The East Africa region has rich biodiversity and natural resources that transcend national boundaries. These include vast landscapes, iconic wildlife species, watersheds, arable lands, minerals etc. Broadly defined as natural capital, these resources are an important source of economic revenue and critical to East Africa’s economic growth. The region’s nature-based tourism industry, which is almost entirely dependent on wildlife and protected areas, contributes 7.5-10% of GDP to the region and supports local communities depending on the natural capital for their livelihoods. Wildlife contributes both economically and intrinsically to the region’s natural capital and is therefore a critical asset for East Africa’s future growth and sustainable development. Loss of habitats and species, the disruption of wildlife migratory, poaching, and wildlife trafficking are major threats in East Africa.

The purpose of the Conserving Natural Capital and Enhancing Collaborative Management of Transboundary Resources in East Africa (CONNECT) is to strengthen the conservation and management of transboundary natural resources including wildlife and landscapes in the region. The project seeks to strengthen East African Community (EAC’s) institutional leadership to deliver on its regional mandate and commitments to conserve and manage shared environment and natural resources in East Africa. The project works to strengthen existing regional conservation initiatives through generating evidence-based information, innovative methodologies, tools, and best practices for the benefit of the EAC Partner States and their citizens.