Conservation in Action
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, KENYA
Lewa is a world-renowned rhino sanctuary making up a 90,000-acre protected wildlife landscape at the base of Mt Kenya.
The land is considered an UNESCO World Heritage site and the organization has gained international esteem as a progressive model of modern conservation for successfully pioneering the concept of community-based conservation.
Rangeland for abundant wildlife and home to the first elephant underpass, Lewa runs one of the most successful rhino protection programs in Africa despite the growing problem of poaching.
il Ngwesi, Kenya
Neighboring the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Il Ngwesi covers 16,500 hectares and has been home to the Il Lakipiak Maasai tribe, known as the ‘people of wildlife’.
Il Ngwesi is a flagship, community-based conservancy fully owned and operated by the region's indigenous people. Here, one finds a truly special example of conservation hand in hand with community development, showcasing the importance of communities taking responsibility to preserve their natural resources and cultural heritage.
Their investment in ecotourism, environmental management, and human services — such as education and healthcare — has drastically improved long-term relationships between humans and wildlife.