Melako Community Conservancy is a large, community-owned conservation area located in Marsabit County, Kenya. It is a member conservancy of the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT).
Here’s a summary of what is known about the Melako Community Conservancy:
- Location: Marsabit County, Kenya. It is situated in the heart of the county, with the nearest town being Merille, about 45 minutes away from the Melako Bandas. The conservancy covers the administrative locations of Laisamis, Koya, Lontolio, Merille, and Logo Logo.
- Size: A very large conservancy covering 549,124 hectares (approximately 5,491 square kilometers or around 1.36 million acres). It has a core conservation area of 1,850 hectares. It is the largest community conservancy in Kenya according to KWCA.
- Governance: The conservancy is owned and managed by the local communities, predominantly the Rendile people and some Samburu, who are semi-nomadic pastoralists. The community elects a representative board to govern the conservancy.
- Conservation Focus: The primary goals include:
- Wildlife conservation, including species like Grevy’s zebras, elephants, Beisa oryx, giraffes, lions, and gerenuk. The conservancy is known for its sandgrouse gatherings at water points.
- Reducing human-wildlife conflict.
- Improving rangeland conditions through sustainable grazing management.
- Providing water for wildlife.
- Wildlife: Melako is home to a variety of wildlife, including:
- Grevy’s Zebras (a significant population).
- Elephants.
- Beisa Oryx.
- Giraffes.
- Lions.
- Gerenuk.
- Sand Grouse (a unique attraction).
- Other bird species.
- Community Involvement: The local Rendile and Samburu communities are central to the conservancy’s management and benefit through various initiatives.
- Tourism:
- Melako Bandas: Offers self-catering accommodation in a secluded setting along a sand river. It features fully equipped kitchens and en-suite bedrooms, making it suitable for families and groups. Camping is also possible.
- The conservancy offers opportunities for wildlife viewing in a less crowded environment.
- Livelihoods: The communities are primarily semi-nomadic pastoralists. The conservancy aims to provide alternative income sources through tourism and conservation-related employment.
- Challenges: The area faces challenges such as human-wildlife conflict and the need for improved infrastructure.
- Partnerships: The conservancy works with organizations like the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT), Marsabit County Government, and others on conservation and community development projects.
Melako Community Conservancy represents a significant community-led effort to conserve a large and important ecosystem in northern Kenya while supporting the livelihoods of its traditional communities.
