Born Free Kenya and KNATCOM UNESCO: stronger together

Born Free’s Managing Director, Karen Botha shakes hands with KNATCOM Acting Secretary General/CEO, Dr James Njogu

In a significant stride for conservation and sustainable development, Born Free has signed a formal agreement with the UN’s organisation UNESCO and its Kenya National Commission – known as KNATCOM.

“We are delighted to announce our landmark partnership, which signifies a powerful alliance,” explains Born Free’s Head of Kenya Conservation, Dr David Manoa. “Together, we are dedicated to the conservation and prosperity of two critical ecosystems where Born Free operates – the Amboseli ecosystem, which is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and Meru Conservation Area.

“The collaboration sets a powerful precedent for how strategic alliances can forge sustainable paths forward for Kenya’s precious natural heritage. It demonstrates that conservation and human development can coexist harmoniously across diverse ecosystems.”

The agreement brings together Born Free’s decades of hands-on wildlife conservation education expertise with KNATCOM’s unique mandate to advance education, natural sciences, and culture at the national level. This fusion of capabilities is poised to create a holistic and profoundly impactful approach to environmental stewardship across both landscapes.

A shared vision for collaborative impact

The formal agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for cooperation. This will benefit both Amboseli and Meru landscapes through multiple strategic initiatives:

• Education transformation: The partnership will facilitate the registration of Born Free-supported schools in both Amboseli and Meru into the UNESCO Associated Schools Project Network (ASPnet). These institutions will serve as model schools for implementing new education policies, piloting innovative topics, and testing advanced educational materials and approaches.
• Global educational connectivity: The collaboration will enable students and teachers from member schools to participate in international competitions and exchange programmes with other ASPnet institutions worldwide, providing valuable global exposure and learning opportunities.
• Professional capacity building: The organisations will jointly organise workshops, seminars, and training programs in both landscapes for ASPnet patrons and teachers, enhancing their skills and empowering them to effectively manage these flagship educational institutions.
• Ecosystem conservation and research: The partnership will undertake joint research projects in both Amboseli Biosphere Reserve and Meru Conservation Area, focusing on preserving natural ecosystems, promoting community well-being, and advancing sustainable development practices. Findings will be disseminated through KNATCOM’s peer-reviewed journals and other platforms.
• Community resilience programmes: The collaboration will include capacity building for decision-makers, managers, and local communities on climate action, biodiversity conservation and water management.
• Youth and gender mainstreaming: The partners will collaborate on activities that promote gender equality and youth engagement, including strengthening the UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) Youth Forum in the Amboseli Biosphere Reserve.

Strength in collaboration

The signing ceremony was attended by key figures from both organisations, underscoring the importance of this expansive partnership.

Representatives from both organisations

Representing KNATCOM were Acting Secretary General/CEO Dr James Njogu, Acting Deputy Secretary General, Research and Resource Mobilisation Dr Joel Ongoto, Acting Director, Research and Consultancy Dr George Eshimwata, Deputy Director Nancy Mbugua, Education Programme Officer Lewa Omar, Natural Science Programme Officer Bochol Denge, Research and Consultancy Officer Mercy Komen and Corporate Communications Faith Riri.

Representing Born Free were Managing Director Karen Botha, Head of Kenya Conservation Dr David Manoa, Strategic and Partnerships Manager Caroline Njoki and Communications Manager Ivy Malemba.