs to be involved for long term change I share the parallels to the Hero's Journey Damien talks about getting to the heart of the real issues - Peeling the onion Not analyzing but ‘eating your way through the onion' From almost giving up to learning to scale the organization It's the pressure that pushes you to find a better solution Positivity is just around the corner from a hardship The project of 2017 [23:41 - 56:03] The New Model to Defend Nature & Community: Empower Women Seeing the need and benefit of getting more women on the front lines Getting left behind by industries using women on the front An answer to the short term, ‘good guys with the gun' mentality Why aren't women given the opportunity? Turning examples of other industries into a working model There is no need to reinvent the wheel Fit your narrative into a model - test and adjust Fighting through the criticism Rebuilding the organization to fit the model There is a value to having critics Dealing with conservation from a social issue standpoint Getting the opposition to see the long term value of preserving wildlife Community development through women empowerment Why women at the forefront? It changes the dynamics of society for the better Not even a single case of corruption The impact on strategic national parks Finding an economic alternative to trophy hunting Wildlife hunting: an equation to be solved A breakdown of the economics behind conservation Best gains are made from the social side The challenge having to solve the largest issues with the least funding How women help de-escalate tension Investing in education and job creation A look into the health care Including stakeholders A word about the Conspiracy of Goodness Summit [56:04 - 1:08:59] Making Things Better from the Inside Out Damien shares the effects at the local level 80% downturn in poaching 400% increase in wildlife in the region A community-wide respect for women Impacting the community on an economic and personal level Giving women a chance Building up the society through women Damien reflects on what he's learned on his journey Giving up the ‘boys club' mentality There need to be a better way to protect the planet Giving up a selfish lifestyle [1:09:00 - 1:19:25] Closing Segment Damien talks about what he needs to take this initiative forward Everything is in place It all just needs funding The growth so far More than just conservation This is to change the world Giving others a model to use Providing opportunities to women How to support and connect with Damien Links below Final announcements Tweetable Quotes: “We know how to manage most challenges, and if we don't - we have a team that will find a solution. When we get given a challenge, it's almost like a blessing.” - Damien Mander “A great plan today is better than a perfect plan tomorrow… For me the most important thing is to start, and even more important than starting is not to stop - just to push through because it's never going to be easy.” - Damien Mander “Empowering women is the single greatest force for change in the world… Conservation became a byproduct of our social impact.” - Damien Mander Resources Mentioned: Websites: Damien Mander Ted Talk How to Fix a Broken School - Ted Talk Podcasts: Episode with Nate Robinson Books: Happiness is an Option The Hero's Journey Articles: Single Mothers are Saving Africa's Endangered Wildlife Connect with Damien on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Be sure to visit https://www.iapf.org/ and become a defender of our precious and most vulnerable wildlife. Conspiracy of Goodness Links: Conspiracy of Goodness Summit https://www.cogsummit.com/ Conspiracy of Goodness Network https://conspiracyofgoodnessnetwork.com/ Conspiracy of Goodness on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/goodnessnetwork/ Dr. Lynda's Book: https://www.dr-lynda.com/book/happiness Ever Widening Circles https://everwideningcircles.com/ EWC APP: https://everwideningcircles.com/good-news-app-ever-widening-circles-app/ Affiliate Partners http://everwideningcircles.com/partners Donate! https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=I-nvmUrlbDfU67bRoWWdOhFxiAM_W81jtIFBGCYzfCL6fG8oSUOg9ONIL9WR8LDjLEeYj0&country.x=US&locale.x=US EWC Ed: https://ed.everwideningcircles.com/
Australian-born Damien is an Iraq war veteran who served as a Naval clearance diver and Special Operations sniper for Australia. In 2009 while traveling through Africa, he was inspired by the work of rangers and the plight of wildlife. Liquidating his life savings, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF) was established to be the last line of defense for nature. Over the past decade, the IAPF has scaled to train and support rangers which now help protect over 20 million acres of the African wilderness.In 2017 Damien founded ‘Akashinga - Nature Protected by Women', an IAPF program that has already grown to over 240 employees with 8 nature reserves in the portfolio. They are the only group of nature reserves in the world to be protected by women. Their goal is to employ 1000 women by 2026, protecting a network of 20 nature reserves.He is the winner of the 2019 Winsome Constance Kindness Gold Medal, a prestigious international recognition for services to animals and humans. Past recipients include Sir David Attenborough and Dr. Jane Goodall.He was featured in The Game Changers by Academy Award-winning director James Cameron and has now released another documentary with Cameron and National Geographic about his work with the women of Akashinga.He is a resident speaker for National Geographic and featured in their magazine in 2019, has spoken at the United Nations, appeared three times on 60 Minutes and recognized by the Dutch Government as a Gender Champion.To hear bonus footage with Damian & Carly check out Patreon!Resources/Links: Thanks for listening to another episode. Follow, review and share to help Consciously Clueless grow! Check out the new Self-Love Reset Course!Support Carly on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/consciouslycarlyConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciously.carly/Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consciously.carly.blogConnect on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/carlyjean5/Explore the Website: https://www.consciouslycarly.com/Music by Matthew Baxley
