World Nature Conservation Day

Somaliland is a global biodiversity hotspot – one of 36 worldwide. These hotspots cover just 2.5% of the land on earth, yet they contain more than half of the world’s plants and over 40% of the vertebrates found on land. In Somaliland, the wide variety of ecosystems support incredible species richness, including more than 175 mammal species and over 725 types of birds. However, over the last century, wildlife populations in the region have been declining – and the status of many species in Somaliland remains unknown.

In Africa, the primary driver of biodiversity loss is fragmentation and degradation of natural ecosystems. This ecological degradation also impacts the critical ecosystem services people rely on – and can drive human-wildlife conflict. In Somaliland, CCF is protecting biodiversity and combating the illegal wildlife trade, the biggest threat to wild cheetahs in the region, by addressing both the ecological and human dimensions of conservation.

Last year CCF established two communal conservancies in Somaliland, partnering with the government and local community leaders. Community-focused conservancies provide a management structure that balances biodiversity conservation, landscape restoration, and the advancement of rural livelihoods. These communally-owned and managed areas allow residents to benefit from natural resources, including wildlife. In Namibia, for instance, today there are more than 85 conservancies and the majority generate income for their members, while offering other benefits too, like increased access to natural resources.

Protecting biodiversity also stabilizes natural ecosystems, making them more productive. In the Horn of Africa, climate change is already driving rising temperatures, increased rainfall variability, and extreme weather events. Stable ecosystems are more resilient to these climate impacts – and can help rural communities adapt by supporting livelihoods and food security.

Promoting community-based conservation initiatives – including conservancies – is a foundational step toward protecting regional biodiversity in Somaliland, while empowering local communities at the same time.