In the remote areas where we work, the wellbeing of local people is often overlooked. Health facilities, such as maternal and child health centers and health posts, are few and under-resourced. For example, if someone is bitten by a snake, they must travel to Bosaso, the nearest town, which is approximately 300 km away from districts and settlements around the Golis Mountains, stretching from the Sanaag region in the northwest to the Gardafu region in the northeast. Women, children, and the elderly frequently suffer from tropical diseases and do not receive the healthcare they need.

Similarly, the education system in these areas is very poor. Schools in districts like Ufeyn, Alula, Qandala, and Bargaal in the Bari and Gardafu regions often lack the necessary resources and facilities to provide quality education. Our commitment to conservation includes addressing these challenges to ensure that both people and wildlife can thrive together