Northern Rangelands Trust, a group of 26 community conservancies, celebrated eight years of successful community conservation in arid lands over the weekend. The conservancies have focused on rangeland management and helped to stabilise wildlife populations.

Speaking at the event, elders, who also serve as chairmen of the group conservancies, expressed their gratitude for the restoration of peace that came with the models.

NRT also launched their five-year strategic plan at the event, that has already recieved pledges of support from the Dutch, Danish and French governments. The plan will see among other things, the growth of NRT to Marsabit and the coast where new conservancies are set to be opened.

Wildlife conservancies have improved livelihoods in the area and benefitted communities who now work more towards safeguarding their natural resources.

It was noted at the event that the coming changes with Vision 2030 would pose challenges to the community, and it remains to be seen how they will cope as a result.