Climate Resilience and Community-Led Conservation

By Christine Amour-Levar

What does it truly take to build climate resilience in the world's most vulnerable regions? How are women on the frontlines driving the movement for a more sustainable future? My journeys across the remote deserts of Mongolia and the lush mountains of Sri Lanka have revealed how local communities are redefining conservation through grassroots action and indigenous knowledge. We can draw valuable lessons from their stories, allowing their courage to inspire us all to safeguard our planet.

Reflecting on the many expeditions I’ve had the privilege of organised across the globe, I am continually struck by the incredible power of community-led conservation in fostering climate resilience, especially in the planet’s most vulnerable regions. My experiences with local communities have repeatedly demonstrated that genuine climate resilience can only be achieved when we place people—particularly women—at the centre of environmental stewardship.

Empowering Women for Conservation

 In 2019, our HER Planet Earth team set out on a transformative expedition in Northern Kenya, trekking alongside the Samburu people, a nomadic pastoralist community with a deep-rooted connection to their land. I was struck by how Samburu women, as the primary gatherers of water and firewood and providers of food for their families, are often the first to suffer when environmental degradation strikes. It became clear to me that these women, who know the land so intimately, are the natural custodians of their environment. Their knowledge, courage, and determination are essential to any meaningful effort to build climate resilience.

One of the most poignant moments of our time in Kenya was our visit to the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, the first community-owned elephant reserve in the country. Here, Samburu women care for orphaned elephants, nurturing them back to health with a dedication that is both inspiring and humbling. Watching these women bottle-feed, sing to, and comfort these young elephants, I realised how their empathy and care were creating a bond that not only helped these animals survive but thrive. This sanctuary is a testament to the power of community-led conservation and to the profound impact of empowering women—when they are given the opportunity, they become the most effective and passionate stewards of our natural world.

Discovering Strength in Sri Lanka and the Gobi Desert

In April 2023, our team undertook a challenging expedition across the Knuckles Mountain Range in Sri Lanka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As we trekked and cycled 150km through this breathtaking landscape, I felt a deep connection to the Sri Lankan women we were supporting—women whose lives are directly impacted by climate change. Sri Lanka is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, and through this journey, we raised crucial funds to help build resilience for those most affected by extreme weather events like floods, landslides, and droughts. Working with organisations like UN Women Sri Lanka, we explored how different groups—such as women with disabilities and migrant women—are disproportionately affected, and why an intersectional approach is so vital in creating tailored solutions for these communities​.

A year later, I found myself with another HER Planet Earth team in a starkly different landscape—the vast, unforgiving expanse of the Gobi Desert. Our expedition through this cold desert during the Mongolian winter was both a test of endurance and a celebration of local culture. Partnering with The Nature Conservancy, we raised valuable funds to support initiatives that empower women leaders in Mongolia’s Omnogovi province. Through their traditional handicrafts and sustainable livestock management, these women are leading the way in conservation efforts, demonstrating that even in the harshest conditions, communities can find strength and resilience. 

The Power of Indigenous Leadership

In recent years, I've had the privilege of leading several expeditions to my home country of the Philippines, which has deepened my understanding of community-led initiatives. In 2018, while sailing on a traditional paraw boat through the islands of Palawan to support the Tao Kalahi Foundation, I saw firsthand how vital it is to empower women in local communities for building climate resilience. These women were equipped with the tools and training to engage in sustainable practices, such as organic farming and traditional crafts, allowing them to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change. I witnessed their remarkable transformations—gaining economic independence, becoming advocates for environmental stewardship, and fostering a culture of sustainability that strengthens both their communities and the environment.

Learning from the Wisdom of the Elders

Building on this, a significant lesson from these experiences has been the critical importance of indigenous knowledge. In 2015, my all-female team and I were privileged to join the Nenets reindeer herders of Siberia on their yearly migration south —a journey that revealed the essence of resilience rooted in their deep respect for nature and strong communal bonds. Living in one of the world’s most unforgiving environments, the Nenets have developed an intimate understanding of their landscape, enabling them to thrive amid the Arctic's extreme conditions. Yet, their traditional way of life faces mounting threats from climate change, underscoring the urgent need to integrate indigenous knowledge and practices into global conservation efforts.

Empowering Change from the Ground Up

These experiences have reinforced my belief that community-led conservation goes beyond environmental protection—it's about building social resilience and empowerment, especially through the leadership of women. Women, often most impacted by climate change, are also its strongest agents of change. By supporting local communities and amplifying women's voices, we can create a more resilient future. Building climate resilience is about people, standing together, learning from each other, and striving for a sustainable planet—a journey I am committed to leading and inviting others to join.