Nashulai Maasai Conservancy,Republic of Kenya
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
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Abstract: Nashulai Maasai Conservancy is one of the first Indigenous-owned and -run conservancies in East Africa,representing a bold and enlightened new conservation model in response to catastrophic threats of species loss,cultural extinction,increasing poverty,and climate change. Within the Republic of Kenya,the Conservancy is located in the Maasai Mara,one of the worldâ??s most biodiverse ecosystems. The Conservancy was created by and continues to be governed and managed by Maasai people,whose ancestors have inhabited the land for millennia,sustaining themselves and their herds in harmony with nature. Home to 3,000 people,the Conservancy is a 1,214-hectare triangle connecting a critical migratory corridor for wildlife from two globally important ecosystemsâ??the Mara and the Serengeti. During just four years,the Conservancy has removed 25 kilometres of fencing,created mixed-use commons for people and wildlife to thrive together,conserved the Sekenani River through cleanups and tree planting,and inspired the launch of two other community-run conservancies. Since 2016,Nashulai communities have witnessed a remarkable return of wildlife,including threatened and endangered species. They have also ushered in a return of livelihood opportunities and cultural survival for Maasai families. Nashulai works to improve gender equality in education and leadership,while preventing practices like female genital mutilation (FGM),early marriage,and gender discrimination. The Conservancy has supported communities in building 2 primary schools,provided clean water access to Nashulaiâ??s 3,000 residents,built community gardens in each village,and organized food rations during the COVID-19 pandemic to 28,520 people across the region.