Embedding Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Conservation: Strengthening MEL Systems Across Laikipia Landscapes

The Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) workshop, held from 24th–26th March 2026 at Sawela Lodge, Naivasha, brought together conservation practitioners from The Nature Conservancy, the Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association, landscape associations, and GESI champions to strengthen inclusive approaches in conservation programming and measurement systems.

The workshop focused on integrating GESI principles into Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning systems to ensure that conservation outcomes are not only environmentally effective but also socially equitable and inclusive.

Why GESI Matters in Conservation

For the Laikipia Conservancies Association, embedding Gender Equality and Social Inclusion within MEL systems is critical for strengthening inclusive governance, improving accountability, and ensuring equitable participation in conservation decision-making processes.

GESI integration ensures that conservation interventions address underlying social inequalities that often shape access to resources, participation in governance, and distribution of benefits across landscapes. This leads to more effective and sustainable conservation outcomes.

Strengthening Inclusive Governance and Participation

The workshop emphasized that inclusive governance is central to effective landscape management. Strengthening representation and participation of women, youth, and marginalized groups enhances transparency, accountability, and legitimacy in conservancy governance structures.

Participants explored practical tools for embedding inclusion within monitoring frameworks, ensuring that data collection and evaluation processes reflect diverse community perspectives and experiences.

Aligning GESI with LCA Strategic Landscape Goals

The integration of GESI into MEL systems directly supports key strategic areas within LCA’s landscape approach:

• Governance and Institutional Development: Strengthens inclusive leadership, representation, and accountability systems across conservancies

• Landscape Coordination and Planning: Promotes participatory planning and cross-conservancy collaboration

• Policy and Advocacy: Supports evidence-based advocacy aligned with global GESI frameworks

• Rangelands Connectivity and Restoration: Ensures restoration initiatives integrate indigenous knowledge and promote gender equality

• Financial Sustainability: Enhances inclusive livelihood opportunities and nature-based enterprises

Building Inclusive and Resilient Landscapes

Embedding GESI into Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning systems positions LCA and its partners to deliver more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable conservation outcomes. It ensures that conservation is not only measured by ecological impact, but also by its contribution to equity, social inclusion, and community wellbeing.

The workshop reaffirmed that inclusive conservation is more effective conservation—where all voices are recognized, represented, and actively contribute to landscape stewardship.