IFAW, TNC and WWF-Kenya join forces to advance conservation gains in Kenya

(Nairobi, Kenya – 21 November, 2024) – The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and World Wide Fund for Nature – Kenya (WWF-Kenya) today signed a five-year partnership agreement to boost collaboration for greater conservation impact for the benefit of people and nature.  

The tripartite Memorandum of Understanding convenes the different and complementary skillsets from each partner to work together to fundraise, develop and implement projects that will improve community livelihoods, enhance habitat connectivity and promote sustainable development. Over the next five years, the partnership will enhance deeper community engagement interventions to secure connectivity of large landscapes and build climate resilience. 

Leveraging on over half a century of combined experience and expertise, the coalition plans to accelerate the delivery of biodiversity and socio-economic outcomes that will ensure communities reap more benefits from conservation, finding nature-based solutions to enhance human-wildlife co-existence, and curb wildlife crime. 

Speaking during the signing ceremony in Nairobi, Kenya, James Isiche, IFAW Africa Director, emphasized on the need for strong alliances to address the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss that are already devastating communities in the country. “I’m thrilled about this partnership because it strengthens cooperation in conservation to drive tangible benefits for communities and safeguard connected landscapes!” 

Mohamed Awer, WWF-Kenya CEO reiterated that the tripartite collaboration is not only timely but also a huge opportunity to achieve greater impact. “Here in Kenya, we recognize that our national development is linked to the health of our environment. We cannot ignore this truth, because if our ecosystems collapse, so will our economy and our society. This is a symbiotic relationship that demands harmony, and a sustainable alignment of People, Planet, and Profit. Achieving this requires more than just ambition; it demands transformative partnerships and climate action investment for greater impact." 

An inclusive approach to conservation provides an opportunity to ensure that communities have access to their rights and ownership of natural resources. By integrating indigenous knowledge and developing sustainable finance mechanisms, Kenyans will be better equipped to counter threats to natural resources. – Munira Anyonge Bashir HSC, Government Relations and Policy Director – TNC Kenya.

ENDS 

For inquiries, please contact 

Guyo Adhi
Communications Officer -East Africa, Ifaw
Phone: +254 701 928662
Email: gadhi@ifaw.org

Joel Muinde
Communications Manager – WWF- Kenya
Phone: +254 111814252
Email: jmuinde@wwfkenya.org

Victor Nyambok
Associate Director Advocacy & Communications
Phone: +254 722 211819
Email: victor.nyambok@TNC.ORG

About IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare)  

IFAW is a global non-profit helping animal and people thrive together. We are experts and everyday people, working across seas, oceans and in more than 40 countries around the world. We rescue, rehabilitate and release animals, and we restore and protect their natural habitats. The problems we’re up against are urgent and complicated. To solve them, we match fresh thinking with bold action. We partner with local communities, governments, non-governmental organisations and businesses. Together, we pioneer new and innovative ways to help all species flourish. See how you can at ifaw.org 

About The Nature Conservancy  

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters, and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably, and helping make cities more sustainable. Working in 76 countries and territories—37 by direct conservation impact and 39 through partners—we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org  

About WWF-Kenya -  
 
The World Wide Fund for Nature - Kenya (WWF-Kenya), is an independent, locally registered non-governmental conservation organization; an affiliate of WWF International. Since 1962, WWF-Kenya, has been collaborating with communities, the government, civil society, and the private sector to create a healthy natural environment supporting people and sustainable development in Kenya. Guided by the global mission to stop the degradation of the Earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. Join the movement wwfkenya.org