Community leaders in wildlife conservation call for shared responsibility

Naivasha – 30 September 2025 Wildlife community conservation thought leaders have issued a declaration calling for a shared responsibility to preserve and safeguard the natural environment, including the coexistence of people and wildlife. 

Representing communities from Samburu, Kajiado, Narok, and Baringo counties, the declaration was a culmination of discussions centered on IFAW’s flagship Room to Roam Initiative. The program works to secure and connect habitats across Africa, creating safe pathways for elephants and other wildlife while ensuring that communities benefit through improved livelihoods. By offering incentives and co-designed solutions, Room to Roam helps turn communities into frontline conservation stewards, making space for wildlife beyond protected areas. 

“With over 70 percent of Kenya's wildlife living on community lands, it's critical that investments are made to create platforms that bring together stakeholders to network, discuss challenges, and work towards a common goal of protecting nature,” said Azzedine Downes, President and CEO of IFAW. 

Traditional leaders and park directors shared powerful stories of how Room to Roam is already demonstrating success: creating opportunities for people, reducing conflict, and ensuring that both communities and nature can thrive. Their experiences highlight a clear path forward—where landscapes remain connected, wildlife continues to roam freely, and communities prosper as equal partners in conservation. 

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Read the full declaration here.