Conservancies Development
The Amboseli Ecosystem is an intricate ecosystem connected by fragile ecological corridors. These corridors are under increased threat from bushmeat poaching, water abstraction and habitat conversion due to the rise in land fragmentation and unplanned land use, coupled with heavy grazing pressure and recurrent drought.
AET’s natural resources management programme seeks to tackle these massive threats though three focal areas: the ecosystem plan, community rangers and improved human-wildlife coexistence.
The Amboseli Community Conservancies
AET’s conservancy development program was initiated to support the community in the establishment of strong conservancies that have inclusive governance structures and investments to sustain their operations and generate benefits to the local communities.
At A glance
35 Conservancies
650,166 Acres Conservancies
716,112 acres Rangelands
1.3 Million acres Conservation
Formation of New Conservancies
As land tenure transits from communal lands into individually owned land AET is working with local communities to secure areas for wildlife conservation as community conservancies. The continuous engagements with the local community has resulted in the increase of the number of conservancies from 16 in 2018 to 35, with more conservancies expected in the future.
The landowners of the Olgulului Group Ranch, led by their management committee, agreed to form a brand-new conservancy dubbed the Taisere Conservancy, a 5,000-to-10,000-acre area, that is to border the Kitenden Wildlife Corridor, Kitirua Conservancy, and the Amboseli National Park. Additionally, AET working with the Oloitiptip family have established the Olgulului ranch conservancy. The 10,000-acre ranch that is privately owned by the prominent family has been set aside as land under wildlife conservation and livestock production. These are major milestone towards securing land connectivity and providing space that is crucial to extent the dispersal areas of wildlife from the Amboseli National Park
Conservancy Leases and Registration
AET recognizes that the registration of conservancies with national, regional and governmental association and institution empowers them to be legal and distinguished entities that can drive economic benefits to their communities. Therefore, as the regional representative of the Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association, AET works with conservancies to ensure they are fully registered and incorporated as required by the constitution of Kenya.
AET works with conservancy land owners in seeking conservancy investors and support in conservancy lease negotiations to ensure communities gain maximum benefit. These eco-tourism benefits ensure the sustainability and operationalization of the conservancies as unique economic entities that support communities and wildlife.
Conservancy Management Plans: AET held a stakeholder’s workshop with the Eselengei Community members and other conservation partners to contribute towards the completion of the Eselengei Conservancy Management Plan.
Supported by USAID in partnership with Ifaw under the ‘Sustainable Management of Amboseli Tsavo Landscape’ project, AET, guided by the University of Nairobi, worked with the Eselengei Group ranch community and stakeholders to develop a comprehensive Eselengei Conservancy Management Plan.
Established in 1997 and covering over 12,000 acres, the Eselengei Conservancy is a pioneer community conservancy in the Amboseli landscape, well known for its rich diversity of wildlife and beautiful tapestry. The conservancy management plan is essential to strengthening the operations and governance of community conservancy by providing a clear framework for effective management and coordination.
Make a Difference
Support community conservation efforts safeguarding the intricate Amboseli Ecosystem.