The Maasai Mara grassland ecosystem is a globally significant biodiversity hotspot known for its vast grasslands, diverse wildlife, and seasonal herbivore migration. However, human activities, climate change, and habitat degradation threaten its ecological balance. This project aims to survey the Maasai Mara grasslands to assess their current state, identify threats, and propose sustainable conservation strategies. The main objectives are:

• Evaluating grass diversity in relation to grassland health, grazing, and land use.
• Involving local communities in sustainable management practices.
• Recommending effective conservation and restoration policies.

An interdisciplinary approach will be used, combining ecological surveys with community engagement through interviews and workshops with Maasai pastoralists. Data analysis will assess grassland health indicators to guide policy decisions.

Expected outcomes include:

• Baseline data on grass species diversity and ecosystem health.
• Policy recommendations for sustainable grazing and conservation.
• Capacity-building for students, researchers, and local communities.

This collaborative project involves academic and research institutions, government agencies, and NGOs, with local Maasai communities playing a key role in sustainable grassland management. Funding will be sought from international conservation bodies, governmental grants, and ecotourism partnerships. The goal is to support biodiversity, livelihoods, and ecological balance, ensuring the sustainability of the Maasai Mara grasslands.

The workshop will involve at least 25 participants, including students (BSc, MSc, PhD), researchers, conservationists, and local Maasai community members. The schedule will feature morning lectures, afternoon practical sessions, and field visits in the Mara ecosystem, aligning with the flowering period of many grass species for hands-on learning.

Prof. Salunkhe Chandrakant from Krishna Mahavidyalaya, India, along with 2-3 experts, will facilitate the workshop, providing training materials like books and cameras. A joint organizing committee from MMARAU and MRBk will oversee the event, concluding with an MoU to ensure continued collaboration. Funding will come from both institutions, the Indian High Commission, and the National Research Fund, Kenya.