Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), in collaboration with IIED, is implementing the project ‘Establishing a Biocultural Heritage Territory to protect Kenya’s Kaya forests’ in the Rabai Mijikenda community. Rabai sub-county forms part of the Coastal Forests global biodiversity hotspot, currently under threat.

The project aims to conserve biodiversity and genetic resources in four sacred Kaya forests and across the landscape. It also aims to enhance livelihoods and establish a community institution for collective governance of the Rabai Biocultural Heritage Territory.

The project launch workshop brought together the community and key government agencies to discuss and plan the project and develop a common vision for establishing a community-led Biocultural Heritage Territory in Rabai.