Northern Rangelands Trust

In 2004, our journey began with just 9 conservancies uniting to form the #NorthernRangelandsTrust, pioneering community conservation across Kenya’s most remote landscapes. 20 years later, we have grown to 45 conservancies, protected 15 endangered species, implemented over 200 community projects, protected wildlife across 15 million acres and impacted lives through the world’s largest soil carbon removal project. As we reflect on our recent #NRTAt20 celebration on September 19th at Bomas of Kenya, we are reminded of the communities that inspire us daily. Looking ahead, we’re committed to expanding our conservation efforts in Kenya ???? and Uganda, ???? ready to write the next chapter for the next 20 years and beyond, filled with hope and endless possibilities for both nature and people. ???? ?? Check out our journey in this video! ?? https://lnkd.in/dvZS2fmd #20YearsOfImpact #NdotoYaUmoja #ConservationCelebration

Recently, NRT took significant steps in wildlife protection by equipping conservancy scouts from Nanapisho and Naapu Community Conservancies with new uniforms and essential Standard Security Operating Procedures (SSOP) training. Such efforts strengthen their capacity to protect wildlife and support their communities. Thanks to improved safety measures and increased anti-poaching patrols, poaching has declined, wildlife populations are thriving, and elephants are returning to areas once considered unsafe. With support from our partners, including USAID, Agence Fran?aise de Développement, & The Nature Conservancy in Africa, NRT continues to empower conservancy scouts across northern and coastal Kenya, as well as in Uganda while helping to conserve Kenya’s wildlife heritage. We are proud of our conservancy scouts and their commitment to protecting our natural heritage! ??????

What an incredible day at COP 29 in Baku! At the Italian Pavilion, we had the privilege of sharing how Kenya’s community conservancies are transforming lives through conservation, peacebuilding, and women’s empowerment. Our very own Ms. Josephine Ekiru, a women leader and peace ambassador, and Hon. Francis Chachu Ganya, NRT’s Director of Government & Strategic Stakeholders, joined a powerful panel to discuss real solutions that are addressing climate change and fostering community resilience. One of our key highlights is an immersive VR experience where guests to experience northern Kenya’s (Laikipia County) breathtaking landscapes, showcasing the impact of conservancies on the ground. A special thank you to the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation Italian Agency for Development Cooperation - Nairobi Office for making this possible and to everyone who joined the conversation. ?? ?? ?? #ClimateForChange #COP29Azerbaijan #COP29

We’re thrilled to be part of the ongoing COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, with the incredible support of our partner, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) ???? | Italian Agency for Development Cooperation - Nairobi Office #HappeningNow, November 21st, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, at the Italian Pavilion for an inspiring side event. Our very own Ms. Josphine Ekiru, a women leader and peace ambassador for NRT, and Hon. Francis Chachu Ganya, NRT’s Director of Government and Strategic Stakeholders, will join other speakers to explore “Empowering Women, Conserving Nature, Bringing Peace: Solutions from Kenya’s Community Conservancies.” Let’s discuss how conservation, peacebuilding, and women’s empowerment are driving real change in Kenya! ???? #ClimateForChange #COP29Azerbaijan #COP29

The National Pastoralist Conference 2024 officially opened yesterday in Isiolo County, bringing together leaders, stakeholders, and experts across Kenya’s ASAL counties. Chief Guest H.E. Nadhif Jama, Governor of Garissa County, led the opening with dignitaries from 15 counties, sector directors, and key development partners in attendance. We were honored to participate in the conference and the opportunity to share our 20-year journey and impact story during the opening session alongside other key speakers. Discussions in the breakout sessions addressed critical issues like Ending Drought Emergencies, Peace & Security, and the Pastoral Livestock Economy, which sparked insightful talks and set the stage for strong resolutions that will be presented at the upcoming Pastoral Leaders Summit (PLS) in Wajir. #NPC2024 USAID

