LAST MONTH I accompanied directors of the nonprofit Focus on Tanzanian Communities (FOTZC) to Enashiva Nature Reserve, which is owned by Judi Wineland and Rick Thomson and where Thomson Safaris operates a tented camp. I witnessed the enthusiastic welcome of Wineland and the FOTZC board members by more than 100 Maasai men and women.
I observed community meetings where projects to continue supporting educational and economic opportunities were discussed in a cordial and mutually respectful manner between local leaders, Wineland, and FOTZC. One would not have seen this warm reception from people who feel victimized or exploited by Thomson Safaris. These observations go far to disprove allegations in a Globe article Thursday (“Safari firm accused of exploitation,” Page A1).
Those who oppose the sale of the land to Wineland and Thomson have the right to contest it in the courts of Tanzania, and to participate in discourse on reserving land for wildlife and environmental conservation. It is disappointing that the Globe gave front-page attention, and therefore credibility, to unconfirmed, suspect allegations meant to discredit Thomson Safaris, an ethically run safari company.