Study Sites

We conduct our research in four pairs of matching sites across the borders between Kenya and Tanzania. These sites share similar ecological settings but differ in systems of property-holding and in the role of the state in resource governance.

They surround some of the world’s most significant protected Areas for wildlife and biodiversity: Amboseli National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro and Arusha National Parks, Masai Mara National Reserve, Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area (a UNESCO Heritage site), and Tarangire National Park. See a map of our study sites here.

Community conservancies are involved in the protection of wildlife and other forms of biodiversity, such as forests and wetlands, on set-aside lands that provide members the opportunity to benefit from tourism through employment, the sharing of entrance fees, and business opportunities, which gives them pride and a sense of ownership. The research is coordinated by one partner organization in each site.

 Map of I-CAN Study Sites