Meet Damien. He's an Australian special operations sniper who was traveling through Africa in 2009 and was inspired by the work of rangers and the plight of wildlife. Liquidating his life savings, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation was established to be the last line of defense for nature. Over the past decade the IAPF has scaled to train and support rangers which now help protect more than 1.1 million acres of habitats in Zimbabwe. And these rangers are ALL WOMEN. They're trained like special operations soldiers and are warriors protecting wildlife and wild spaces. Ya'll. This story
“So, we had 87 women come in for what we call pre-selection, the interviews... And I can say that after all the shit that I've been through in my life, that was some of the hardest two days of my life, listening to those stories. And, it was hard in a way because they were genuinely tough stories, but it was also hard in a way to know that even though I hadn't done anything directly to these women, I was part of a culture that had kept women just like this oppressed, the boys club, the macho club, all that sort of thing. And just part of, I suppose, this macho culture.” - Damien Mander Damien was on the show in December and the sound was horrendous. He was in the bush in Zimbabwe and I was in NYC and our connection was bad. We redid the interview last week, in person, in NYC - and it's sounds like a dream… Damien Mander is the founder and CEO of the International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF). He is a former Australian Royal Navy clearance diver and a special operations military sniper who became an anti-poaching crusader and an environmental and animal welfare activist. In 2009, while travelling through Africa, he was inspired by the work of rangers and the plight of wildlife. He liquidated his life savings and established the International Anti-Poaching Foundation. Over the past decade the IAPF has scaled to train and support rangers which now help protect over 20 million acres of African wilderness. In 2017 Damien founded ‘Akashinga - Nature Protected by Women,' an IAPF program that has already grown to over 240 employees with 7 nature reserves in the portfolio. They are the only group of nature reserves in the world to be protected by women. And, these women are changing the game in terms of what it means to fight poaching. Damien was featured in the James Cameron documentary The Game Changers and has now released another documentary with James Cameron and National Geographic about his work with the women of Akashinga – “The Brave One's.” He is a resident on the National Geographic Speakers Bureau, has spoken at the United Nations, featured in June 2019's National Geographic Magazine, and has been featured three times on 60 Minutes. And, if you haven't seen it, watch his TEDx Talk at the Sidney Oprah House, it's just awesome. It was an honor to spend time with Damien. He is a warrior, a hero and a man who understands what it means to never stop evolving.
What would you sacrifice to stand up for nature? Imagine liquidating everything you owned, leaving where you live, the people you know and love to respond to nature's desperate call in the African wilderness. This is the story of Damien Mander, the Founder and CEO of the International Anti-Poaching Foundation. Damien was born in Australia and is now based in Zimbabwe, and is an Iraq War Veteran who served as a naval clearance diver and Special Operations sniper for the Australian Defence Force. Following a few catalyst moments on an African adventure trip where he witnessed poacher violence to an ivory-stripped elephant and a pregnant buffalo, Damien knew he was about to embark on a fight bigger than one he'd ever fought at war and what today has become his life's work. Thirteen years later, the IAPF formed in 2009, have over 240 employees protecting over 20 million acres of African wilderness. He also formed Akashinga, “The Brave Ones” - an all female, plant-based anti-poaching unit who are bringing heart and empathy to this fight and are succeeding. Damien remains hopeful and his dedication to wildlife conservation is incredibly powerful and inspiring to listen to. The work he and the team do is critical to the future of some of nature's most beautiful creatures, biodiversity, the local community and in turn, climate change. I speak to Damien today about his personal transformation from hunter and sniper to vegan and animal activist. We discuss the remarkable women of Akashinga and the promising future of the IAPF. I hope you enjoy the episode. You can learn more about the IAPF on their website or follow them on some of the below social channels for news and to witness the day-to-day work of this dedicated team of wildlife warriors. Instagram YouTube Twitter
