Development of an Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) for the implementation of the Thamani Asili initiative in Kenya

The Nature Conservancy (TNC), in partnership with the Government of Kenya and others, is developing Thamani Asili, an Enduring Earth Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) initiative. Co-created through a multi-year, inclusive process, it provides a long-term framework that aligns sustainable financing with conservation, climate action, and community development. A cornerstone of the PFP approach is putting a comprehensive financing package in place that includes support from private and public sources, national funding commitments, and the development of sustainable funding, with donor funds managed and disbursed by an independent conservation trust fund. Thamani Asili aims to deliver lasting conservation outcomes while strengthening local economies and community well-being, supporting resilient ecosystems and sustainable resource management across Kenya.

In line with international good practice, the Thamani Asili initiative requires an Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) to guide decision-making and ensure that program activities are environmentally and socially sound. AAE was hired to develop this ESMF, which will provide the foundation for the CTF’s future Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS). The assignment includes the development of an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), including field work and consultations with rightsholders and stakeholders across all the priority geographies in Kenya, and an outline of the CTF-level ESMS.

Main tasks:

• Desk review
• Stakeholder engagement, including stakeholder analysis, engagement (incl. field work) and development of a SEF
• Identification and analysis of risks and impacts of the Thamani Asili PFP and identification of avoidance and mitigation measures

Main outputs:

• Stakeholder analysis
• Stakeholder Engagement Plan
• Summary report from field work
• ESIA report
• ESMF
• Outline of an adequate CTF-level ESMS