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.   This project 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 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, National Museums of Kenya/ EarthAcre and its partners are ensuring a future where both people and nature thrive together.

Peris Kamau is a senior research scientist (plant taxonomist) in botany department at National Museums of Kenya. She has over 20 years of research experience focusing in systematic botany, biodiversity assessment and conservation, ecosystem restoration, community empowerment and sustainable utilization of natural resources. She is involved in training local communities on assessment and monitoring of their biodiversity using citizen science Apps. Currently working with local communities in Kilifi County on establishment of nature-based enterprises as a source of alternative livelihood to reduce pressure on forest landscapes. Peris is actively involved in the IUCN Eastern Africa Plant Red List Authority (EAPRLA) having assessed more than 500 plant species of conservation concern. She is also a national committee member of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and is the focal forensic investigator in matters relating to botanical sciences at National Museums of Kenya.