On 7^th June, 2023, KEPSA Foundation in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) co-hosted a forum to introduce the Project Finance Permanence (PFP) program to the private sector with an aim to co-create interventions for sustainable financing model for nature conservancy in Kenya.

KEPSA Foundation Executive Director, Ms. Gloria Ndekei underscored the need for the private sector to conceptualize the relationship between conservancy and business and therefore it was important to bring everyone to the table to protect nature and sustain livelihood.

On the way forward, Ms. Ndekei proposed; the team to conduct one on one approach to identify champions from captains of industry into the agenda; KEPSA Foundation to strengthen sector-led community conservancy associations by mobilizing women and youth groups as part of the proposed 215 community conservancy groups; she also proposed that youths be trained as conservancy certified practitioners. Lastly, she impressed upon the program to leverage the strengths of the KEPSA Environment, Water, and Natural Resources Sector Board to offer their expertise. 

KEPSA Environment, Water, and Natural Resources Sector Board Vice- chairperson, Dr. John Wandaka provided insights onto how the Sector Board can contribute to the nature conservation. He highlighted that the Sector Board continues to lobby members to plant, and grow trees as well as contributee in the legislative agenda to anchor policies and laws for conservation.  He further highlighted the need for establishing a framework of engagement between the private sector and the PFP Program for enhanced sustainable livelihood.

The PFP Program Director, Dr. Moses Ikiara, presented the transformative approach to nature conservation rationalizing the funding model that is proposed to see Kenya meet the commitment to protect at least 30% of country landmass by 2030.  The model intends to bring every stakeholder on the table to protect nature and sustain livelihood, enable full and sustainable financing, and ensure that the protected and conserved areas are effectively managed for equitable benefits. The components of the model provide for expansion and designating additional wildlife conservancies, improvement of natural resource management and increased livelihood benefit, and developing durable financing for state and protected areas and conservancies.

The forum concluded to further engage in this initiative through mapping out and bringing on board more stakeholders, awareness creation sessions, and ensuring a collaborative and participatory approach.