The Indigenous Livelihoods Enhancement Partners (ILEPA) has been honored with the prestigious Equator Prize by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in recognition of its exceptional efforts in advancing local climate change solutions and promoting sustainable development for communities, nature and resilience.
At the celebration ceremony in Majimoto/Naroosura Ward, Narok South sub County, team leader of the environment and resilience unit at UNDP Nairobi, Evelyn Koech extended her heartfelt congratulations to ILEPA for being one of the 11 indigenous people and local community organizations from 102 countries worldwide to receive the 2024 Equator Prize.
Ms. Koech highlighted the significance of this global recognition, noting that over 600 organizations competed for the honour.
“Out of more than 600 competitors, ILEPA stood out as one of only two African organizations to win the Equator Prize, and of course being one in Kenya,” she said.
Ms. Koech added that organizations were selected for exemplifying the theme ‘Nature for Climate Action,’ showcasing the transformative impact of indigenous and locally-led nature-based solutions in addressing the climate crisis.
She commended ILEPA for its impactful work within local communities, citing key initiatives such as building a maternity wing, building a resource centre and protecting the Maji Moto hot springs, among others, which have made a significant difference in the lives of the people they serve.
Ms. Koech also emphasized that the Equator Prize has put Maji Moto on the global map, bringing international recognition not only to the village but to Kenya as a whole.
Additionally, she pointed out that the Nashulai Conservancy had previously won the same award in 2019, during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the ongoing global recognition of Kenya’s environmental and community-based solutions.
The Director of ILEPA Stanley Riamit said the organization operates 6 core programmes, each focusing on specific thematic areas: human rights and governance, environment and climate change, research and documentation, livelihood support, internship and youth support and the Maji Moto resource center.
He expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, attributing it to the collective impact of the indigenous communities ILEPA serves and the ongoing support from pastoralist communities.
“The name ILEPA is derived from the Maa language, meaning ‘arise’ or ‘ascend,’ a reflection of our mission to ensure that indigenous peoples thrive and lead lives of significance,” Riamit explained.
The Equator Prize is awarded under small grants support program within UNDP, in order to celebrate the outstanding community-driven efforts in the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
By John Kaleke
