Guardians Worldwide

Guardians Worldwide is a transnational alliance of territorial land defenders protecting more than 750,000 ha of the world's most endangered forests. We work with Indigenous, Quilombo and rural guardians in seven countries, supporting governance and livelihoods, capacity building and cultural heritage protection. In Kenya, we set up the Programme for the Heritage of Ogieks and Mother Earth (Pro-Home), a registered Community-based organisation based in Nakuru County, and led by Indigenous forest guardians. The programme aims to protect and restore Mau Forest, Kenya's last remaining indigenous montane rainforest, home to many endangered species including the African mountain elephant and bongo, a critically endangered mountain antelope. GWW/Pro-Home set up the Mau Tree Rescue Hub, dedicated to rescuing and growing native trees -especially dombeya- and protecting wild bee colonies. We carry out reforestation work with local schools, and also protect Ogiek cultural heritage sites.