Conservation

Empowering Local People to Protect Nature and Livelihoods

Community Conservancy Conservation is a people-centered approach to protecting nature that places local communities at the heart of conservation efforts. In this model, communities are not just beneficiaries—they are the stewards, leaders, and decision-makers in managing and protecting their natural resources.

What Is a Community Conservancy?

A community conservancy is a legally recognized, locally governed area where residents collectively manage land and natural resources for conservation and sustainable development. These conservancies are often established in regions rich in biodiversity but historically underserved by formal conservation efforts. They serve as a bridge between traditional knowledge and modern conservation practices.

Our Approach

We support communities in forming and managing conservancies by providing tools, training, and resources to:

• Protect ecosystems and wildlife through patrols, monitoring, and land-use planning

• Enhance livelihoods via nature-based enterprises such as eco-tourism, sustainable grazing, and non-timber forest products

• Strengthen governance by building local institutions that are inclusive, transparent, and accountable

• Promote resilience by integrating climate-smart practices and long-term planning

This approach recognizes the deep connection communities have with their land and builds on that relationship to foster both environmental sustainability and human well-being.

Why It Matters

Community conservancies deliver wide-reaching impact:

• Conservation: They help preserve critical habitats and endangered species while mitigating threats like poaching, deforestation, and overgrazing.

• Empowerment: They enhance community rights over land and resources, increasing participation in decision-making and governance.

• Sustainable Development: They generate income and jobs through eco-friendly enterprises, contributing to poverty reduction and local economic growth.

Looking Ahead

As global challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss intensify, community-led models offer scalable, equitable, and effective solutions. We are committed to expanding and strengthening community conservancies as a pathway to a more just and sustainable future—for people and the planet.