Wildlife conservation organisations in Tsavo and Amboseli sanctuaries in Kenya have received $385,000 donation from USAID Kenya through the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).

Tsavo Trust and Amboseli Ecosystem Trust in addition received two vehicles each, Big Life Limited received one motorcycle and Taita Taveta Wildlife Conservancies Association received a vehicle and 20 motorcycles.

For sustainability, and the increased social economic welfare of local communities, the US government through USAID is supporting biodiversity conservation and improved governance of community conservancies owned and managed by local communities around both Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks.

Partnerships and collaborations build credibility and successful implementation of conservation efforts outside government protected areas which are critical for the survival of key wildlife species.

“Local community members have graciously provided their land for wildlife to move freely within their home ranges, which can cause some challenges,” said President and CEO at IFAW Azzedine Downes.

“Providing this equipment fosters coexistence of people and wildlife which is critical for securing biodiversity, enhancing natural resilience to climate change while improving the livelihoods of people from tourism revenue.”

Principal Secretary for Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife Silvia Museiya said, “Being arid and semi-arid, the economies of these landscapes are predominantly livestock and tourism-driven. Other opportunities exist that we can tap into including carbon credits and green energy development that create multiple and additional income streams for the communities while promoting nature-based solutions to contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation.”

The donation was made through the Sustainable Management of Amboseli and Tsavo Landscapes Project.

The five-year USAID-funded project implemented by IFAW in partnership with Big Life Limited and Tsavo Trust, benefits wildlife and people by supporting the ability of communities in Tsavo and Amboseli ecosystems in Kenya to govern their local conservancy associations – Amboseli Ecosystem Trust (AET) and Taita Taveta Wildlife Conservancies Association (TTWCA), to sustainably manage rangeland use, increase wildlife security, and engage the private sector for increased investments in conservation.

The Project contributes to the UN sustainable management goals 13 and 15 and to Kenya’s development blueprint of vision 2030 by enhancing responsible management of the environment and natural resources. By 2027, it will have directly benefited over 90,000 individuals across the two landscapes,”

• A Tell report