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In the vast, forested expanse of the Mount Elgon Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (TBR), nature and humanity are intertwined in a delicate balance. This balance is now facing mounting pressures from human-wildlife conflicts, climate change, demographic changes and the need for sustainable livelihoods. Leading the charge to find solutions, Dr Beatrice Imbaya and Dr Getaneh Addis Tessema undertook a mission as part of UNESCO’s Earth Network project.

Mount Elgon, straddling the border between Kenya and Uganda, is a UNESCO-designated site with a wealth of biodiversity. Its landscapes range from dense montane forests to high-altitude moorlands [at 4,321 meters (14,177 ft) above sea level] home to elephants, buffaloes, and over 300 bird species including the endangered Elgon Francolin (Scleroptila elgonensis) and the Lammergeyer (Gypaetus barbatus). In addition to the aforementioned challenges, the region also faces biodiversity loss and a range of climate-related hazards, including strong winds, lightning, soil erosion, crop pests and diseases, flooding, landslides, drought, and famine. Additionally, unsustainable agricultural practices, such as overgrazing and intensive cultivation on steep slopes, contribute to soil erosion and land degradation. The region is also affected by various human diseases.

Over a 14-day mission, Dr Imbaya and Dr Addis led efforts to explore sustainable tourism as a mean of both environmental conservation and community development. They met with local leaders, officers from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), and community members to gather diverse perspectives. Site visits to key locations such as Mount Elgon National Park, Kitum Cave, Kiptogon Forest, and the Kitale Nature Conservancy revealed the deep cultural and natural connections local communities have with their environment.

Community workshops played a crucial role in gaining a deeper understanding of the region’s natural environment and the intricate social, cultural, and economic dynamics that shape local livelihoods. These workshops provided a platform for meaningful engagement with community members, highlighting the importance of blending traditional knowledge with scientific practices, and thus enabling the exchange of knowledge, identification of key challenges, and co-design of tourism solutions that align with local needs and priorities. This dual approach is especially relevant for the Ogiek, Sabaot, and Bukusu communities, who rely on the land for farming, livestock, and eco-tourism. However, they also face daily challenges, such as limited tourism resources and ongoing human-wildlife conflicts.

Elephants and the Giant Forest Hogs are at the centre of human-wildlife conflicts in the region, as farmland expansion encroaches on wildlife habitats. With competition over limited resources like water and arable land intensifying, Dr Addis and Dr Imbaya stressed the importance of creating buffer zones and launching community education programmes focused on coexistence.

Managing conservation across two nations also poses challenges. As Mount Elgon spans the Kenya-Uganda border, differing national policies and resource conflicts often hinder join efforts. The mission team strongly advocated for closer cross-border collaboration to align conservation practices and promote equitable sharing of the biosphere reserve’s benefits. These efforts, they noted, would not only safeguard biodiversity but also enhance the livelihoods and well-being of communities living in proximity to wildlife habitats.

Despite these hurdles, Mount Elgon holds significant potential for eco-tourism and sustainable development. Proximity to well-developed towns like Kitale and Bungoma provides a solid foundation for tourism infrastructure. The region is relatively safe, with well-maintained roads and signage that enhance visitor experiences while promoting responsible tourism.

The mission team outlined several key initiatives to strengthen Mount Elgon’s conservation efforts:

1. Biodiversity protection: Increase enforcement against illegal logging and poaching, protect critical habitats, and implement reforestation and agroforestry programs.
2. Sustainable tourism: Develop eco-friendly lodges and guided trails that showcase the unique attractions of Mount Elgon, from its sacred caves to its cultural ceremonies.
3. Community involvement: Empower local communities through training in agroforestry, handicrafts, and sustainable tourism practices, ensuring equitable benefit-sharing.
4. Governance strengthening: Align national and transboundary policies through integrated management plans, while increasing stakeholder participation in decision-making.
5. Climate resilience: Promote climate-smart conservation practices and alternative livelihoods to reduce dependency on forest resources.

By blending Indigenous knowledge with modern conservation strategies, Mount Elgon can pioneer hybrid approaches that respect cultural heritage while embracing scientific innovation. Robust data collection and monitoring would also be essential in adapting future strategies to changing conditions.

Reflecting on their mission, Dr Imbaya and Dr Addis were inspired by the determination and resilience of Mount Elgon’s communities. Their dedication to preserving the biosphere reserve is a powerful testament to the potential of community-driven conservation.

Under the banner of UNESCO’s Earth Network, the work at Mount Elgon serves as a model for collaboration and sustainable development. With continued stakeholder engagement and deeper insights into the region’s unique challenges, Mount Elgon transboundary Biosphere Reserve has the potential to become a global leader in conservation, a beacon of hope for balancing human livelihoods with the preservation of our planet’s natural treasures.