At Justdiggit, we regreen degraded landscapes to address interrelated issues like climate change, global warming, and desertification. This has massive benefits for nature and the livelihoods of thousands of people. However, there is another major beneficiary of regreening: wildlife. Reason enough to zoom in on our experience of the relationship between wildlife and land restoration in our project areas in Kenya!
We'll use the lion – a majestic creature essential within ecosystems for its natural and spiritual value – as an example here.
To understand the relationship between landscape restoration and wildlife, we need to see the project areas as ecosystems where elements like trees, livestock, people, wildlife and wider biodiversity coexist. Because of the aforementioned issues like climate change and other factors, the relationship between these elements is at risk
A striking example is the increasing contact between wildlife and Masaai communities. As natural prey is in decline, it's becoming more and more common that lions feed themselves – against their natural inclination – on livestock. This is a problem, as the semi-nomadic Maasai depend on fertile land and healthy livestock. Luckily, there's a real and relatively simple solution to this: land restoration and sustainably managed landscapes. Using interventions such as rainwater harvesting and careful grazing management, we can improve circumstances for people, livestock, and wildlife.
"In a way, it's simple," explains Lana, our program manager in Kenya. The night before our discussion of this topic, a group of lions kept her awake by circling her tent in one of the project areas. "When you bring back grasses, you bring back herbivore wildlife. When herbivore wildlife comes back, this means carnivore wildlife will come back. The lion is the ultimate example of this."
This tells us that every species has a role to play. Without grasses, livestock and herbivores suffer, and without herbivores, there are no carnivores. The return of vegetation doesn't just improve the habitat for livestock keepers and crop farmers, but also ensures a healthy ecosystem for wildlife, which enables people and wildlife to coexist in a more beneficial and wholesome way.
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I always commend the great work you are doing to our East Africa and beyond, actually it's very evident. And I learned a lot when we visited your office once. Simply you have explained that we need to bring the ecosystem back and by doing so we will be able to coexist. Keep up the good work. Personally I am proud of you and I know many are proud of your programs especially farmers in Kenya and Tanzania.
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@patrick_kiash Thank you for this heartwarming comment Patrick. It truly means a lot to read about your views on the matter as you are from East-Africa. We hope this will last for a long time to come!
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The lion's presence in regreened landscapes signifies the ripple effect of ecosystem restoration. It's a powerful testament to how each species plays a role in the delicate balance of nature. Kudos to Justdiggit for making this connection visible.
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@ann_nyambura_542 Thank you Ann. The fact the lion is present within the areas we regreen moves us. It is indeed a testament to the benefits of regreening and landscape restoration, and we are happy and honoured to make this possible and do our best to improve livelihoods for animals and humans alike!
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People and wildlife should coexist in a more beneficial and wholesome way. Good work to Justdiggit.
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@zelda_ninga_442 Thank you Zelda. Coexistence is one of the major paths to a more sustainable, green, and fair future. In fact, it is the only way to achieve all these goals. We are happy and honoured to contribute to this!
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This harmonious relationship between land restoration and biodiversity reminds us of the intricate connections within ecosystems. Keep up the fantastic work in creating a better world for both people and nature!
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@dickson_mutai Thank you for these heartwarming words Dickson. It is an honour to do this work and work for and enhance these intricate relationships you are talking about to benefit people, wildlife and biodiversity!