I can confidently say that effective collaboration with local communities is indispensable for any conservation initiative to be successful. This conviction is the driving force behind my advocacy for the adoption of REDD+ as a transformative model that enhances lives, underlining the importance of amplifying the community’s voice.
“I was born and grew up here, and can tell the difference between when the Kasigau project was here and when it wasn’t.” – Florence Malandi, Board of Management Chair, Kasigau.
Hear from community members about the positive impact REDD+ has had on their forests and livelihoods, and what life would have been like without it.
Communities are building resilience to the far-reaching impacts of drought by embracing conservation agriculture and other strategies aimed at strengthening food security.
The sight of crop failure, soil erosion, animal carcasses, and dry dams paints a grim picture of the unprecedented drought that continues in the Kasigau Corridor REDD+ project area in Kenya.
“If we lose the forest, we will also lose our traditional beliefs. The existence of the forest and our beliefs are intertwined; the forest’s presence allows our beliefs to persist.” -Ly Sareoun, Indigenous Bunong Community Member
Hear from Agnetta Godfrey about the important work the Hadithi Crafts Support Community Based Organization is doing with women across the Kasigau Corridor.
“What I want to share with other young women in my community is to stay motivated and believe in yourselves. Whatever men can do, women can do.” -Yorn Sordet.
Ms. Pheang has played a remarkable role in mobilizing stakeholders to rebuild areas that were once threatened by deforestation. Through her leadership, she has encouraged women in her community to step forward and earn a better living.
“I believe if you empower a woman, you empower the whole nation.” -Lucy Simantoi Sayiore, Kuku Group Ranch Community Member, Chyulu Hills.