Explainer
African countries have been at the forefront of conservation, as demonstrated by African Convention on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. However, some conservation efforts and practices have been controversial, especially due to their association with colonial and neo-colonial legacies and the injustices endured by local and indigenous communities. A case in point is the Lake Bogoria in the Rift Valley, Kenya, where the indigenous Endorois community was evicted to make room for a reserve. However, if done justly and humanely, including the involvement of all relevant stakeholders, conservation presents a valuable approach for environment and biodiversity protection, with numerous co-benefits to human health and well-being .