The Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company (ELDOWAS) and Moi University have highlighted significant progress in environmental conservation under the Eldoret-Iten Water Fund (EIWF), showcasing a growing partnership between academic research and community-led climate action.

Marking World Environment Day, the institutions celebrated their collaboration, which is anchored on combining scientific research with practical conservation efforts aimed at protecting water catchments, restoring ecosystems, and improving livelihoods across the region.

Led by Moi University Acting Vice Chancellor Kiplagat Kotut, the partnership was described as a model for how universities and utilities can work together to address climate change and environmental degradation.

Officials said the initiative has recorded notable achievements since 2023, including the conservation of 74,552 hectares of land—far exceeding initial targets—alongside the restoration of 51,625 hectares of forest cover.

The programme has also supported the protection of 380.4 kilometres of riparian land, strengthening river ecosystems critical to water supply in the North Rift region.

In addition, the project has positively impacted more than 167,205 people and empowered 5,000 households through climate-smart agriculture practices designed to improve resilience and food security.

According to project data, the initiative has contributed to the sequestration of approximately 6.4 million metric tonnes of carbon, underscoring its role in climate change mitigation efforts.

Beyond environmental gains, the Eldoret-Iten Water Fund has also influenced policy development, resulting in seven new county-level environmental policies and the establishment of 19 active river gauging stations to enhance water resource monitoring and management.

ELDOWAS officials emphasized that the success of the programme is rooted in collaboration with development partners, including The Nature Conservancy in Africa and Water Funds for Africa, as well as active participation from local communities.

They noted that community engagement remains central to sustaining conservation gains, particularly through climate-smart farming and watershed protection initiatives.

Partners described the initiative as a growing example of how science-based solutions, when combined with grassroots participation, can deliver measurable environmental and socio-economic benefits.

As the world continues to confront the impacts of climate change, stakeholders at the event reaffirmed their commitment to scaling up conservation efforts and ensuring long-term water security for the region.