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Communities Protest Court Ruling, Demanding Their Future

A recent court ruling affecting the Cherab and Biliqo conservancies has sparked heated protests, with members of the Community Conservancy Assembly taking to the streets of Isiolo Town to voice their strong opposition. The ruling, which impacts only two of the 45 conservancies managed by the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT), threatens to disrupt years of progress made in community-led conservation. In response, residents and leaders from these conservancies are rallying together, determined to protect the initiatives that have significantly improved their lives.

Members of Community Conservancies Assembly demonstrating in Isiolo town

The protests organized by the Community Conservancy Assembly brought together thousands of people who are passionate about the future of their conservancies. The ruling, while limited to Cherab and Biliqo, has reverberated throughout the region, igniting a wave of concern among those who rely on these conservation programs for sustainable development, livelihoods, and environmental stewardship.

Isiolo Residents back Community Conservancies, raising concerns over recent Court Ruling

“We have worked too hard to build these conservancies,” said one elder from Cherab. “Our children go to school because of the programs funded through these initiatives. Our land is healthier, and we feel safer. We cannot afford to lose what we’ve fought for.”

For the residents of Cherab and Biliqo, these conservancies represent their livelihood and have nothing to do with land ownership but rather a source of land use—they are pillars of community empowerment and growth. The conservancies are registered through the formation of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), which allows them to operate autonomously, driven by local governance and decision-making. This structure means that conservancies do not require Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) from external bodies because they are independently established and managed by the communities themselves.

“We, as a community, decided to form our conservancy,” explained a local leader from Biliqo. “It was our choice, our agreement, and our hard work. No one can take away what we’ve built through our own efforts.”

The conservancies have led to significant improvements in rangeland health through rotational grazing practices, while peacebuilding efforts have helped resolve long-standing conflicts among different groups. In addition, crucial initiatives such as water access and education support have transformed the lives of many residents.

“We have witnessed firsthand how these conservancies have improved our lives,” shared Alice Loldepe, a participant in an education program funded by the conservancies’ carbon credits. “These programs have given us opportunities we didn’t have before. For us, it’s not just about wildlife conservation—it’s about securing a better future for our children.”

Despite the court ruling directly impacting only two conservancies, the protests have highlighted the broader concern that the ruling could set a dangerous precedent for other community-led conservation efforts across the region. The Community Voices page has brought attention to the successes of these grassroots initiatives, showcasing how community-driven projects have improved rangeland health, fostered peace, and provided access to vital services like water and education.

“Conservation isn’t just about protecting animals—it’s about protecting our communities,” said Mary Lengop, a mother and beadworker from Biliqo. “The conservancy has given us so much: access to clean water, education for our children, and a sense of security. We cannot let this ruling take that away.”

The community’s determination to protect the conservancies is rooted in their pride and ownership of the projects. Residents feel strongly that their involvement in decision-making has led to better outcomes for both the environment and their livelihoods. The protests are a testament to their deep commitment to conservation, which they view as a critical tool for self-determination and sustainable development.

“The conservancy has brought us unity and opportunity,” said one protester. “We’ve seen the benefits in our daily lives, and we won’t let anyone take that from us. This is our future.”

As the protests continue, the message is clear: Cherab and Biliqo conservancies are vital to the people who live there. The community’s resolve to keep these initiatives intact is not just about wildlife conservation—it’s about ensuring a brighter future for generations to come. By standing together, these communities are demanding that their voices be heard and that their conservation efforts be protected from decisions that threaten their hard-earned progress.

For the residents of Cherab and Biliqo, the fight is not just about preserving the conservancies—it’s about securing a sustainable and inclusive future for their children and their communities. Their unified stand serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community-led conservation in building stronger, more resilient societies.

“The conservancy is not just for today, but for tomorrow,” said one of the leaders from Biliqo. “We need it to continue growing, for the benefit of all who call this land home.”

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