Kenya’s government and a group of donors have signed a US$160 million (approximately R2.7 billion) conservation financing agreement to protect 17.3 million hectares of ecologically significant land over the next decade.
The Thamani Asili initiative, meaning “value of nature” in Kiswahili, combines US$80 million (approximately R1.35 billion) from the Kenyan government with an equivalent contribution from international philanthropic donors, including heirs of the Walton and Cargill families, according to Reuters.
The programme will fund new conservation areas and improve the management of existing initiatives using the Project Finance for Permanence model that links funding to government policy reforms.
Initial focus areas include Tsavo and the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, said the initiative will protect wildlife while supporting farmers and communities living in these landscapes.
The programme also intends to help Kenya meet the global target of protecting 30% of land and sea by 2030. The Nature Conservancy estimates that approximately 20%-23% of Kenya is currently protected.
