Impact - Species Saviour Initiative

Impact Overview

Impact Measurable change driven by community stewardship

Since 2020, Species Saviour Initiative has worked with Indigenous and local communities to translate stewardship into measurable ecological recovery, stronger governance, and more resilient livelihoods across priority landscapes in Somalia and the Horn of Africa.

Impact Snapshot

A snapshot of our shared journey toward a sustainable future

Trees protected or revived

Community stewards trained 

Centuries-old traditional knowledge documented and revitalized

Native trees planted through community nurseries

Community-governed frankincense fields under stewardship

Figures reflect cumulative outcomes across partner landscapes since 2020

Impact by Pillar

Community-Led Guardianship & Governance Pillar

What changed

Communities now lead decisions over their land and resources through strengthened customary governance systems, supported rather than replaced by SSI.

Impact Highlights

95% of partner communities actively govern their natural resources
110 community-based conservation committees established
89% grievance resolution rate through community-led mechanisms
Significant reduction in local resource-based conflicts

Habitat & Species Revival

What changed

Degraded ecosystems are being restored and managed through community-led protection, regeneration, and culturally grounded conservation practices.

Impact Highlights

46,424 trees protected or revived
15,000 native trees planted
5 hectares of critical habitat restored
Declining frankincense tree mortality in targeted sites

Regenerous Livelihoods

What changed

Conservation-compatible livelihoods are reducing pressure on ecosystems while strengthening household resilience.

Impact Highlights

15,000 livelihoods safeguarded through sustainable practices
Shared economic incentives linked to stewardship
Reduced reliance on destructive resource use

Advocacy, Policy & Systems Change

What changed

Community experience and field evidence are influencing policies, institutions, and conservation systems beyond individual sites.

Impact Highlights

1+ local policies influenced through advocacy and field data
10+ MoUs with state and federal government institutions
300+ local officials trained in natural resource governance
First community-based illegal wildlife trade (IWT) database established in Puntland

Testimonials

Voices from the Frontlines of Conservation

"For generations, we watched the forests decline. Now, our committee decides how to harvest. This isn't just conservation; it's our self-reliance returned." —

Fatima Ali, Member of the Jeexdin Dryland Forest Landscape Committee

"The 'Nature on the Move' cinema showed us the beauty we were losing. Now, our youth patrol for illegal loggers. We are not just residents; we are guardians."

Deqa Yusuf Youth Leader, Bari Region

Learning sustainable harvesting didn't just save the trees; it saved my family. My income has increased, and I can now send all my children to school."

Ahmed Mohamud, Frankincense Harvester & Community Steward

"Other NGOs came with plans. SSI came with questions and listened. That respect is why their programs have 95% community participation where others failed."

Elmi Warsame Erigavo District Commissioner, Sanaag Region

Want to see the stories behind the numbers?

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