Community Action for Nature and Conservation

CANCO

Founded in 2008, CANCO champions good governance, democratic rights, and sustainable resource use. Our mission is to ensure conservation delivers lasting community benefits and protects Kenya’s natural ecosystems.

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Solar Water treatment units distributed

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Usage‑tracking sensors installed for remote usage monitoring

WHO WE ARE

Founded in 2008, CANCO champions good governance, democratic rights, and sustainable resource use. Our mission is to ensure conservation delivers lasting community benefits and protects Kenya’s natural ecosystems.

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Our Foundation

CANCO was established by a diverse team of environmental professionals committed to sustainable development, working to strengthen institutions, empower communities, and promote inclusive governance systems that support long‑term conservation impact.

2

Our Focus

We recognize the vital role of Community‑Based Organizations in driving conservation and sustainable development, yet many face barriers such as limited skills, resources, and policy engagement. By addressing these gaps, we help transform their commitment into effective, organized action for meaningful environmental change.

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Our Response

We strengthen the capacity, governance, and voice of CBOs and other civil society actors by building technical skills, improving accountability structures, enhancing policy engagement, and fostering strategic partnerships—empowering them to participate meaningfully in environmental decision‑making and drive effective ecosystem restoration.

Programme Approach

CANCO applies its ENEA Approach—rooted in the Kiswahili concept of spreading positive change—to ensure environmental impact reaches communities, institutions, and systems. Built on four interconnected pillars, the approach drives scalable, inclusive, and lasting environmental transformation.

Environmental Networking

We foster collaborative environmental action by connecting communities, civil society, government, and partners to share knowledge, strengthen networks, and drive evidence‑based solutions.

Environmental Education

We empower communities with the knowledge, skills, and leadership needed for sustainable resource use, fostering informed action that strengthens ecosystems and improves livelihoods.

GPS-Tracked Collection Vehicles

We strengthen civil society and community networks to influence environmental policy, building advocacy skills, expanding alliances, and promoting citizen participation for stronger, more equitable environmental governance.

Local Stewardship & Social Accountability

We promote local stewardship and strengthen social accountability by empowering communities to manage natural resources responsibly, participate in decision‑making, and uphold transparent, sustainable governance.

Read More about our programme Approach – Here!

OUR PROGRAMME AREAS

Explore CANCO’s interdisciplinary programs that address emerging priority environmental challenges across Kenya’s diverse regions, landscapes, and seascapes.

Oil, Gas and Mining

Water and Wetlands

Marine Ecosystem and fisheries

Knowledge management and Institutional Development

Read More about our programme areas – Here!

OUR VISION ,MISSION & CORE VALUES

VISION

A leads catalyst for transformative change in Citizen’s action at all levels contributing to good environmental governance and responsible developments.

MISSION

Promoting the sustainable development agenda by influencing communities and stakeholders’ be stewards and watchdogs for good environmental governance and responsible development using human rights based principles and ENEA (Engagement, Networking, Empowerment, and Advocacy) - our theory of change and conservation approach.

Core Values

CANCO subscribes to the universal values, principles, and practices of good governance and democratic rights and fundamental freedoms for public interests and the common good.

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Solar water units distributed across 10 locations in Kwale and Taita Taveta.
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Vulnerable households supported with safe‑water technology.
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Household sensors retrieved, providing three months of usage data.
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Reduced firewood and fossil‑fuel use among 792 households, improving health and lowering emissions.