Wildlife Conservation and Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation (WILD-HARMONY) Project

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Wildlife Conservation and Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation (WILD-HARMONY) Project

1. Project Background

Kenya’s wildlife faces mounting threats from habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict (HWC), which costs communities over KSh 2 billion annually in crop/livestock losses. At the same time, iconic species like elephants, lions, and rhinos remain at risk. The WILD-HARMONY project integrates community-led conservation, innovative mitigation strategies, and sustainable livelihoods to protect biodiversity while improving human welfare.

Key Challenges Addressed:

  • Habitat Encroachment due to expanding agriculture/settlements
  • Retaliatory Killing of predators (lions, hyenas) and elephants
  • Illegal Wildlife Trade fuelled by poverty and weak enforcement
  • Climate Change exacerbating resource competition

Alignment:

  • Kenya’s Wildlife Conservation & Management Act 2013
  • SDG 15 (Life on Land) & African Wildlife Economy Strategy
  • Vision 2030 Tourism Pillar

2. Project Objectives

  1. Reduce Human-Wildlife Conflict by 60% in target landscapes
  2. Strengthen Community-Led Conservation through wildlife corridors and habitat restoration
  3. Improve Livelihoods via nature-based enterprises to reduce dependency on poaching
  4. Enhance Anti-Poaching Efforts with technology and community scouts
  5. Promote Coexistence through education and innovative deterrents

3. Key Interventions

A. Conflict Mitigation & Prevention

  • “Living Walls”: Beehive fences & chili barriers to deter elephants
  • Predator-Proof Bomas: Reinforced livestock enclosures to reduce lion attacks
  • Early Warning Systems: SMS alerts for elephant movements near farms
  • Rapid Response Units: Trained community teams to safely relocate problem animals

B. Habitat Protection & Restoration

  • Community Conservancies: Support 10 new conservancies in conflict hotspots
  • Rehabilitation: Restore degraded rangelands with drought-resistant grasses

C. Sustainable Livelihoods

  • Beekeeping & Honey Value Chains: Income from pollinator-friendly habitats
  • Crafts from Invasive Species: E.g., water hyacinth baskets, charcoal briquettes

D. Anti-Poaching & Enforcement

  • Wildlife Crime Hotline: Anonymous community reporting system

E. Awareness & Education

  • “Predator-Friendly Farming” Workshops: Teach non-lethal livestock protection
  • School Conservation Clubs: Engage youth in wildlife monitoring
  • Radio Dramas: Local-language programs on coexistence

4. Expected Outcomes

  • 60% reduction in HWC incidents in target areas
  • 500+ households with improved incomes from conservation-linked enterprises