There are no less than 17 Italians among the three hundred volunteer 'angels' who contribute to safeguarding Kenya's nature, in collaboration with the Kenya Wildlife Service.
The Official Gazette of Kenya has published the complete list of the new Honorary Wardens and those confirmed in their qualification by the Minister of Tourism and Wildlife Najib Balala.
Honorary rangers can report abuses, take part in animal rescue operations, help with logistics and combat poaching. It is no coincidence that the list (made up largely of Kenyans, and Kenyans of British descent) includes conservationists, safari company owners, guides and drivers, biologists and botanists, representatives of local communities, veterinarians and estate owners.
Among the newcomers to the Honorary Warden roster is the great wildlife photographer and savannah lover Paolo Torchio, whose images also frequently appear on the Portal of Italians in Kenya. Torchio, among other things, together with another "HW" of Italian origin, Olga Ercolano, has contributed to the preservation and improvement of the Nairobi National Park, often pointing out problems and signs of degradation.
Among the confirmations are other well-known Italians: those who have distinguished themselves for years for the protection and promotion of responsible tourism, such as Luca Belpietro (owner of the "Campi ya Kanzi" lodge), Davide Gremmo of the "Lualenyi" reserve, Massimo Vallarin and his wife Elisabetta Levis, Malindsians Luca Macrì (safari guide) and Lorenzo De Ponti (diving and coral reef expert), and conservationists such as Francesco Natta of Marula Estate, Paolo and Giovanni Lovatelli, Adriano Ghirardello, Giovan Battista (John) Tofani and writer Kuki Gallmann (born Maria Boccazzi). Completing the list of compatriots recognised by the Kenyan government for their commitment are Annabella Francescon, Oreste Villa and Giorgio Vittone.