Targeted by al-Shabaab for defending Kenya’s ecosystems: Foundation founder gets award
Conservation is rarely conflict-free. On Kenya’s northern coastline, in Lamu and Tana River counties — a biodiversity hotspot where the nation’s longest river meets the Indian Ocean — the work of protecting marine and terrestrial habitats often takes a willingness to challenge industrial fishing and extractive industries. For Raabia Hawa, defending nature against these activities […]
Conservation efforts in Kenya's northern coastline, encompassing Lamu and Tana River counties, often involve challenging industrial fishing and extractive industries. Raabia Hawa, an ex-journalist and Montessori teacher turned environmental defender, founded the Ulinzi Africa Foundation (Ulinzi) in 2014 to combat elephant poaching and wildlife crime.
Her work has since expanded to include combating illegal bottom-trawling and empowering local communities resisting mining concessions. Operating in areas with high political insecurity, Ulinzi has faced threats, including death threats and al-Shabaab targeting Raabia. Despite these challenges, Ulinzi continues to operate with the support of volunteers.
At the 2026 Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa, Raabia spoke about the difficulties of countering industrial fishing and mobilizing rural women against mining companies. She dedicated the award to her father, Abdul Kadir Hawa, who she believes played a crucial role in her success.
Written by urgent.news from Mongabay's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
