Calls to tap traditional skills to help protect species

A giraffe at Amboseli. [Jayne Rose Gacheri, Standard]

In the vast landscapes of Kenya, where wildlife roams freely and breathtaking ecosystems thrive, a call to incorporate indigenous rights and traditional knowledge into endangered species law is resonating with conservationists, scientists, and communities alike.

Kenya's legal framework for conservation primarily revolves around the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act of 2013. While the law emphasises the protection of endangered species, it does not explicitly integrate indigenous rights and knowledge. This omission limits the potential for collaborative conservation approaches that combine modern science with indigenous wisdom.

According to a study conducted by the Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association (KWCA), incorporating indigenous rights into endangered species law can lead to more successful conservation outcomes.

The research found that indigenous communities such as the Maasai and Samburu have a profound understanding of wildlife corridors and migratory patterns. Their involvement in decision-making processes can contribute to restoration of species abundance by identifying habitats and migration routes that need protection.

Peter Ole Tingoi, an elder from the Maasai community, emphasises the significance of integrating indigenous rights, stating, "We have lived alongside wildlife for centuries, and our knowledge can help conserve these species. Our rights should be acknowledged and respected in conservation policies."

Furthermore, a publication by the International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA) highlights the importance of engaging Indigenous communities in conservation efforts. It states, "Recognising indigenous rights fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among communities, leading to more sustainable conservation practices and better protection of endangered species."

Which according to Patrick Odhiambo, an ecologist at Ecology Without Border: "We have witnessed firsthand the profound ecological wisdom possessed by indigenous communities," Odhiambo states.

"Their ancestral knowledge can guide us in identifying critical habitats and migration routes that need protection. We must collaborate with them to bring about effective change."