About IUCN

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a global organization that brings together governments, NGOs, scientists, and experts to conserve nature and ensure sustainable use of natural resources. It is best known for maintaining the Red List of Threatened Species but also works broadly in policy, ecosystem management, protected areas, and community conservation.

Presence in Kenya

The Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO) of IUCN is headquartered in Nairobi.

From this office, IUCN coordinates its conservation programmes across Kenya and other countries in the region.

Its work in Kenya focuses on species conservation, protected area management, community-based natural resource management, and private sector engagement.

Kenya is home to IUCN constituents such as conservation NGOs, research institutions, and specialist groups, including the Kenya Species Specialist Group, which supports research and action on threatened species.

Key Programmes and Initiatives

Protected Areas & Green List

Kenya’s protected areas cover about 10% of its land area, including wildlife and forest reserves.

The country has been involved in IUCN’s Green List initiative, which evaluates and promotes effective management of protected areas.

Conservation Forums & Collaboration

IUCN regularly convenes regional forums in Nairobi to bring together governments, civil society, and the private sector to discuss biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting

IUCN supports Kenya in integrating the value of nature into national planning through ecosystem accounting frameworks.

Protected and Conserved Areas Reporting

IUCN partners with Kenyan institutions to produce reports assessing the state of protected areas and progress toward biodiversity goals.

Community Conservation

Projects emphasize securing rights of indigenous and local communities, ensuring benefit sharing, and reducing human–wildlife conflict.

Community-led conservation efforts are promoted in forests and rangelands.

Species Conservation

IUCN coordinates specialist groups and commissions to assess species status, develop recovery plans, and support conservation strategies for Kenya’s diverse wildlife.

Challenges in Kenya’s Conservation Landscape

Fragmented protected areas that limit connectivity for wildlife.

Human–wildlife conflict, including crop damage and livestock predation.

Equity and governance issues, ensuring communities benefit fairly from conservation.

Climate change impacts, such as drought and habitat degradation.

Resource and funding constraints for conservation initiatives.

Data and monitoring gaps in species and ecosystem assessments.