Nairobi, Kenya. Tuesday, October 29, 2019 – The U.S. Government through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is launching a new joint initiative with the East African Community (EAC) to protect the region’s natural resources.

The initiative, Conservation and Management of Natural Capital in East Africa, will provide decision makers with the information and tools they need to protect the region’s precious natural resources. Success for this program will mean improved collaborative management and conservation of transboundary natural resources, reduced wildlife poaching and trafficking, and increased perception of the value of living wildlife.

“Effective conservation and management of natural capital in the East African Community is crucial to the region’s long-term economic growth and development, and its journey to self-reliance,” said USAID Kenya and East Africa Environment Office Director, Aurelia Micko

East Africa’s infrastructure is expanding in response to rapid population growth and urbanization. This expansion is putting pressure on East Africa’s natural capital. These resources are essential for wildlife and the health and livelihoods of communities.

Wildlife and the iconic landscapes on which they roam have significant value.  In East Africa, biodiversity-rich areas are critical to the region’s nature-based tourism industry, which contributes 7.5-10 percent of East Africa’s domestic product.

The East African Community will lead program implementation with support from USAID and the International Union for Conservation of Nature.