Blood Origins Podcast Summary

Title: Blood Origins
Host/Author: Blood Origins Inc.
Episode: Episode 549 - Mike Labuschagne || A Human Rights Travesty, Part 1
Release Date: April 1, 2025

Introduction and Context

In Episode 549 of Blood Origins, host Mike Axelrod delves into a gripping narrative centered around conservation challenges in Kazunga, Zambia. This episode marks the beginning of a potentially multi-part series that meticulously sets the stage for understanding the intricate dynamics between conservation efforts, funding mechanisms, and human-wildlife conflicts in Africa.

Mike Axelrod [01:00]: "This is setting the context, setting the stage, setting the timeline of things that have happened in a place called Kazunga in Zambia."

Mike Labuschagne's Background

Mike Labuschagne, the episode's guest, brings a wealth of experience spanning two decades in conservation and nearly two decades in the military. Recruited by Dr. Anthony Hall Martin of the South African National Parks Board, Mike transitioned from a 19-year military career into conservation, focusing on anti-poaching and law enforcement.

Mike Labuschagne [05:31]: "I started off working for the South African government, seconded to the Malawi government. Then I worked with Frankfurt Zoological Society, and then I worked for the International Fund for Animal Welfare, IFAW."

Challenges with IFAW and Conservation Efforts

Mike recounts his tenure with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), where he was tasked with initiating landscape conservation projects amidst a backdrop of internal factionalism and shifting funding strategies. The transition from traditional donor bases to more transparent and development aid-focused funding posed significant challenges.

Mike Labuschagne [16:14]: "The job was to initiate to find a landscape project for IFAW and to set up a landscape conservation program."

However, internal conflicts within IFAW, driven by differing visions and financial management issues, led to operational inefficiencies and hindered the progress of conservation projects.

Mike Labuschagne [19:45]: "They had got into this windfall. They paid themselves very well, they only traveled first class. And they were worried with a rail conservationist coming in there and trying to fulfill conservation objectives rather than to live a very simple and luxurious life."

Success at Wilderness Welfare

Amidst these challenges, Mike founded Wilderness Welfare, an entity aimed at executing conservation projects with integrity and efficiency. Under his leadership, the elephant population in Kasungu National Park rebounded from 45 to 121 within five years, showcasing the effectiveness of dedicated anti-poaching measures and community engagement.

Mike Labuschagne [35:02]: "It's spectacularly successful. We completely changed the amount of ivory that was being recovered, the number of arrests that were being made, and as I say, a clear and visible increase in your whole large mammal populations."

Conflicts and Funding Issues

Despite the successes, Mike faced increasing resistance from IFAW as the organization grappled with financial pressures and internal power struggles. Attempts to secure additional funding for essential infrastructure, such as fencing and operational support, were met with bureaucratic hurdles and mismanagement.

Mike Labuschagne [60:19]: "No, it's this one's to make sure you don't go under budget. So our crime was supposedly we were going under budget. So then they fly in a lot of people from America to help us now burn enough money, and they show us that they've got an astonishing amount of money for travel."

Mike's efforts to maintain project integrity were continuously undermined by IFAW's prioritization of financial metrics over on-ground conservation needs, leading to strained relationships and eventual constructive dismissal.

Mike Labuschagne [57:09]: "I brought IFAW in there at a time where I had already good reason, who believed that they were thoroughly corrupt. I had faith in a few individuals who I believed would make good decisions."

Elephant Translocation Project

A pivotal moment in the podcast revolves around the controversial elephant translocation project. Initially in favor, Mike advocated for a responsible and well-planned relocation of elephants to revitalize vegetation and mitigate human-elephant conflicts. However, due to IFAW's mismanagement and disregard for the necessary precautions, the project spiraled into a catastrophe.

Mike Labuschagne [89:12]: "We had to have permissions, we had to feed them, we had to release them in batches, and all those precautions had to be in place."

The rushed and inadequately planned translocation led to severe human-elephant conflicts, resulting in the deaths of 14 people and significant damage to local communities.

Mike Labuschagne [97:38]: "There are 14 people that have died that I am convinced are directly linked to the chaos that came along with this completely criminal negligent translocation."

Consequences and Whistleblowing

Confronted with the devastating outcomes of the translocation, Mike took a stand against IFAW's practices. Despite internal pressures and lack of support, he demanded accountability, leading to his constructive dismissal in January 2022. His whistleblowing efforts highlight the systemic issues within conservation organizations where financial mismanagement and lack of integrity overshadow genuine conservation goals.

Mike Labuschagne [105:15]: "I had to accept whistleblower status because I was the only key personnel listed in the cooperative agreement that gave $8 million of taxpayer money to IFAW. If I do not do my duty, the United States government can punish me."

Current Challenges and Human Rights Issues

Mike emphasizes the intertwining of conservation efforts with human rights, pointing out that mismanaged projects not only harm wildlife but also devastate local communities. The lack of proper investigative measures into the translocation project's failures perpetuates injustice and undermines long-term sustainability.

Mike Labuschagne [105:15]: "The investigation will look at those human rights abuses, and then they should pursue that very serious charge against IFAW."

Conclusion and Future Steps

As the episode concludes, Mike is resolute in his pursuit of justice and accountability. He underscores the necessity for thorough investigations to prevent future translocation disasters and to uphold the integrity of conservation efforts globally. Mike's unwavering commitment serves as a call to action for stakeholders to prioritize genuine conservation over financial gain.

Mike Labuschagne [100:20]: "What I'm fighting for is an investigation. And I will accept. If there's a thorough investigation, I will accept it."

Mike's journey illustrates the complexities and ethical dilemmas inherent in wildlife conservation, highlighting the crucial need for transparency, accountability, and community-centric approaches to ensure the protection of both wildlife and human populations.

Notable Quotes

• Mike Axelrod [01:00]: "This is setting the context, setting the stage, setting the timeline of things that have happened in a place called Kazunga in Zambia."
• Mike Labuschagne [05:31]: "I started off working for the South African government, seconded to the Malawi government. Then I worked with Frankfurt Zoological Society, and then I worked for the International Fund for Animal Welfare, IFAW."
• Mike Labuschagne [16:14]: "The job was to initiate to find a landscape project for IFAW and to set up a landscape conservation program."
• Mike Labuschagne [35:02]: "It's spectacularly successful. We completely changed the amount of ivory that was being recovered, the number of arrests that were being made, and as I say, a clear and visible increase in your whole large mammal populations."
• Mike Labuschagne [89:12]: "We had to have permissions, we had to feed them, we had to release them in batches, and all those precautions had to be in place."
• Mike Labuschagne [97:38]: "There are 14 people that have died that I am convinced are directly linked to the chaos that came along with this completely criminal negligent translocation."
• Mike Labuschagne [105:15]: "I had to accept whistleblower status because I was the only key personnel listed in the cooperative agreement that gave $8 million of taxpayer money to IFAW. If I do not do my duty, the United States government can punish me."
• Mike Labuschagne [100:20]: "What I'm fighting for is an investigation. And I will accept. If there's a thorough investigation, I will accept it."

Conclusion

Episode 549 of Blood Origins offers a compelling and detailed account of the challenges faced in wildlife conservation, particularly the interplay between dedication, integrity, and systemic obstacles. Mike Labuschagne's experiences shed light on the critical need for transparent and accountable practices within conservation organizations to ensure the protection of both wildlife and the communities that depend on them.