The Nature Conservancy Co-management internships in Kenya

The Nature Conservancy Co-management internships in Kenya

Founded in 1951, the Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends.

Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together.

We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable.

One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we strive for a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce.

Working in 72 countries, including all 50 United States, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners.

To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.

The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment.

We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.

Your Position With TNC

The Nature Conservancy Africa Program conducts marine conservation work relating to marine spatial planning (MSP) and improving coastal fisheries.

MSP is a scientific process through which multiple data sets are brought together to make informed decisions on where to allow different activities in the ocean.

It can occur in a collaborative and public process or may be largely driven by the national government.

Kenya is expecting funds from the World Ban k to carry out national-level MSP. Kenya may opt for an inclusive MSP where coastal communities help drive decisions.

There are government mechanisms that may enable community ownership of MSP. Through the 2010 Constitution of Kenya, the government devolved two of its three arms (legislative and executive) to the 47 counties, increasing local power in decision making.

Further, in 2016, Kenya updated its co-management system to allow marine stakeholders (fishers, beach vendors, and tour operators) to make management decisions with county governments through Beach Management Units (BMUs).

Thus, there is a major opportunity in Kenya to develop a community-driven nearshore MSP that allows communities to visualize future scenarios and make choices that enable conservation and sustained use of resources with a high level of MSP local ownership.

However, the BMUs were last surveyed over 5 years ago, and those surveys found weak relationships between communities and government institutions, inefficient linkages between research and decision making, lack of gender balance and inclusiveness, and low levels of participation of communities in fisheries management, along with lack of cohesion among BMU members.

We are seeking an intern to help carry out national BMU surveys.

Essential Functions