Today we speak to the incredible Damien Mander, Founder and CEO of the International Anti-Poaching Foundation. He has worked tirelessly to help preserve endangered animals, working with local African conservationists to help train them to protect our last remaining species of African wildlife. Damien is an Iraq war veteran who served as a Naval clearance diver and special operations sniper for the Australian Defense Force. In 2009 while travelling through Africa, he was inspired by the work of rangers and the plight of wildlife. Liquidating his life savings, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation was established to be the last line of defence for nature. Over the past decade the IAPF has scaled to train and support rangers which now help protect over 20 million acres of African wilderness. In 2017 Damien founded ‘Akashinga - Nature Protected by Women’, an IAPF program that has already grown to over 240 employees with 7 nature reserves in the portfolio. They are the only group of nature reserves in the world to be protected by women. Their goal is to employ 1000 women by 2025, protecting a network of 20 nature reserves. He is the winner of the 2019 Winsome Constance Kindness Gold Medal, a prestigious international recognition for services to animals and humanity. Past recipients include Sir David Attenborough and Dr Jane Goodall. He was featured in the newly released documentary The Game Changers from 6-time Oscar winning Director James Cameron, and has now released another documentary with James Cameron and National Geographic about his work with the women of Akashinga – “The Brave One’s”.. as you can imagine I was quite excited to get to speak to someone which such an incredible resume of doing good in the world. Today, Damien and I discuss our relationship to the natural world, the importance of protecting endangered species, how we can all help animals by switching to a plant based diet, and also the importance of supporting females in conservation
Sentient Media caught up with Damien Mander, founder of the International Anti-Poaching Foundation, to talk about his work in Africa and how reliance on the meat industry is destroying our ability to protect wilderness. Damien Mander, aka The Vegan Snipper, founder of the International Anti-Poaching Foundation, has been changing the way we protect our wildlife since 2009. In this interview, Sentient Media's Executive Director, Ana Bradley, explores how women are leading change for Africa's wildlife, the need for conservationists to champion plant-based living, and a typical day in the life of the Vegan Sniper. Watch the interview on YouTube: Follow Damien and his team here:https://www.iapf.org https://www.facebook.com/iapf.org https://www.facebook.com/akashinga https://twitter.com/IAPFhttps://www.instagram.com/int.anti.po... https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaca... https://www.linkedin.com/company/inte... https://www.instagram.com/damien_mander/ Hit subscribe and find us here: Newsletter: https://sentientmedia.org/newsletter Facebook: https://facebook.com/sentientmediaorg Twitter: https://twitter.com/sentient_media Instagram: https://instagram.com/sentient_media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sent...
“If you're an alpha, why would you want to kill something that can't defend itself? Or even worse, why would you want to pay someone else to do that for you?”On this week's episode of the Eat Green Make Green Podcast I sit down with the legendary Damien Mander. Damien is a former special operations sniper for the Australian Defense Force who did 12 tours to Iraq in the years following September 11th. In 2009, after a trip to Africa, Damien liquidated his life saving to found the International Anti-Poaching Foundation, which now protects over 20 million acres of African wilderness. We talk about what led Damien to the military as a young man, what he learned from his time in Iraq, when he decided to stop exploiting and start protecting animals, why he founded the IAPF and what they've done over the past decade, why he formed the first ever all-women anti-poaching unit Akashinga, why empowering women is the greatest force for positive change in the world today, why removing animals from his diet was the best decision of his life, why real alpha males protect the vulnerable, and how you can support the IAPF. Recently featured in James Cameron's Game Changers, Damien is truly making kindness and respect for all, badass.Show NotesDONATE! - International Anti-Poaching Foundation SiteMore on AkashingaIAPF InstagramDamien's InstagramDamien's TEDx TalkThe Game Changers Film
This season of The ChickPeeps is brought to you by our friends at Vivo Life! Use our code 'chickpeeps10' to get 10% off your order at vivolife.com. This week on the show we're talking to the founder of the International Anti-Poaching Foundation, Damien Mander. Damien is a former Special Operations sniper who traveled to Africa in 2009, after leaving the military, in search of a new adventure. Instead he discovered “a purpose amongst chaos” when he saw the body of an enormous bull elephant that had been brutally killed for his tusks. In that moment, Damien's life changed forever and our movement gained a powerful, passionate and highly skilled animal advocate. In this interview Damien talks to Robbie and Evy about his vegan journey, founding the IAPF and about Akashinga, Africa's first armed, plant-based, all-women anti-poaching unit. We conducted this interview while Damien was at one of the IAPF reserves in Kenya. The sounds you can hear in the background of our conversation are the authentic noises of the Kenyan wildlife at night! Also in this episode… Damien identifies going vegan as the single most important thing he's done with his life. In pursuit of adventure, Damien talks about his