Integrating Indigenous Knowledge into Mount Kenya National Park's Conservation Efforts

Mount Kenya National Park/Natural Forest World Heritage Property stands as both a vital ecological and cultural landmark, yet it faces a growing array of threats that endanger its environmental and cultural significance. These challenges include illegal grazing, poaching, deforestation, the adverse impacts of climate change, and encroaching human activities. Despite modern conservation policies, preserving its diverse ecosystems and rich cultural heritage remains at risk. This chapter explores how indigenous knowledge systems of the Kikuyu and Meru communities can complement modern conservation efforts in addressing these threats. It emphasises traditional ecological practices in safeguarding biodiversity, preserving sacred landscapes, and enhancing the Property’s resilience to climate change. By synthesising existing literature and conducting a comparative analysis, this study examines how local customs, rituals, and land management techniques could help mitigate biodiversity loss and fire risks while fostering community participation. Findings suggest that adopting a collaborative approach between community-based and government-led initiatives could enhance the protection of Mount Kenya’s ecological integrity. This approach enhances biodiversity, strengthens the resilience of cultural identities, and contributes to the broader discourse on the intersection between culture and ecology. Practical recommendations include strengthening local participation in conservation planning, developing culturally sensitive policies, and fostering knowledge exchange between indigenous elders and conservation professionals.