USAID Kenya has donated Sh46.97 million to wildlife conservation organisations in Tsavo and Amboseli national parks to enhance their response to human-wildlife conflict in Kenya.

The donation given to the wildlife conservationists operating around the two national parks in Kenya through the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).

Tsavo Trust and Amboseli Ecosystem Trust got two vehicles each, Big Life Limited one motorcycle and Taita Taveta Wildlife Conservancies Association a car and 20 motorcycles.

The US government, through USAID, is supporting biodiversity conservation and enhanced governance of community conservancies run by local communities around the two parks.

USAID says the financial support is meant to foster sustainability, and also provide increased social economic welfare of communities surrounding Tsavo and Amboseli national parks.

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It noted that such alliances build credibility and successful operation of conservation efforts outside government protected areas which are critical for 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 IFAW President and CEO Azzedine Downes.

PHOTO/IFAW

He added, “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.”

Tourism and Wildlife Principal Secretary Silvia Museiya noted that the two landscapes are arid and semi-arid and their economies 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,” Museiya said.

The donation by the US government through USAID was made through the Sustainable Management of Amboseli and Tsavo Landscapes Project.

The five-year 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 to govern their local conservancy associations.

The move is meant to empower 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,” concluded the PS.