In the Nakuprat-Gotu Community Conservancy, the battle for survival is not only about protecting endangered species like the Beisa Oryx but also about restoring and preserving their natural habitat. Over the past few decades, deforestation, primarily driven by commercial charcoal burning, has devastated the landscape, leading to severe habitat loss. However, through the efforts of the Save Beisa Oryx & Community Resilience (SBOC) project, a new chapter is being written—one focused on reforestation and sustainable land management.
The people of Northern Kenya have long depended on the environment for their livelihoods. However, the relentless cycle of droughts, combined with unsustainable land practices, has pushed the region to the brink. Trees, once plentiful, have been cut down to make charcoal, leaving vast areas barren and unable to support wildlife or livestock. This has put immense pressure on endangered species like the Beisa Oryx, who rely on the savannahs and drylands for grazing.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, SBOC has mobilized a community-based response to combat deforestation. Through their reforestation program, local volunteers—known as SBOC Ambassadors—have planted over 33,000 indigenous trees across the conservancy since the project began. These trees not only provide shade and grazing areas for wildlife but also act as a critical defense against soil erosion and climate variability.
The reforestation efforts are part of a broader strategy to restore Northern Kenya’s ecosystems. SBOC aims to plant 1 million trees by 2030, a bold but necessary goal to ensure the long-term survival of both wildlife and communities. The project also empowers local women and youth groups to take leadership roles in conservation, creating sustainable livelihoods centered around tree nurseries and eco-enterprises.
For the communities of Nakuprat-Gotu, planting trees isn’t just about restoring the environment; it’s about growing hope for the future. Every tree planted represents a step towards a more resilient ecosystem and a future where both people and wildlife can thrive together.