IFAW East Africa at 25: building a future where wildlife and people thrive

People at the heart of conservation

In recent years, most Eastern African countries have embedded community engagement at the core of wildlife management. Through IFAW's Room to Roam initiative, we've helped secure more than 54,000 acres of community land in Amboseli, Kenya, for wildlife migration and dispersal. We've improved conditions for community rangers and supported local conservation groups to build livelihoods and resilience in landscapes shared with wildlife.

Facing the next 25 years

Climate change, rapid urbanisation, and population growth are reshaping the region's future. Meeting rising demands for food, water, housing, and jobs will place immense pressure on already fragile ecosystems. If unmanaged, these pressures could fracture habitats and limit the movement of elephants and other species across borders.

Yet, there is reason for optimism. Governments today are stronger, laws more robust, and conservation agencies better equipped. Endangered species like elephants and rhinos are stabilising, and communities are eager to be part of the solution-if empowered and supported.

Building the future together

As IFAW looks to the next 25 years, our commitment remains clear: to work with governments, communities, and partners to create healthy, connected, and resilient landscapes where animals and people can thrive together.

Through collaboration, science, and innovation, we will continue to secure migration corridors, strengthen community conservancies, and diversify livelihoods across the region.

This is the promise of Room to Roam-a future where elephants, rhinos, and communities move freely, safely, and sustainably across Africa's landscapes.