Multi-million-dollar Conservation Boost For Kenya And Zambezi Basin

Kenya and the Zambezi Basin region will receive US96million from the Climate Investment Funds CIF to support nature-based solutions for sustainable development. The funding, part of CIFs Nature, People and Climate NPC programme, is expected to generate US771.5million in co-financing and drive private-sector engagement in ecosystem restoration, forest rehabilitation and biodiversity conservation.

Kenya will receive US35.66million from the CIF and an additional US108million in co-financing. The investment will focus on protecting wildlife and indigenous communities, particularly in the Lake Victoria South and Ewaso Ngiro North regions. Implemented by the African Development Bank and the World Bank Group, the initiative aims to strengthen natural capital, enhance ecosystems and support regenerative agriculture.

This approval unlocks additional resources for Kenyas conservation agenda, said Aden Duale , Kenyas Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry. It bolsters our national restoration and climate adaptation efforts.

The Zambezi Basin including Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania and Zambia will receive US60.35million and expects co-financing of over US600million. The investment, managed by the African Development Bank and the World Bank Group, will focus on sustainable land use, carbon stock protection and human-wildlife conflict management.

Collins Nzovu , Zambias Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, highlighted the plans importance: This initiative will enhance adaptive capacity, promote sustainable economic opportunities and strengthen community resilience across the basin.