OurHistory
The Amboseli Ecosystem Trust (AET) was formed to coordinate and oversee the implementation of the Amboseli Ecosystem Management Plan (AEMP), and more broadly to promote coordination of stakeholder actions across this landscape. Formally established in 2009, AET is a trust that includes members from group ranches, the Kenya Wildlife Service, the county government of Kajiado, and a number of conservation organizations.
While AET was originally founded to coordinate the implementation of the AEMP, its identity and role has evolved, taking it in new directions beyond only the ecosystem plan.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
1. AEMP GAZETTEMENT
Collaborated with communities, government and other stakeholders to gazette the AEMP in a legally binding document for the management of the Amboseli ecosystem – the first ever of its kind in Kenya.
2. STOPPED THE AMBOSELI RESORT CITY
Mobilized stakeholders and used the AEMP to stop the development of a city at Meshanini that would have had detrimental impacts on wildlife and local pastoral livelihoods.
3. HALTING UNPLANNED AND DETRIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT
Facilitated an environmental review of 36 development proposals along the Amboseli-Kimana road. 35 of these developments were stopped because of potential impact on the ecosystem.
Facilitated the removal of a shantytown outside Kimana gate.Prevented a tarmac road planned to be developed through Amboseli and across the ecosystem that would have further fragmented the ecosystem.
4. CAPACITY BUILDING OF GROUP RANCHES
AET has provided support to group ranches in the development of land management plans.
5. NONGOTIEK COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER
AET has acquired one hundred acres of land that will be its base of operations and be developed into a resource center for Amboseli communities.
SOME OF THE DATES RELEVANT TO AET’S GROWTH INCLUDE
2008
Management Plan
Ten-year ecosystem management plan for Amboseli developed.
2009
Establishment
AET established as a Trust.
2011
First AEMP Review
First review of the AEMP, highlighting key challenges and leading to a visit by the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) to discuss how development can be coordinated and guided by the ecosystem plan.
2012
Operations
AET’s first year of operations, where among other activities, it explored the possibility of strengthening the AEMP through formal gazettement.
2013
Strategic Environmental Assessment
With the support of NEMA, a moratorium declared on new development in Amboseli until the gazettement of the AEMP. AET required to carry out a Strategic Environmental Assessment as a key step towards gazettement.
2014
Approval of Strategic Environmental Assessment
Strategic Environmental Assessment completed and approved. Three-year activity plan for the implementation of the AEMP put in place. AET developed its first strategic plan based on the objectives of the AEMP.
2015
Gazettment
AEMP gazetted.
2017