Strengthening capacity for Nature-Based Solutions in the Mount Kenya–Lewa Biosphere Reserve

Sustainable development through nature-based solutions (NbS), with a strong emphasis on community empowerment, gender equity, and youth inclusion.

In June 2025, KNATCOM conducted a comprehensive study at the Malindi-Watamu-Arabuko Sokoke and Mount Kenya-Lewa Biosphere Reserves. The objective: to evaluate the effectiveness, scalability, and sustainability of NbS initiatives, while identifying challenges faced by local communities—especially women and youth—in amplifying conservation outcomes.

 

𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲-𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐬

On 4th and 5th September 2025, KNATCOM convened two parallel workshops in Nanyuki (CETRAD) and Mombasa (Kenya School of Government), bringing together 80 community stakeholders. These sessions served as a platform to present findings from the study and equip participants with practical strategies to enhance NbS implementation. The research publication was also launched.

In his opening remarks, Dr. James Njogu, Ag. Secretary General/CEO of KNATCOM, lauded the participants’ commitment to conservation despite resource constraints. He urged communities to scale up NbS interventions, especially in transition zones, and to embed gender and youth representation in governance structures to ensure equitable decision-making and benefit sharing.

“By harnessing their diverse perspectives, innovative ideas, and collective action, conservation efforts can achieve greater impact, relevance, and long-term success.” — Dr. James Njogu, Ag. SG/CEO

𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲

The report underscores the potential of biosphere reserve communities to tackle pressing global issues—climate change, biodiversity loss, water scarcity, food insecurity, health risks, urbanization, and youth unemployment—through nature-based approaches.

Participants engaged in dynamic discussions to identify barriers and co-create solutions for effective NbS implementation. The workshops also showcased a variety of successful community-led initiatives already underway across the reserves.

𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 UNESCO

This initiative was made possible through the UNESCO Participation Programme, with co-financing from KNATCOM.