Vision and Mission
The Vision
Blooming Desert’s vision is to work alongside Christian communities in rural Kenya - communities facing wildlife conflicts and suffering the effects of climate change - to develop solutions that enable them to break free from this situation. The goal is to move beyond a mere will to survive and instead find a sense of purpose, appreciate the place where they are placed, and treat the environment with care. Through this approach, it is possible to achieve a sustainable lifestyle, reduce conflicts with wildlife, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and jointly combat poverty.
The Mission
To achieve this vision, an environmental education program is being implemented that offers local communities a holistic experience. This includes Bible-based sermons on topics such as forests, soil, agriculture or wildlife, as well as practical activities that propose solutions, offer alternative sources of income, act as part of the whole system and invite to be in awe.
The four pillars of our work
Practical implementation (mobile)
A key focus of our work is the practical implementation of Blooming Desert in Kenya, operating across various locations. We collaborate with interested individuals and groups to share methods for addressing drought, flooding, and conflicts with wildlife, while also learning about and marveling at nature together. In the past, this has enabled us to organize nature-based camps for young adults and offer safaris for the local community, including groups such as pastors.
Practical implementation (location-based)
Another aspect of the practical implementation involves establishing a local center, not merely to support a community in the short term, but to put our principles into practice ourselves and become part of the community. This is a long-term process that requires careful planning. We are currently scouting for a suitable location; key criteria have been defined, and discussions with various stakeholders are underway.
Awareness work faith in conservation
In the course of our work, we frequently encounter individuals interested in nature conservation who are somewhat skeptical about the involvement of religious groups - particularly the Christian faith. Some even express strong aversion or hostility toward Christians or religion in general. Given these tensions, Blooming Desert also engages in educational outreach, as we believe that nature conservation work framed within the language of existing belief systems has the potential to foster a better quality of life in many places. This work includes lectures, workshops, and other events.
To some extent, this skepticism is understandable. Unfortunately, religions are often used to restrict people and justify power imbalances. However, a deeper look into the sacred texts of these religions reveals that love and peace form the foundation of faith. For the majority of the global population, faith provides a sense of purpose, a way to understand the world around them, and a source of hope that acts as an anchor in seemingly hopeless situations. This faith shapes their thoughts, actions, and worldview. Conservationists from Europe or the US have come to Africa and told locals how to interact with nature or wildlife. They often operated on the assumption that they possessed the very solution the local population had been waiting for, while frequently disregarding the locals' own ideas, values, and traditions. Of course, things have changed somewhat since then. Nevertheless, the power of faith - which defines how people think and act - is still largely overlooked. Yet, it is crucial to listen, learn, and understand at the local level. Consequently, there is enormous potential in seeking answers and solutions together using the familiar and accessible language of faith, rather than first introducing a new language - such as one rooted in Western concepts or natural science - to address the issue. (Further details on this can be found in the chapter on behavioral psychology in the master's thesis.)
Awareness work creation care in faith
We often encounter a lack of understanding and ignorance from Christian quarters as well. While there is a general consensus that love for one’s neighbor is important, this love is sometimes practiced in a limited way or not linked to nature - to Creation itself. Yet, all human lives depend fundamentally on our environment; consequently, treating our environment recklessly has direct, negative consequences for the lives of many people. Various events addressing this topic are offered and can also be arranged upon request.
We are taught that God created everything on Earth and that, while each element was good on its own, together they were "very good." It is not humanity itself that was created "very good," but rather the entirety of things in relationship and interdependence with one another. The first commandment given to humanity is to lovingly preserve this "very good" Creation and to give each animal a fitting name. This highlights the extent to which humanity remains dependent on nature to this day, while simultaneously bearing a vital responsibility that requires living in close harmony with nature and deeply understanding it. This connection to nature runs throughout the Bible, yet it has been largely lost in many Christian communities. Spiritual life and the pursuit of justice have often been decoupled, with the focus placed on one at the expense of the other. The emphasis falls either solely on the individual’s personal relationship with God or on active engagement in social projects. And yet, a good relationship with God and the resulting motivation to stand up for His children and His Creation go hand in hand.
This concept of preserving Creation is not merely an ancient idea from the dawn of time; today, it is perhaps more important than ever. In the course of our work, we have driven through completely parched landscapes where the skeletons of cattle lay alongside those of zebras. The ground was cracked from drought, and families could barely feed themselves because their crops had long since withered and their livestock were starving. The long-awaited rain arrived far too late; yet, after a day of rejoicing, the mood turned to horror as the downpour refused to cease, sweeping away entire settlements in the floodwaters and even claiming human lives. We learned just how real the climate crisis is and realized how our love for our neighbors - confronted with such a sight - made us cry out in anguish and despair. Whether termed nature conservation, creation care or standing up against the climate crisis, it is an act of love for one’s neighbor and is thus deeply rooted in the Christian DNA.
01
Observing and learning
In both nature conservation and missionary work, I have seen how people come to a new place with a 'ready-made' solution and try to implement it without knowing the needs, values, challenges and traditions of the local population. Accordingly, the method often does not last long, especially after these people leave again. I had the opportunity to get to know these local factors better between 2016 and 2023 and to learn from the local population in towns and villages in Uganda, South Africa, Botswana and Kenya. This observation and learning as well as meeting on eye-level and with respect is extremely important for further collaborations and appreciative coexistence.
02
Development of a first concept
Between August 2021 and January 2023, I lived in Kenya and was able to observe and learn more specifically while developing an initial concept with and for a local community. Because the concept development was the topic of my master's thesis, scientific principles on the topics of wildlife management, human-wildlife conflicts, social psychology, theology, awe research and creation theology were considered. Based on this, a theoretical framework could be developed and then adapted to their needs together with the community.
03
Public relations and fundraising
After completing my master's degree, I can now start to put the concept idea into practice. However, in order to implement it, it is first necessary to raise awareness of the topic and the potential of the concept through public relations and to secure the donation-based project financially. For this reason, I am currently traveling around Germany and Europe, giving presentations in churches and nature conservation facilities, meeting people, giving workshops, helping to organize church services,attending conferrences, giving public readings, organizing theme evenings and exhibiting photos and paintings on the topic.
04
Find location
Even though the concept can be implemented mobile in various locations in Kenya, and I am happy to accompany pastors and communities, the main focus is on having a permanent base, in order to be part of the community and not just drop by for a short time. It is also important not only to talk about things, but also to visibly live them out as well. Therefore, the next step is to find a place in Kenya that is well suited as a base location.
05
Building the base
As soon as this location has been found, the construction of the base can begin. This should, if possible, become our permanent residence, provide space for a lively community, have a garden in which new cultivation methods can be tried out and taught, and beehives set up, where ecological beekeeping can be taught. In an adjacent tree nursery, native tree species will be grown and forests reforested. In addition, a small library will provide material for training and further education in various fields. There are also plans to own a safari car so that we can take the local community on safaris, together with international tourists to allow exchange to happen, and possibly even train safari guides ourselves.
Ongoing scientific evaluation of progress
Due to the demand and the potential of this approach to mitigate conflicts between humans and wildlife in southern and East Africa and to limit the consequences of climate change, progress during implementation will be recorded empirically. Scientific support of the project will make it possible to assess the situation, make necessary changes and at the same time introduce this approach to other organizations and support one another.