Globally, there is a wake-up call to preserve our planet's delicate ecosystems. As we embrace new thinking and innovations, we must not ignore the invaluable role of communities, environmental defenders and indigenous knowledge in conservation.
Indigenous communities have historically served as the custodians of vast natural landscapes, possessing a deep-rooted understanding of sustainable resource management practices passed down through generations.
Their traditional wisdom offers unique insights into sustainable land use, biodiversity preservation and ecosystem management. Therefore, involving indigenous communities in conservation initiatives not only acknowledges their rights but also enhances the effectiveness and sustainability of environmental protection measures.
It is not surprising that following contracted legal arguments over the recognition of the Ogiek as an indigenous community whose home is the Mau Forest, the African Court on Human and People’s Rights affirmed the group’s identity as indigenous. It underscored that the community, as traditionally forest dwellers, should not be accused of being behind the destruction of the Mau forest where they derive their livelihoods.
In essence, it is in the interest of the community that the forest ecosystem is preserved, which they have done consistently by applying their indigenous knowledge.
Kenya last year hosted the Africa Climate Summit 2023 marketing the country to the world as a continental leader in environmental protection. By appropriating the enviable position, Kenya has deliberately or inadvertently taken up a heavy responsibility to demonstrate commitment to adopting community-driven conservation practices that place indigenous communities at the forefront of sustainable environmental protection.
Unfortunately, Kenya has continued to adopt bullish practices and a cavalier attitude towards local communities and indigenous groups, often leading to unnecessary financial and reputation costs.
This is despite the enormous benefits that can be derived from working with indigenous communities. Indigenous communities possess unique insights into sustainable land use, biodiversity preservation and ecosystem management, making their involvement indispensable.
The May 2023 High Court ruling on a matter pitting the Lake Turkana Wind Power project in Loiyangalani, Marsabit county, and the local community should be a wake-up call to the national and local governments as well as investors on the critical role that communities play in decisions that affect them.
In this case, the community in Laisamis, Marsabit county, moved to court in 2014 and successfully challenged the land acquisition process that allowed the private company to acquire vast land to set up its enterprise aimed at generating clean, renewable wind energy at the expense of the community's cultural, ancestral and grazing land held under intergenerational trust for future generations.
Another critical group in environmental protection are Environmental Human Rights Defenders. Governments, corporations and civil society must collaborate to create a thriving partnership for a common objective. Collectively they can address systemic issues that contribute to environmental degradation and human rights abuses.
This includes examining the impacts of large-scale development projects, community participation in conservation initiatives and holding to account businesses and other actors who fail to meet their social and human rights obligations. Ensuring meaningful community participation, especially of marginalised groups like women and indigenous communities, is essential for the success and sustainability of such projects.
It is unfortunate that Land and Environmental Human Rights Defenders face serious reprisals, especially when they speak up for their communities. For example, it took bold action by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions at Isiolo to withdraw criminal charges preferred against community activist Amina Kulo who together with other paralegals contested the acquisition of huge community land for private conservancy.
Rather than target such activists, Kenya must implement robust legal frameworks, provide resources and support networks, and hold accountable those who obstruct their work.
In conclusion, the state must be intentional in collective protection where the contributions of various actors – the state, local indigenous communities, human rights defenders and entrepreneurs – are integrated for a sustainable future for all.
Executive director, Defenders Coalition