Elevated atmospheric CO2 levels critically endanger human, animal, and environmental sustainability. While emission reduction is key, maintaining healthy, CO2-absorbing natural environments is equally vital.
Next to the well-known rainforest as a major carbon sink, oceans and savannas are also significant. Savannas, covering 20% of land, are essential for a habitable planet due to their biodiversity and carbon absorption capacity.
It is our mission to protect the Savanna and optimize its ecological health. We achieve this through a holistic approach 'Eramatare' with ecology, anthropology and economy as the three pillars.
Eramatare
"Taking care" of Maasai, Livestock and Wildlife
Eramatare represents a comprehensive, holistic approach aimed at the restoration of the African savanna ecosystem. This initiative empowers local communities to adopt sustainable practices that promote the responsible use of the savanna, while simultaneously contributing to CO2 sequestration. Our goal is to establish a thriving, balanced ecosystem where wildlife coexists harmoniously with livestock. By modernizing yet preserving community-based grazing systems, we prioritize safety, food security, and the provision of adequate fodder for both humans and animals. Through this approach, we strive to create a resilient and productive savanna landscape that supports both ecological restoration and sustainable livelihoods.
Economy
Social business for independence
The Maasai need a healthy and sustainable livelihood, which we establish by giving training in business development, setting up fair and eco value chains. By using social businesses and cooperatives, for selling the products of Eramatare we create financial independence for women and the poor of the poor.
Ecology
Regenarate the ecosystem
By using nature inclusive and regenarative land use methods, we create a healthy ecosystem creating acces to food, fodder, water and energy. By protecting our ecosystem, improve it's biodiversity and protect it's wildlife, we can beat climate change and create a thriving future for all inhabitants.
Anthropology
Traditional knowledge & culture as base
The ecosystem we live in, is the base of cultuare as expressed in artefacts, indigenous knowlege, rituals and way of living. In Eramatare, we combine Maasai culture with scientific insights to implement our projects succesfully
Our Partners
Our Projects
The Maa word Osotua means the "invisible umblical cord" which unites us all. If we are in need and ask for help, others will come to our aid. Being one of the strongest concepts within the Maa Culture, it captures our vision well. Our strenght lies in our network of Maasai driven community organisations reaching out for the most vulnerable Maasai individuals within the community. Working with their own chosen leaders and being trained by Maasai, our impact reaches far into these communities.
Eramatare Emuny Ranch
Together with ReNature and 52 landowners we create an example of our holistic view on restoring the savannah ecosystem. The 52 landowners are trained in Sustainable Rangeland Management and at five pilot homesteads we are implemeing permaculture kitchen gardens and agroforestry.
Your donation helps us train more people, creating long term results.
Oloip Mara Innovation Hub
Oloip Mara Innovation Hub will be a living example and learning center of the Eramatare filosophy. It consists of a community and training hall, an iHub, restaurant, office, arts-and craft center and sleeping facilities. The buildings will be ecofriendly, biobased, comfortable and affrodable. Many, many thanks to Juan Nibbelink for the design, Serge Meijerink for the engineering and Tsavo for technical support.
"If you want to go fast, walk alone,
if you want to go far, walk together"
African proverb
Contact us
Get in touch with Osotua Foundation to learn more about our work and how you can get involved.