initial motivation to visit Africa, having heard about the anti-poaching world years earlier. “These guys are defending the heart and lungs of the planet.” - Damien talks about seeing the work of rangers for the first time, and how it made him see past his ego to reevaluate his life and the kind of person he wanted to be. “Having hunted [animals] before Iraq, I never hunted after Iraq because I knew what it was like to be hunted” - Damien talks about how his perspective on animals was radically shifted by his experiences serving twelve tours in Iraq. How the world of anti-poaching gave Damien a purpose that had previously eluded him. Damien shares how he repurposed his skills as a sniper in the army to set up the International Anti-Poaching Foundation. We learn about Akashinga, Africa's first plant-based all-female anti-poaching unit and Damien shares why he believes women are innately predisposed to be able to protect wildlife and de-escalate conflict. “The women are survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, AIDs orphans, single mothers, abandoned wives and when we set this up we thought, ‘lets give an opportunity to some of the most marginalized women, in the toughest positions' - what we didn't realise is we were getting the hardest women there were” - on the all female Akashinga rangers. “There's two types of conservationists. Vegans… and those that don't like to take their work home” - Damien pulls no punches when talking about his stance on veganism as a conservationist. Damien has a fresh definition of the alpha male. Links: International Anti-Poaching Foundation Damien's Modern Warrior TEDtalk Phillip Wollen: Animals Should Be Off the Menu Akashinga: The Brave Ones The Game Changers Chef Cola's Instagram Get In Touch: Bonus Content: ChickPeeps Patreon Instagram: @ChickPeepsPod Facebook: @ChickPeepsPodcast
“Even the first morning we saw a toughness, a certain toughness that I hadn't been experienced to. What we didn't realize with selection criteria that we're putting out there, is that we're actually getting the toughest in those communities. Not only in these communities, I mean, you're talking about one of our poorest places in one of the harshest areas on the planet, The Zambezi Valley and the life of a woman in rural Zimbabwe in the Zambezi Valley is it's not an easy one. And so we thought, with all this military selection, we were going to put them through what we perceived to be torture - putting them through the, what we in the military term, the four pillars of misery: to be hungry, cold, tired, and wet for extended periods of time and physical and mental strain. The thing is, the harder we pushed these women the more they smiled.” Damien Mander Damien Mander is the founder and CEO of the International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF). He is a former Australian Royal Navy clearance diver and a special operations military sniper who became an anti-poaching crusader and an environmental and animal welfare activist. In 2009, while traveling through Africa, he was inspired by the work of rangers and the plight of wildlife. He liquidated his life savings and established the International Anti-Poaching Foundation. Over the past decade the IAPF has scaled to train and support rangers which now help protect over 20 million acres of African wilderness. In 2017 Damien founded ‘Akashinga - Nature Protected by Women,’ an IAPF program that has already grown to over 240 employees with 7 nature reserves in the portfolio. They are the only group of nature reserves in the world to be protected by women. And, these women are changing the game in terms of what it means to fight poaching. Damien was featured in the James Cameron documentary The Game Changers and has now released another documentary with James Cameron and National Geographic about his work with the women of Akashinga – “The Brave One’s.” He is a resident on the National Geographic Speakers Bureau, has spoken at the United Nations, featured in June 2019’s National Geographic Magazine, and has been featured three times on 60 Minutes. And, if you haven’t seen it, watch his TEDx Talk at the Sidney Oprah House, it’s just awesome. It was an honor to spend time with Damien. He is a warrior, a hero and a man who understands what it means to never stop evolving
New Zealanders Monica Page and T De Silva quit their Sydney-based jobs last July with a plan to travel the world for three years. Already seasoned travellers, they had a spreadsheet of destinations they'd lined up to visit and were in Europe in March when the seriousness of Covid became apparent. They flew to Barbados to lay low, ending up there for four months before heading back to Europe to visit Slovenia, Slovakia and Croatia before Covid cases ramped back up again. They're now in Egypt, and the pandemic travel's inspired them with their work - Monica's created a wellbeing website and T's helping the anti-poaching charity IAPF. So what's it like to travel in a pandemic?
New Zealanders Monica Page and T De Silva quit their Sydney-based jobs last July with a plan to travel the world for three years. Already seasoned travellers, they had a spreadsheet of destinations they'd lined up to visit and were in Europe in March when the seriousness of Covid became apparent. They flew to Barbados to lay low, ending up there for four months before heading back to Europe to visit Slovenia, Slovakia and Croatia before Covid cases ramped back up again. They're now in Egypt, and the pandemic travel's inspired them with their work - Monica's created a wellbeing website and T's helping the anti-poaching charity IAPF. So what's it like to travel in a pandemic?
Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2020.09.04.283200v1?rss=1 Authors: Kumral, D., Cesnaite, E., Beyer, F., Hofmann, S. M., Hensch, T., Sander, C., Hegerl, U., Haufe, S., Villringer, A., Witte, V., Nikulin, V. Abstract: Objective: To investigate whether regional white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) relate to alpha oscillations (AO) in a large population-based sample of elderly individuals. Methods: We associated voxel-wise WMHs from high-resolution 3-Tesla MRI with neuronal alpha oscillations (AO) from resting-state multichannel EEG at sensor (N=907) and source space (N=855) in older participants of the LIFE-Adult study (60-80 years). In EEG, we computed relative alpha power (AP), individual alpha peak frequency (IAPF), as well as long-range temporal correlations (LRTC) that represent dynamic properties of the signal. We implemented whole-brain voxel-wise regression models to identify regions where parameters of AO were linked to probability of WMH occurrence. We further used mediation analyses to examine whether WMH volume mediated the relationship between age and AO. Results: Higher prevalence of WMHs in the superior and posterior corona radiata was related to elevated relative AP, with strongest correlations in the bilateral occipital cortex, even after controlling for potential confounding factors. The age-related increase of relative AP in the right temporal brain region was shown to be mediated by total WMH volume. Conclusion: A high relative AP corresponding to increased regional WMHs was not associated with age per se, in fact, this relationship was mediated by WMHs. We argue that the WMH-associated increase of AP reflects a generalized and likely compensatory spread of AO leading to a larger number of synchronously recruited neurons. Our findings thus suggest that longitudinal EEG recordings might be sensitive to detect functional changes due to WMHs. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info
We celebrate World Elephant Day with the much anticipated release of National Geographic’s “Akashinga – The Brave Ones”, a documentary by James Cameron about the incredible work of the IAPF – the International Anti-Poaching Foundation.Botswana’s elephant mystery continues…Singapore crush over 8 tonnes of ivory.Stem cell research could bring back the Malaysian Sumatran rhino. Peter talks about his editorial in www.rhinoreview.org.The New Big Five – the global call to re-create The Big Five around the animals we want to save, not shoot.As Cameroon passes legislation to protect the Ebo Forest from loggers, Moby reminds us why we must protect pristine wild ecosystems from rampant agriculture with his new single, “My Only Love”.Facebook take steps to curb the illegal wildlife trade on their platform, but is it enough?The oil spill in Mauritius could be worse than expected as governments and shipping companies flounder in their responses to the disaster.In studio: Simon Borchert, Shannon Elizabeth and Peter Borchert.EXCLUSIVE OFFER! The Mantis Collection is offering a staggering 20% to Art Of Conservation listeners to visit Siringit Serengeti Camp. To claim your exclusive discount code in your inbox and to start planning your stay at this luxury tented camp in the heart of Africa, sign up to our newsletter here.
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
Damien is a very interesting individual with a very unique story. Firstly, he is not your typical vegan. Damien was an army man - having a military background, he served in Iraq and eventually decided to come to Africa - where he had his life epiphany. in 2009 Damien decided to liquidate all his financial assets and set forth on a mission of conservation, one which he has dedicated the last 11 years to. He founded the International Anti Poaching Foundation, an organization that focuses on conservation and anti-poaching efforts. The IAPF is also the first-ever to start an all-female ranger unit called Akashinga. Akashinga's main effort is to attempt to de-escalate dangerous poaching situations (rather than using force) - and they have seen massive success in the last few years. With Jane Goodall on the advisory board, the IAPF, headed by Damien, has become a real force for good in the areas in which they operate. During our chat, we discuss Damien's journey from a mischievous lad in Australia, to serious army man, to eventually the role that he holds now - protecting wildlife and conserving the environment in southern Africa. In his sharing of his time in the army, having had a military background myself, I definitely felt a connection and an understanding of what he went through. I had such a great time talking to Damian, who is currently at the main IAPF headquarters in Zimbabwe. I'm really grateful to have this opportunity to connect with people from all over the world. My Take - People change. We are always evolving, and our past/life experiences do not always predicate where we will end up in the world - or the beliefs we will hold which will mold our lives. Having had the epiphany he did, Damien went with it, changed his life, and is now at the forefront of animals and habitat conservation. A truly inspiring story! International Anti-Poaching Foundation - https://www.iapf.org/ Damien Manders' Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/damien_mander/ Comments, requests or questions, please reach out - my email is roybntz@gmail.com
Damien Mander is founder and CEO of The International Anti-Poaching Foundation and, if you’ve seen “The Game Changers” documentary, you’ll also, no doubt, remember his powerful contribution to the film as a former hunter-turned-conservationist. In this candid interview, Mander describes his former self - the alpha male who used to take aim at the vulnerable through the hunting, killing, and eating of animals. A chance meeting with an elephant transformed him from a meat-loving Aussie to a plant-strong crusader with a personal mission to protect animals and the world’s natural heritage for future generations. You’ll hear all about the initiatives of the IAPF and their valiant efforts to protect over 20 million acres of the African wilderness. In 2017 Damien founded ‘Akashinga – Nature Protected by Women’, an IAPF program that has already grown to over 170 employees, becoming the only group of nature reserves in the world to be protected by women. Their goal is to employ 1000 women by 2025, protecting a network of 20 nature reserves, all managed by the IAPF. We’ve recently seen first-hand just how delicate our ecosystems are and, thanks to people like Damien, we are fighting valiantly, with thought-provoking conversations just like these that inspire us to action. Episode Resources: International Anti-Poaching Foundation Damien's Mander's TEDx Talk Support for this week's episode comes from Wild Earth Dog Food - use promo code: PLANTSTRONG for 40% order Help us improve access to the Engine 2 Food Line! Survey closed 4/20/20 Thanks! Seeking a solution for making the plant-strong lifestyle convenient and inspiring? The Plant-Strong Meal Planner offers 1000s of recipes customized to your preferences, an integrated shopping list and grocery delivery! Our Engine 2 Coaches are on hand to offer support and answer any questions. Visit our Plant-Strong Meal Planner today and use promo code: HEALTHNOW to save $20 off an annual plan. Theme music for episode
