NAIROBI, Kenya- Three global conservation heavyweights — the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and the World Wide Fund for Nature – Kenya (WWF-Kenya) — have joined forces in a five-year partnership that promises transformative solutions for conservation in Kenya.
With a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in Nairobi, this partnership blends decades of expertise to tackle pressing environmental challenges while uplifting local communities.
At the heart of this alliance lies a shared vision: addressing habitat fragmentation, human-wildlife conflict, and over-exploitation of natural resources.
As Kenya faces mounting threats to its biodiversity due to population growth and climate change, the collaboration is poised to implement innovative, community-centered conservation strategies.
James Isiche, IFAW’s Africa Director, highlighted the urgency of these efforts:
“Population growth is fragmenting habitats and fueling human-wildlife conflicts. We need innovative solutions and sustainable resource management to preserve Kenya’s landscapes and wildlife.”
This partnership will focus on improving habitat connectivity, building climate resilience, and fostering sustainable development across Kenya’s iconic ecosystems.
A cornerstone of this initiative is placing communities at the forefront of conservation.
By involving local populations in project ownership, capacity-building efforts, and the integration of indigenous knowledge, the partnership aims to create sustainable financing mechanisms that benefit both people and nature.
Munira Anyonge Bashir, TNC Kenya’s Government Relations and Policy Director, emphasized:
“Community involvement is crucial in combating resource over-exploitation and reducing human-wildlife conflict.”
Key elements of this community-driven approach include livelihood improvement programs, sustainable resource utilization, and education on conservation’s long-term benefits.
WWF-Kenya CEO Mohamed Awer summed up the mission succinctly:
“Kenya’s development is intertwined with the health of its environment. If ecosystems collapse, so will our economy and society.”
Over the next five years, this collaboration will develop large-scale solutions to safeguard biodiversity, secure sustainable livelihoods, and drive climate resilience.
By pooling resources and expertise, IFAW, TNC, and WWF-Kenya are setting the stage for meaningful change, proving that collective action holds the key to a harmonious coexistence between people and nature.
