Zeitz Foundation launched

The Zeitz Foundation was officially launched in Kenya on Friday by its founder Jochen Zeitz.

Present at the launch were the foundation’s global ambassador, Usain Bolt, and former hurdles champion, Colin Jackson who talked about using their mass appeal to spread the message of sustainable use of the environment.

The foundation aspires to create sustainable, ecologically and socially responsible ecosystems that protect the integrity of the environment and the culture and people living in it.

Through its Long Run initiative the foundation will start its programmes by securing and building sustainable, mostly tourism-driven enterprises, community development and cultural stewardship.

Zeitz, the owner and chief officer of Puma, said he had a vision of an environment maintained in the healthiest possible state.

“I hope to encourage a new model of sustainable development – one that shows how working toward ecosphere safety can be commercially viable,” Zeitz said.

Zeitz Foundation is starting one such enterprise at the Segera Ranch in Laikipia.

It will be part of several spread around the world that the foundation wants to transform to “global ecosphere retreats” where the best practices for sustaining the environment are observed.

Jackson said sports stars could use their influence as role models to give clear messages on environmental conservation.

Bolt said he supported Zeilch’s vision and always enjoyed watching the Discovery Channel.