Indigenous-held conservancies are among the best protected conservation areas owing to effective traditional land stewardship practices.  The rich biodiversity conserved on privately held areas is often under-studied however, with few baseline surveys and scant species data records.  EarthAcre proposes field research activities in

two indigenous-managed sites located within critical ecosystems in Southern Kenya: The cloud forests of Wundanyi, Taita Taveta County and The Kitengela Conservation Area. Both areas are located on smallholder indigenous lands managed by communities where data could greatly increase awareness and stimulate advocacy for protection of these unique ecosystems. Training of local communities to document species to demonstrate the unique and endangered biodiversity of each area will be fundamental to promote conservation. The goal of EarthAcre is to build on existing community knowledge and complement it, creating repositories of biodiversity data and research for local stakeholders.

The expected outcomes of the Building Community Capacity to Conduct Biodiversity Assessments integrating Indigenous Knowledge with Technology to identify, monitor, and conserve Critical Ecosystem Fragments project are:

• Increased Community-Led Biodiversity Stewardship
  • Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) will gain scientific knowledge and digital tools to independently monitor and protect their ecosystems.
  • This reduces reliance on external conservation actors and strengthens long-term ecological resilience.

• Improved Data Collection and Conservation Planning
  • High-quality, community-driven biodiversity data will contribute to local, national, and global databases.
  • This will enhance conservation planning, ensuring data-driven decision-making for habitat and species protection.

• Sustainable Livelihood Opportunities
  • Communities will benefit from nature-based enterprises such as eco-tourism, biodiversity credits, and carbon credit programs.
  • These income-generating activities will ensure conservation remains financially viable and foster long-term community engagement.

• Greater Integration of Indigenous Knowledge and Scientific Approaches
  • Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) will be combined with modern conservation science to create culturally relevant and effective biodiversity monitoring strategies.
  • This co-learning model will strengthen community ownership and commitment to conservation.

• Stronger Advocacy for Policy and Land Rights
  • Equipped with ecological data and scientific validation, IPLCs can advocate more effectively for land rights and influence conservation policies.
  • This will help secure long-term protections for their territories and natural resources.

• Alignment with Global Conservation Goals
  • The initiative directly supports international targets such as 30×30, climate resilience, and community-led sustainable development.
  • By investing in knowledge-sharing and technology transfer, EarthAcre and its partners are ensuring a future where both people and nature thrive together.

Nkamunu Patita is an impact-driven conservation professional with experience in natural resource conservation, policy lobbying, advocacy and public engagement. Her work integrates conservation and climate change mitigation in Africa using capacity building, cross-sectoral partnerships, research, and the empowerment of both women and indigenous communities. Patita is a board member of the Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association, Member of the Verra sustainable development advisory council (SDAG), International Environmental Guardianship nature Markets and Vice Chairperson of the Athi Kapiti Wildlife Conservancies Association.