Our guest today is Damien Mander, an anti-poaching activist and founder of the International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF), a direct action law enforcement organization bringing military solutions to conservation. As a former Australian Royal Navy Clearance Diver and Special Operations military sniper, Damien advocated the use of military equipment and tactics for the purpose of protecting animals from poaching. After learning about poaching in Southern Africa and the criminal networks that used military equipment to poach for profit, Damien was convinced that his specialized military skills, personal finances, and experience could contribute significantly to wildlife protection and conservation. Using his life savings, Damien founded the IAPF in 2009 and founded the Akashinga or “The Brave Ones,” an all female anti-poaching unit. We speak with Damien about his work at IAPF and how the Akashinga program offers an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of “fortress conservation” which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. Damien believes that empowering women can be the single biggest force for positive change in the world today. During our conversation, Damien and I referenced the following resources: Kruger National Park, home to one-third of the world's rhinos The US Army Rangers training female Rangers The concept of the "white savior" and Damien's views on it as it pertains to his work The concept of ecofeminism and the book, Ecofeminism: Feminist Intersections with Other Animals and the Earth The need for us to support a plant-based movement as part of our conservation efforts Exploring the concept by Audre Lorde, Can the Master's Tools Destroy the Master's House? A National Geographic story in June 2019 featuring the IAPF and the Akashinga After the conversation, Damien shared with me his interest in learning more about feminism, ecofeminism, and how he downloaded the book, "Ecofeminism: Feminist Intersections with Other Animals and the Earth in response to my inquiry. Damien admitted he didn't know the definition of feminism and considered himself a feminist ally after we shared the definition. --- Thanks for tuning in to the en(gender)ed podcast! Be sure to check out our en(gender)ed site and follow our blog on Medium. Consider donating because your support is what makes this work sustainable. Please also connect with us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Don't forget to subscribe to the show!
“Only one [species] has the power to determine what level of suffering is acceptable for all other sentient beings to endure.”Damien ManderYou don't want to fuck with Damien Mander.The very definition of an alpha-male modern warrior, Damien is a former Australian Royal Navy Clearance Diver (the Australian equivalent of the Navy SEALS) and Special Operations Military Sniper for the Tactical Assault Group East, an elite direct-action and hostage-recovery unit. Post-military career, Damien spent years as a private military contractor in Iraq, where his duties included training the local police force in Baghdad.But after 12 tours, disillusionment rendered Damien's occupation no longer tenable. Burned out and cynical, an existential crisis precipitated a directionless walkabout. Seeking adventure, Damien ultimately found himself in Africa volunteering in the fight against big game poaching. Coming face-to-face with the horrors of this practice, an encounter with a pregnant wild buffalo viciously trapped and mortally injured by poachers basically changed Damien’s life – and sparked a new one altogether.Immediately thereafter, Damien began liquidating his personal assets, founded the International Anti-Poaching Federation (IAPF) and reinvented himself as an African wildlife crusader — a warrior leveraging his modern tactical warfare experience to advance the cause of animal welfare and environmental conservation to put an end to the barbaric practice that is big game poaching.Damien and the IAPF have had much success. But over time, Damien began to identify limitations in his highly militarized approach to solving the poaching problem. In 2017, this realization lead to his formation of Africa’s first armed, all-women anti-poaching unit. Dubbed the Akashinga (The Brave Ones), these incredible women have been incredibly successful at changing the way that animals are protected — arresting poachers without firing a single shot — and permanently changing the conservation landscape for the better.Damien's work has been featured in National Geographic, 60 Minutes, Animal Planet, Al Jazeera, Voice of America, Forbes & The Sunday Times. He is prominently featured in the upcoming James Cameron produced, vegan athlete documentary Game Changers. And I highly recommend everybody watch his incredible TED Talk, Modern Warrior.A riveting tale you won't want to miss, today Damien's relates his transformation from ‘man's man' meat-eating mercenary to hardcore animal conservationist to women's rights champion. His story is as extraordinary as it is inspiring. His work has completely changed the poaching and trophy hunting landscape. His heart is massive. And his example shifts the tectonic plates on how we think about masculinity and ecological responsibility in the modern age.It was an honor to spend time with Damien. He is a role model to me personally. A man I respect deeply. And a paradigm breaker if there ever was one.I sincerely hope you enjoy the exchange as much as I enjoyed having it. More than that, I hope it spurs you to action. To learn more and get involved, please visit IAPF.orgFor the visually inclined, you can watch our entire conversation on YouTube at bit.ly/damienmander419 and the podcast is now available on Spotify.Peace + Plants,Listen, Watch & Subscribe See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Another