Nashulai Maasai Conservancy
Sustaining the first Maasai owned/run conservancy
"Wildlife is in free fall. Only local people can reverse the downward spiral" -Journal of Applied Ecology. In 2016, facing poverty and biodiversity collapse in our Maasai ancestral land--the globally important Mara ecosystem--we created the first indigenous owned/run conservancy in East Africa, across 6000 acres. Nashulai's interdependent mission: Conserve Wildlife–Preserve Culture–Reverse Poverty. Removing fences, we reopened a critical connecting corridor for migrating wildlife; created employment, schools, a cultural center, water access; are enabling women and potential prosperity. Our community achievement is now inspiring others.
This project combines the protection of wild animals and the preservation of culture in order to put an end to poverty and to develop a functioning, self-organized protected area in the land of the Maasai. It is the perfect example of a strong community with a fantastic idea.
WINNER STATEMENTWe are delighted to hear that our groundbreaking Nashulai Maasai Conservancy has won the iF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE 2019. It's an incredibly moving moment for us to know that a global network of people is willing to invest in our idea. Our holistic model is aimed not just at regenerating the land plus its threatened wildlife and conserving the limited natural resources in this critical ecosystem, but also at lifting the Maasai communities around the Mara out of poverty and give them the opportunity to overcome their challenges.
Client / Manufacturer
Nashulai Massai Conservancy
Nashulai, KE