Carbon is not only stored in forests all around the world, but also in healthy soils, which take up water and become the basis for thriving vegetation and habitats for countless species. However, this natural balance is disturbed when land is used continuously and in an unrestricted way for grazing of livestock. This is where our climate project across 2 million hectares in Northern Kenya starts. By establishing more sustainable, rotating grazing practices, the soil has time to recover and remain healthy. A small change with significant effects for climate protection and the wellbeing of local communities: Through more carbon stored in the soil, the land can also store more water through dry periods, which will in turn help local communities to address the effects of climate change and drought.
From a biodiversity perspective, improved grassland and better-quality grazing will also lead to healthier livestock and ecosystems, as well as habitats for the local wildlife, which includes four endemic endangered species – the Eastern black rhino, Grevy’s zebra, the Reticulated giraffe and the Beisa oryx.
In terms of livelihoods for the local communities, the funding of this project will help diversify community income, employing staff, buying supplies and supporting specific needs of the conservancies it is implemented in - including clean water, education, and infrastructure projects such as school dormitories, housing for teachers, providing water infrastructure, building and maintaining healthcare facilities.