benefit of going vegan: You don’t support animal suffering. In today’s episode, Damien Mander joins Nimai as an activist against poaching and animal suffering. Inspired by his tragic experiences, Damien founded the International Anti-Poaching Foundation. Hear how he fights against animal suffering and provides alternatives for African communities. Take some notes on why plant-based diets support his mission and how you can get involved today! “We all see problems in life and its what we do or whether we turn away that defines us.” -Damien Mander What do you want to hear from the Generation V Podcast? Tell us here! Timestamps: 1:43 - Who Damien Mander is and why you NEED to know how to stop animal suffering 7:48 - Witnessing and fighting against suffering: how Damien started making a difference against both human and animal suffering 16:47 - Stories of animal suffering and what you need to fight against by joining forces with organizations like the International Anti-Poaching Foundation 22:18 - How IAPF resists poaching, trains others to lead the movement against poaching, and transforms peoples perspectives about life as a whole 28:27 - How the military is transitioning to promote the abilities and equality of women and how IAPF is doing the same 33:26 - Why women and the values of women have promoted the success of IAPF operations in Africa and how they have created an economic alternative to trophy hunting through community 39:22 - Don’t deny the truth: How every animal experiences suffering and how every person can have a HUGE impact by switching to and promoting veganism 46:50 - How Damien and IAPF aim to fight the poaching industry through a sustainable economic alternative and how you can get involved Resources: Damien’s War | 60 Minutes Connect with Damien: Facebook Instagram Twitter International Anti-Poaching Foundation Connect with Nimai: Facebook Instagram Youtube VeganFitness.com Vivolife.com Builtapparel.net Discount Code: Nimai10
Today's program with Damien Mander, IAPF began on the day after Mugabe resigned and amidst jubilation in the streets of Harare as Zimbabwe swore in a new interim President. This shift is one of the most hopeful messages the world and conservation can look to that systemic change is possible. We picked up the conversation one week later to further discuss the evolution of conservation in a country that historically has depended upon income generated by the hunting concessions- land that is not within the national parks. As sport hunting declines dramatically, income streams dry up and the land and the people become ever more vulnerable. Alternative sources of income must be created or these areas will be lost, along with their rich biodiversity. With a willing government and expertise of IAPF, enter Akashinga: locally based, all female teams, provided the skills, training and employment to fill this gap in management, presence and patrols through these lands.
We get an update from Damien, the Australian founder & CEO of the IAPF, which primarily exists to protect rhinos and elephants from the ruthless organised crime syndicates that deal in rhino horn and elephant tusks. He explains what's developed in southern Africa since he was here in the 3CR studio in May last year. This includes the recent vicious attacks on two IAPF rangers in Mozambique, IAPF's new accredited training program for anti-poaching rangers, and South Africa's plans to legalise the trade in rhino horn. Damien also reveals how the mind of a hunter works, by drawing on his own past. International Anti-Poaching Foundation www.iapf.org
At present, rhinos in sub-Saharan Africa are being exterminated at a rate of more than one per day, leading to extinction by 2020. With poaching reaching epidemic levels in the region. Something needs to be done to end the slaughter. Enter Damien Mander, ex-Australian Special Forces who founded the IAPF, who's mission is to protect and preserve wildlife in volatile regions. IAPF focuses its mission through a number of methods, first and foremost through training, equipment, and deployment of rangers to the frontline of the war on poaching, providing them with the latest tactics and operating procedures. Key to the success of their mission is engaging, educating and involving local communities that border protected areas, through sustainable projects and initiatives, providing lifestyle and economic alternatives to poaching. Learn More: http://www.iapf.org/en/
Extinction Countdown: RHINO A Round Table Discussion CITES CoP17 ran high with emotions, politics and decisions of magnitude. Yes or No vote to legalize or ban trade in rhino horn. Pro and anti- trade stakeholders of politicians, breeders, conservationists, scientists, and NGOs riding on the decision. “No Trade”. Now, just four months on, the South African Dept. of Environmental Affairs Minister, Edna Molewa formally announces intention to delist S.A's Eastern Black Rhino, ostensibly to open up a legal trade in horn. Today's round-table discussion is right on the crosshairs of our history: Witnessing CITES play while the clock counts down to extinction of the species in the wild. My guests Lorinda Hern, Rhino Rescue Project innovators of horn infusion; Loraine Liebenberg, Save Our Rhino the first and largest comprehensive rhino social media hub; journalist Jamie Joseph Saving the Wild on corruption, politics, power and crime impacts the legal justice system; and Damien Mander, IAPF
Recently, there have been efforts to remove the horn from the wild rhinoceros in an effort to protect them from being slaughtered for their horns. Is this a wise idea or will this merely maim the animal, rendering it helpless in the wild? There have been many efforts to protect wildlife but one of the most important ways this can be achieved is by training the anti-poaching volunteers using military techniques. In this encore segment of The Organic View Radio Show, host, June Stoyer talks to Damien Mander, CEO of The International Anti-Poaching Foundation about the illegal trafficking of wildlife industry and why there needs to be a global ban on canned hunting. Today's show is sponsored by Eden Foods the most trusted name in certified organic clean food! When you shop online at EdenFoods.com enter the coupon code “ORGVIEW” to receive 20% OFF any regularly priced items (excluding cases). For other promotional offers, please visit TheOrganicView.com's website. Tune in to The Organic View Radio Show, Monday through Friday at 6pm Eastern and visit our contest section at www.theorganicview.com/contests to win one of our monthly prizes!
