Community conservancies will discuss anti-poaching operations in view of on-going ivory poaching
The U.S. Embassy invites the media to an Open Day to celebrate the achievements in community conservation in northern Kenya. Karen Freeman, Mission Director for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Kenya, will represent the U.S. Government. Ms. Freeman will meet with the Northern Rangelands Trust Board of Trustees, the Council of Elders, and members of the community conservancies to discuss the achievements to date in community-led wildlife conservation and efforts to reduce ivory poaching.
Background: The Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT) is an umbrella organization formed in 2004 by the LEWA Conservancy to bring together local pastoralists communities with landowners and the Government of Kenya to promote the long-term conservation of wildlife in Kenya’s northern rangelands. At present, NRT oversees 19 community-owned and -managed conservancies covering 3 million acres and representing 100,000 residents in one of Kenya’s major wildlife migration routes.
USAID has invested more than $4 million in the Trust’s holistic approach to wildlife and environmental management. USAID contributes practical knowledge and expertise to improve and diversify the incomes of the pastoralist communities. To date, community conservancies have attracted more than $1 million in private sector investment in ecotourism. Activities undertaken by the conservancies – including better rangeland management and anti-poaching operations – have led to significant increase in the abundance of many wild animals. Elephant poaching continues to be a problem in the northern rangelands.
Media interested in attending are requested to contact Robin Johnson to RSVP: Robin Johnson, Communications Specialist, USAID/Kenya
Sunday, February 3, 2013, 9:00 a.m.
Kalama Conservancy, Isiolo
When: Sunday, February 3, 2013, starting at 9:00 a.m.
Where: Kalama Conservancy (3 kms from Archers Post)
