The East African region is fraught with numerous environmental problems. These include deforestation and desertification, loss of biodiversity, habitat loss, pollution, invasive species, expansion of monocultural crops, high population growth and pervasive poverty. In addition, inappropriate land use policies, over-exploitation of resources and rapid growth, have caused severe environmental degradation. Demographic forces have become the most important long-term threats to biodiversity in the region. Overall, the biodiversity of East Africa is undervalued and inappropriately used. In seeking solutions to the problems facing the conservation of biodiversity in the region, it is important to address the underlying causes and not just their symptoms.

Currently, EAWLS is seen as a leader in building the capacity of community based organisations in the field of conservation. The main aim is to enable these organisations to mobilise funds and resources, and have the necessary technical skills and organisational capacity to effectively manage natural resources in their respective areas. For example, the National Plan for Agenda 21, endorsed by the global community in Brazil in 1992 strongly supports the conservation of biodiversity including wildlife resources. Several countries, including the East African states of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, signed the Biological Diversity Convention, and have since ratified it. Implementation of the many aspects of this Convention is on going.
The Society started running hands-on projects in the early 1990s. Some of the projects are long term, two to four years and others are one-off activities that may be as short as one-day workshops. Different donors fund some projects in phases whereas others are collaborative, involving the Society and other organisations. Since the 1990’s some of the projects have run their course, while others are still at the development stage. Project areas include:

Species conservation | Wetlands & Marine | Forests & Water Catchement | Conservation Education | Advocacy