In a world at war with wildlife, to conserve and protect rhino in critical habitat on the frontlines, the cost of peace often comes at the end of a barrel. Protecting rhino and poaching them is one of the most dangerous jobs on earth- lives literally hang in the balance. Between specially trained teams of rangers who have chosen at all costs to protect rhino, and those who would kill them because of the value we humans have proscribed to a few pounds of keratin. It all comes crashing together at ground zero: critical rhino habitat right up against impoverished communities, where international criminal cartels pull the puppet strings of desperate people. My guest Damien Mander of the International Antipoaching Foundation tells us like it is: the real costs both the financial and emotional toll of protecting one of our planets most enduring species. The IAPF has one mission: Rhino will not go extinct on their watch. iapf.org
The illegal trafficking and exploitation of wildlife is now one of the world's largest criminal industries, with repeated links to terrorism networks. The animals most difficult to protect are also high target species: elephant and rhino, which are being hunted to extinction by poachers who go to extreme lengths to kill them. Inspiring urgent political action toward safekeeping of the planet cannot be overstated, and this responsibility must transcend all levels of industry, business and society. But the reality of winning the hearts and minds of the people living directly on the frontlines of this war is critical, where both rangers and villagers daily risk their lives, direct action is a vital for successful conservation. Results there will only be accomplished by providing viable in situ alternatives to address poverty and daily realities found in the crosshairs on the thin green line where people and wildlife and money meet.
The illegal trafficking and exploitation of wildlife is now one of the world's largest criminal industries, with repeated links to terrorism networks. The animals most difficult to protect are also high target species: elephant and rhino, which are being hunted to extinction by poachers who go to extreme lengths to kill them. Inspiring urgent political action toward safekeeping of the planet cannot be overstated, and this responsibility must transcend all levels of industry, business and society. But the reality of winning the hearts and minds of the people living directly on the frontlines of this war is critical, where both rangers and villagers daily risk their lives, direct action is a vital for successful conservation. Results there will only be accomplished by providing viable in situ alternatives to address poverty and daily realities found in the crosshairs on the thin green line where people and wildlife and money meet.
At present, rhinos in sub-Saharan Africa are being exterminated at a rate of more than one per day, leading to extinction by 2020. With poaching reaching epidemic levels in the region. Something needs to be done to end the slaughter. Enter Damien Mander, ex-Australian Special Forces who founded the IAPF, who's mission is to protect and preserve wildlife in volatile regions. IAPF focuses its mission through a number of methods, first and foremost through training, equipment, and deployment of rangers to the frontline of the war on poaching, providing them with the latest tactics and operating procedures. Key to the success of their mission is engaging, educating and involving local communities that border protected areas, through sustainable projects and initiatives, providing lifestyle and economic alternatives to poaching. Learn More: http://www.iapf.org/en/
The world of wildlife poaching is an extreme one, and who better to lead the army against poaching than a former Australian special forces sniper turned conservationist? Meet Damien Mander and he's just the man. UrbanJunglesRadio is thrilled to introduce you to Damien and the International Anti-Paoching Foundation which literally puts solidiers on the ground to protect Africa's dwindling wildlife due to the illicit and highly illegal trade for ivory. IAPF was reecntly featured in National Geographic Magazine and Damien was also featured in a recent 60 minutes special on the was against the Ivory trade. Join Danny & Andy as we speak with Damien and you can learn what to do today to help out Rhinos and Elephants which desperately need the protection of IAPF !2012 will mark the highest mortality rate yet for Rhinos being poached in African parks, in less than a decade we will see extinction of some of the country's most iconic treasures...Rhinos & Elephants.
Sometimes writing letters can only do so much when wildlife wars rage on the Front Lines in Africa and over much of the world. Tonight, we will speak to someone who gets things DONE! Please join us as we welcome Damien Mander of the International Anti-Paoching Foundation who is working day an night to protect endangered wild Rhinos in Africa by creating a "Green Army" of rangers who patrol and protect sensitive wildlife! But first we'll hear about Rainforest Rescue and their effots to save our planet's last living dinosaurs...the Double Waddled Cassowary! We'll hear how Bob Irwin is stepping up to help out and more inportantly how you can too! As usual, nothing but spectacular Radio, only on UrbanJunglesRadio.com!
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