Recently, community members from our coastal conservancies visited Ngare Ndare Conservancy to exchange knowledge on climate-smart agriculture. Through the 'Improving Community Livelihoods through Food Security, Water Provision, and Alternative Income' program, supported by the innocent foundation families across conservancies like Biliqo Bulesa, Ndera, Hanshak-Nyongoro, and Lower Tana are learning new ways to strengthen food security. ?? In Ngare Ndare, the program has taken big steps to address water needs by digging 60 earth pans, installing dam liners, and providing water tanks to nearby communities. ?? These resources are making a real difference, helping ensure reliable water and better harvests. ?? The story has also been featured in The Standard newspaper and #NTV. It’s encouraging to see what can be achieved when communities are equipped with the right tools and knowledge. ?? ?? NTV Link: https://lnkd.in/dbk2BXNZ

We’re happy to witness the impact of the Ujuzi Manyattani program in empowering young people like Barwako Abdi Dida! Through MashinaniWORKS (formerly NRT Trading), our aim is to bring practical skills to young people across conservancies and empower them to shape their own futures. With support from our partners like USAID, Embassy of Sweden, Agence Fran?aise de Développement, Trade Council of Denmark in Sub-Saharan Africa, ICEP - Association for Global Development, & #BasecampFoundationKenya, Ujuzi Manyattani equips youth who haven’t had the chance to attend formal schooling with hands-on training in mobile phone repair, sustainable honey harvesting, motorcycle repair, catering, tailoring, dressmaking, and many more. This program isn’t just about skills; it’s about fostering independence, entrepreneurship, and growth right here in our communities.

As we mark #WorldFoodDay today, we’re proud to see the real difference being made in the community conservancies we serve both in Kenya (northern and coastal) and Uganda. With the support of our partners, NRT is helping families to install water tanks for rain water harvesting, distribute water pumps and build earth pans, directly addressing water shortages that have long challenged these regions. By providing training in climate-smart agriculture and improving access to water, farmers are now able to grow more food, secure their livelihoods, and build a future where food and water are readily available. This is a meaningful step towards lasting food security and resilience. #WorldFoodDay #FoodSecurity #CommunityImpact

We are thrilled to announce that our Peace Coordinator,?Josephine Ekiru, been honoured as a finalist for the 2024 Exceptional Women of Peace Awards, hosted by Pathways to Peace (PTP). This recognition celebrates Josephine's unwavering commitment to championing for reconciliation, healing, and peaceful coexistence in the diverse communities of northern Kenya. ? The awards ceremony, held virtually on the 13th?of September, marked the 25th anniversary of the UN Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1999—a significant milestone for global peacebuilding efforts. ? Josephine’s journey into peace work began in her childhood. She witnessed her community embroiled in violent conflicts over scarce resources like pasture and water, leading to the loss of many lives. Despite the silence of leadership, Josephine knew that peace had to be pursued. Her efforts have since become a beacon of hope, motivated by a desire for future generations to experience harmony and coexistence. ? "There are many definitions of peace, but mine is: peace is when people live harmoniously and share good moments, rather than inflicting pain onto each other. It is also the harmonious coexistence of people and nature,"?says Josephine. ? We are incredibly proud of Josephine and her relentless dedication to promoting peace. Her recognition by Pathways to Peace, a UN-designated Peace Messenger Organization working with key UN bodies like ECOSOC, UNESCO,?and UNICEF, is a testament to her impactful work.

Yesterday, we had the privilege of hosting Ms. Annika Otterstedt, Head of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of Sweden in Nairobi, as she officially inaugurated the Tura Narasha Water Project. Supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and additional funding from the Carbon Community Funds (CCF), this initiative now ensures a reliable water supply from Tura in Laikipia County to Narupa in Isiolo County, an area that had previously experienced years of conflict and insecurity. The shared resource is now a unifying factor for both communities, fostering peace and cooperation. Women in particular have played a key role in leading peacebuilding efforts, ensuring the project’s success. Ms. Annika reaffirmed Sweden’s long-standing collaboration with NRT, stating, "We are eager to continue and strengthen our cooperation in this part of Kenya." The Embassy of Sweden has also supported the Ujuzi Manyattani program, which offers vocational training to youth who have not had the chance to attend formal schooling. During the event, the Northern Kenya Rangelands Carbon Project team also presented CCF bursary cheques to the conservancies in both counties: Naibunga Central received KES 2.5 million, Naibunga Lower KES 1.2 million, Naapu KES 3.2 million, and Nanapisho KES 2.3 million. This support will go a long way in uplifting the communities through education. #IMARA World Vision Kenya Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancies Association SEI Africa – Stockholm Environment Institute Saferworld