building capacities of local communities and alliances to conserve and protect Kenya’s endangered species

Empowering locally-led partnerships for people-wildlife coexistence in Amboseli and Tsavo landscapes.

Problem

Across the vast Amboseli and Tsavo landscapes in Kenya, rhinoceros, lions, cheetahs, pangolins, and other wildlife roam freely beyond the national parks.

These important rangelands host nearly 45 percent of Kenya’s total elephant population. Wildlife often competes with people and livestock for pasture/food and water resulting in human wildlife conflict.

These conflicts exacerbated by prolonged droughts, poor governance and management practices of local conservancy associations, strain local ecosystems. Limited livelihood opportunities and associated economic hardships lead to more poaching and other illegal resource use.

Solution

Funded by USAID, IFAW and its partners Big Life Foundation and Tsavo Trust are mentoring and mobilizing 55 local wildlife conservancies, helping them work together to reduce threats, secure more space for wildlife and boost economic opportunities that are conservation friendly.

With new security resources, training, and innovative financing models, this project promotes sustainable resource management, tourism, climate-smart agriculture, and green value chain development.