About Us
Who We Are
Lamu Environment Foundation (LEF) was established in 2021 and raises funds from individuals and businesses to support grassroots environmental and conservation projects across Lamu County, Kenya. We support projects that protect, preserve and restore the rich environment of Lamu.
Lamu County on the Northern Coast of Kenya boasts over 130km of coastline and varied ecosystems, including, mangrove forests, seagrass beds, coral reefs, vast forests, savannahs hosting wildlife including lions, giraffes, buffalo, leopard, zebra and an archipelago of over 60 islands.
This combination of beautiful natural landscapes, varied species and diverse terrestrial and marine ecosystems makes Lamu a key tourist destination. However, the area is not without its environmental, social and humanitarian issues including increasing human-wildlife conflict, drought, land degradation and the constant threat of violent extremism. Combined, these threats and the opportunity for increased tourism highlight the need to protect, preserve and restore Lamu’s environment.
Through supporting grassroots, locally-led conservation projects LEF works to improve the environment and support communities’ transition towards more sustainable living by raising awareness of the importance of the environment and increasing environmentally led industries leading to greater prosperity within the region and decreasing conflict.
Projects supported by LEF focus in the following thematic areas; solid waste management, mangrove protection, marine conservation, land regeneration and restoration and continuing environmental education and providing alternative livelihoods.
Our people
The LEF Steering Committee is made up of local and international friends of the Lamu Archipelago that direct our strategy. All applications go through this committee who all share a love for the natural beauty and charm of Lamu Archipelago while offering a wide array of skills and connections to further the work of the LEF.
Our local team consists of one person as the local Executive Director in charge of day-to-day management and coordination work on the ground, assisted by advisors and the SC.
LOCAL TEAM
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Hannah Evans
Executive Director
An avid environmentalist from a young age, Hannah quickly found herself at home among other eco-warriors within the Lamu Archipelago. She co-founded Takataka Heroes a waste management organisation aiming to bring recycling facilities to the archipelago and has worked within the Flipflopi Project’s communications team.
With a background in online communications and a passion for the preservation of the natural environment, Hannah can’t wait to create a more sustainable future for the Lamu Archipelago.
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Fatma Bwanakai
Communications and Admin Support
Fatma is a community activist and has been working to ensure a cleaner and safer environment for the Lamu community’s well-being and economic development. She seeks to influence others using social & academic principles to promote and enhance environmental importance, community development, and female empowerment.
Her outstanding qualities are creativity, innovation, impeccable communication skills, and a strong sense of responsibility. We are excited to have her on board as communications lead and admin support.
OUR ADVISORY BOARD
How we work
All funds raised go towards supporting environmental campaigns in Lamu Archipelago. We strongly believe that by supporting local environmental and conservation groups we can make a positive impact and bring about long-lasting positive environmental change.
Our way is to…
Connect those who love Lamu with those who are working to protect, preserve and restore it.
Involve, empower and strengthen local communities through a bottom-up integrated approach to create long lasting change, bolster civil society and build capacity by providing projects with vital funds to scale their impact.
Support local initiatives and identify the framework and skills needed to tackle specific local environmental problems.
Collaborate with our global network to access piloted and proven solutions.
Mobilise funding by encouraging individuals to get involved and support their local environment.
Tap into our network of experts to ensure we support the projects offering the largest returns for nature.
Leverage co-funding opportunities with larger foundations, national or international organisations.
Provide a proven and transparent channel for donors to support their local environment.