The Amboseli Ecosystem Management Plan (AEMP) 2020–2030 represents one of Kenya’s most comprehensive ecosystem-wide management frameworks, designed to balance wildlife conservation, community livelihoods, and sustainable land use within the greater Amboseli landscape. Spanning approximately 5,700 square kilometers, the plan encompasses Amboseli National Park and surrounding community lands across Kajiado County.

The Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the AEMP—commissioned by the Amboseli Ecosystem Trust (AET) and approved by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)—served as a foundational tool to ensure that the plan’s development objectives align with environmental sustainability principles. As one of the first full ecosystem SEAs in Kenya, it provided an integrated approach to assessing ecological sensitivity, socio-economic dynamics, and long-term land-use viability.

Through the SEA process, the AEMP established a clear and practical framework for zoning, ecosystem connectivity, and sustainable development. The assessment informed land-use designations for wildlife dispersal areas, tourism zones, settlements, and agricultural lands, helping to maintain ecological balance while meeting human needs. It also identified and safeguarded critical wildlife corridors linking Amboseli with neighboring ecosystems such as Tsavo West and Kilimanjaro, ensuring continuity for migratory species like elephants and wildebeests.

The AEMP’s SEA portfolio is structured around four key management programmes that collectively guide the implementation of conservation and development actions across the ecosystem:

Community Livelihoods and Socio-Economic Programme – Focusing on sustainable livelihoods, benefit-sharing, and community engagement in conservation initiatives.

Tourism Development and Management Programme – Promoting responsible tourism and equitable economic opportunities for local communities.

Natural Resource Management Programme – Protecting rangelands, biodiversity, water resources, and ecosystem integrity through integrated land-use planning.

Institutions and Governance Programme – Strengthening policy coordination, institutional capacity, and monitoring mechanisms for effective ecosystem governance.

The SEA emphasized adaptive management and monitoring, setting up frameworks for continuous assessment of land-use change, habitat condition, and human-wildlife interactions. This ensures that management decisions remain data-driven, inclusive, and responsive to emerging environmental and socio-economic challenges.

Importantly, the Amboseli SEA recognized that the future of conservation lies in shared stewardship—between communities, professionals, and institutions. It highlighted the role of community conservancies, participatory governance, and professional collaboration in maintaining ecological resilience and human well-being.

For Hifadhi Society Kenya, the AEMP offers a vital platform for engagement. The Society’s expertise in science-driven conservation, community empowerment, and policy advocacy aligns directly with the SEA’s goals. Hifadhi can contribute by offering professional training, biodiversity monitoring, and technical guidance on corridor management, while also supporting advocacy for sustainable land-use and conservation-friendly policies.

In essence, the SEA of the Amboseli Ecosystem Management Plan represents a living model of integrated conservation—where people, wildlife, and nature coexist through informed, inclusive, and adaptive management.