Lake Victoria, the largest tropical freshwater lake in the world, spans the borders of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Along its edges, especially in the Yala Swamp region of western Kenya, lie expansive papyrus wetlands and peatlands—rich, breathing ecosystems that serve both ecological and cultural purposes. These peatlands perform essential functions: regulating water flow, purifying water, serving as fish breeding grounds, storing carbon, and providing raw materials for artisanal crafts deeply embedded in local traditions. Beyond their environmental value, these landscapes hold memory—they are places of work, of gathering, of generational knowledge passed through hands and stories.

But these wetlands are under growing threat. Peatlands are being degraded by unsustainable harvesting, burning, drainage for agriculture, human encroachment, and sand mining. With these pressures comes the erosion not just of biodiversity, but of cultural identity and collective knowledge about how to live in harmony with water. In the face of climate change and ecosystem breakdown, the papyrus peatlands of Lake Victoria demand urgent attention and care. Our project begins here, with the understanding that peatland conservation is not only a scientific or environmental task—it is also cultural, emotional, and deeply communal.

This initiative is led by Ecofinder Kenya, a community-based organization rooted in the Lake Victoria Basin. Ecofinder Kenya works at the intersection of ecological restoration, sustainable livelihoods, and local empowerment. For this project, we are working closely with riparian communities in the Yala Swamp area—particularly fisherfolk, wetland users, women-led craft cooperatives, local youth, and elders—as well as schools, local administrators, artists, and environmental educators.

Together, we are drawing on a wide network of allies, including conservation scientists, digital storytellers, cultural researchers, and regional policy actors. Our approach is collaborative and dialogical, grounded in both indigenous knowledge and scientific understanding. We are inspired by and aligned with the Venice Agreement, which calls for the protection of wetlands and peatlands through inclusive, community-driven action. Through this collaborative spirit, we aim to build a dynamic community of practice and care around the peatlands of Lake Victoria.

This project focuses on the conservation of Lake Victoria’s papyrus peatlands through community engagement and cultural expression. Key activities include Exploration and Awareness Outreaches to mobilize local communities on the importance of these wetlands, and Venice Agreement Translation and Awareness to connect global conservation frameworks with local action.

Participatory Action Research will document community perspectives and threats to the peatlands, which will inform the creation of Co-Creation Workshops. These workshops will transform gathered knowledge into artistic and cultural expressions, such as songs, performances, and visual art.

The project will culminate in Physical and Virtual Outreaches, sharing these artistic works through exhibitions and online platforms to raise awareness and inspire local stewardship and action for peatland conservation.