Ecosystem restoration

For years, the land around Lake Baringo told a story of loss. Floodwaters swallowed grazing fields, droughts hardened the soil, and once-productive rangelands were left bare and eroded. For the Ilchamus community, this meant more than environmental damage—it threatened livelihoods, food security, and a way of life deeply tied to the land.
In response, BWYO, with support from UNDP’s Climate Promise Programme, walked alongside the community to begin restoring what had been lost. Elders shared traditional knowledge passed down through generations, while technical experts introduced climate-adapted restoration practices. Together, they shaped solutions rooted in both culture and science, ensuring the work belonged to the community itself.
Degraded rangelands were reseeded with resilient pasture grasses. Indigenous and fruit trees were planted to bring life back to the soil. An earth dam was constructed, easing the daily struggle for water for both households and livestock. Women, youth, and men worked side by side, learning how to care for the land as they restored it.
Today, signs of recovery are visible. Over 70 acres of land are green again, thousands of trees are taking root, and water is once more within reach. The land is providing pasture, fodder, and hope—supporting livelihoods while rebuilding ecosystems.
This project shows that when communities lead, restoration is not just about healing land—it is about renewing dignity, resilience, and the future.