The Heartbeat of Lake Jipe Conservation
Where community wisdom meets conservation science to protect a vital transboundary ecosystem.
89
Elephants Monitored
1,200+
Community Members
86
Fishers Trained
33K
Acres Protected
From Local Concern to Global Conservation Model
Our journey began with a simple question: what if communities led their own conservation future?
The Spark
It began with growing concern among Jipe's residents. Fishermen noticed declining catches. Farmers faced increasing elephant raids. Elders remembered a healthier lake. In 2019, local youth and fisher groups started documenting changes—combining traditional knowledge with simple data collection.
The Pilot
What started as informal monitoring became a pilot project in 2021. With support from CoalitionWILD, we tested community-led solutions: chili block deterrents, participatory fishery monitoring, and school conservation clubs. The results surprised everyone—conflict decreased, fish catches stabilized, and youth became conservation ambassadors.
The Movement
In 2023, Eco-Jipe became a registered NGO. Today, we're a team of 7 staff and 4 dedicated volunteers, supported by national and international partners. But most importantly, we're a network of 1,200+ community members who've become the true guardians of Lake Jipe.
Growing stronger together, one season at a time
How Change Happens at Lake Jipe
Click on any part of our theory of change to explore how we create lasting impact
"Our model proves that when conservation grows from community roots, it bears fruit that nourishes everyone."
Our Integrated Approach to Ecosystem Health
Human-Wildlife Coexistence
"Safety for people, space for elephants, coexistence through innovation"
Our Compass for Conservation
A clear direction that aligns vision, mission, and values so every action stays anchored in community-led conservation.
Vision
A thriving Lake Jipe where communities lead and biodiversity flourishes.
Empowered households, restored habitats, and resilient livelihoods—so nature and people reinforce one another for generations.
Mission
Restore, protect, and activate community-led stewardship.
We blend science, education, and local knowledge to regenerate Lake Jipe's ecosystems, strengthen food security, and create dignified opportunities.
Values in action
How we navigate decisions
These principles guide partnerships, field work, and how we measure success.
Community first
Solutions start with those who know the land best.
Coexistence
Shared spaces can mean shared prosperity.
Sustainability
Seven-generations thinking guides every decision.
Equity & inclusion
Women, youth, and marginalized voices lead.
Collaboration
We bridge borders—geographic and institutional.
Rooted in the Lake Jipe Ecosystem
Our work transcends the Kenya-Tanzania border, protecting the entire Lake Jipe watershed.
Our Core Sites
Partner Communities
Beyond our core sites, we collaborate with Beach Management Units across the lake, women's groups in 6 villages, 4 schools in the watershed, and farmer cooperatives on both sides of the border.
Accountability to Our Community and Ecosystem
Our work is guided by three interconnected commitments
To the Lake
We commit to evidence-based protection of Lake Jipe's biodiversity, using both scientific monitoring and traditional knowledge to guide our actions.
To the Community
We commit to centering local voices in every decision, ensuring conservation benefits those who call this ecosystem home.
To Supporters
We commit to transparent reporting of both successes and challenges, honoring your trust with honest impact measurement.
Three interconnected commitments, one shared purpose