Kenya's wildlife conservancies reflect colonial conservation legacies and marginalize Indigenous land rights
Original framing: “How wildlife conservancies perpetuate green colonialism in Kenya” — The Conversation - Global
Indigenous communities in Kenya have long practiced land stewardship that supports biodiversity and ecosystem health. Their exclusion from conservation decision-making perpetuates the colonial model of land ownership and management.
The systemic issue in Kenya's conservation model lies in its colonial inheritance, which continues to marginalize Indigenous communities and their ecological knowledge.
By integrating Indigenous land governance, reforming conservation policy, and promoting cross-cultural understanding, Kenya can move toward a more just and effective conservation model. This approach not only honors historical injustices but also aligns with global trends in Indigenous-led conservation. The success of such reforms will depend on sustained political will, community engagement, and international support that prioritizes equity over tourism-driven conservation.