Kenya, The Nature Conservancy and Enduring Earth launched a 160 million-dollar conservation programme on Wednesday, 21 October, in Taita Taveta, aimed at protecting natural areas and supporting the communities that depend on them.
The Thamani Asili initiative provides 80 million dollars in philanthropic funding and an equivalent contribution from the Kenyan government over ten years. Disbursements will be linked to public commitments under a permanent project-financing model, its promoters said.
The programme is set to cover 17.3 million hectares and bring Kenya closer to its target of protecting 30% of its land, inland waters and coastal zones. It is expected in particular to strengthen the management of existing areas and create new conserved spaces with local communities.
Its promoters estimate that 1.6 million people could benefit directly and 3.9 million others from better management of land and natural resources. They also aim to create 7,800 direct jobs and 15,000 indirect jobs in ecotourism, pasture management and other nature-related activities.
The first investments are to focus on four regions, including Tsavo and the areas linking the Maasai Mara reserve to Tanzania's Serengeti. The initiative links wildlife protection to the incomes of farmers and communities living in these landscapes.