Renowned writer, conservationist and preservationist Kuki Gallmann and her equally successful daughter Seveva have written a passionate and important letter concerning the situation in Kenya. The author, whose book I Dream of Africa is one of the great works about the continent, has a stunning 100,000 acre wildlife and cultural preserve in Northern Kenya. Gallmann and her daughter are two of the most respected wildlife preservationists in the world. It is an honor to print her entire letter.

Dear Friends,

In the last few days people far and wide have held their breath at the shattering scenes portrayed by the media of Kenya-so far the most peaceful country in a troubled area- in the grip of post-election political violence.

However dreadful what has happened has been, it has not touched us here in Laikipia Nature Conservancy, - except in spirit. The random violence witnessed on TV screens by the world has been limited to very few places in Nairobi, parts of the Coast and Northern Rift- places which are hundreds of miles from where we are based, and which are not new to this type of reaction around the election times.

Our part of Kenya has thankfully remained peaceful. Elections were extremely disciplined as millions queued quietly for hours. As the country waited divided, tension rose as people waited for a conclusive result. Disappointment in what appear to be rigged elections has flared unprecedented reactions which also appear to be politically incited. Most Kenyans are absolutely appalled.

As negotiations are under way, led by Nobel Price Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the United Nations, peace makers and others, and artists-which are beginning to intervene here as well - this problem is now subsiding. Calm is now prevalent in most of the country, and no tourist or visitor, no parks or resorts have been affected (see attached) Business, banks and shops are open and people stroll the streets.

I would like to stress that we are over 300 km from Nairobi, 350 from the North Rift Valley, and over 800 km from the coast. There has not been and there is no reason to expect any problem in this part of Kenya.

But it has damaged the image of this country, which now needs help.

Kenya's major asset-and income- is tourism, on which the livelihood of millions of people depend, and it is crucial for the survival of Kenya and its environment that this continue to flourish as it had in recent times. However Kenya's image, built over generations of peace and stability, a model democracy with no parallels in Africa, has been shattered in only a few days of riots and unrest, to the utter dismay of the overwhelming majority of Kenyans- warm hardworking and generous people- traditionally non-violent.

We, who care for her, who understand her and love her, need to do all we can to help reversing the negative and damaging perception that we know does not correspond to the reality and spirit of the country and people we know.

We cannot allow the work of two generations to be destroyed in a few days.

This is an appeal and an assurance to artists meant to come to AQUA-and indeed to our many guests- that their presence at this important time will be regarded as a blessing, a symbol of the power of creativity to overcome, and they will be welcome by the local people with open arms.

This is a passionate call to pull together with reason and serenity, and do all we can to help in the immediate present as every delay will fix in the mind of the public world opinion the images of destruction that are not and never will be what Kenya and Kenyans are.

On 22/24th of February 2008 we had been planning the fourth of our Great Rift Valley Trust events, The Earth Festival. This year it will be the first of trilogy conceived by Fondazione Ipazia and the theme this time is Aqua -inspired by the vital element water, and water as in the universal Myth of the Flood-by renowned Italian group Studio Festi. Water is cleansing, purifying, life giving and sacred. It is a powerful and appropriate symbolism not just- as envisaged- for the damage that human beings have done the environment, but also to each other.

It is meant to be a week end festival, where music, art, creativity, and imagination will bring world artists and public together for environmental action. Now this will become as well a statement of confidence in this country's resilience, in its spirit that endures and in the will of all Kenyans to maintain peace and stability. And a ceremony of cleansing and hope.

Kenya needs your support now. Art and artists, travellers and scientists- not just for the environment but for peace as well.

The elephants continue to come to my garden at night, the sun rises and sets, millions of stars wake up in the sky, the Pokot girls sing, and life goes on.

Thank you and we look forward to welcoming you help us make a real difference.

With love and until very soon!

Kuki and Sveva Gallmann
Laikipia Nature Conservancy
Northern Kenya