Investing in community conservation models: The case of Northern Kenya

In a world where ecosystems are being destroyed, heralding the disappearance of nature and diminishing wildlife, Northern Kenya has remained vibrant. A land of rolling plains and acacia, it features the second-largest elephant population in Kenya, the reticulated giraffe, the endangered Grevy’s Zebra and the African Wild Dog amid diverse flora and fauna.

The pastoralist communities' way of life has mostly supported this thriving wildlife. But with growing populations and competing land uses, the future of the region’s wildlife largely depends on the purposeful protection of its inhabitants.

Close to 70% of the wildlife populations in East Africa are found outside state-protected reserves and national parks. Most recently, the rugged landscape has served to pioneer the community conservancy model, and they are now thriving in northern Kenya.

With the Covid-19 pandemic leading to a drop in tourism, community conservancies have been hit hard. But owing to their experience and investments made over the years, they are finding resilience and pursuing creative solutions to these challenges.

Guest speakers:

• Daniel Letoiye - Sustainability Director, Northern Rangelands Trust
• Nicole Nanetoi Legima - Lodge Manager, Saruni
• Tom Lolosoli - Manager, Kalama Community Conservancy
• Tom Letiwa - Manager, Namunyak Community Conservancy

 

Banner image: Elephants walking in Kenya / Credit: Eric Heininger via Unsplash.