He and most of the community believe it is their duty to protect it – and in turn, they believe the forest will protect them. In photos: The plants and animals of Naimina Enkiyio Prev NextShared landIn a shady clearing, a group of Maasai elders sit in a circle on the grass. Peter Achammer/Helicopter Charter EA Ltd.For centuries, local communities have protected the forest, but today they are facing new threats. As the culture modernizes, Maasai elders fear this will be forgotten. “We shall protect the forest so that we retain this fresh air for our communities and also everyone in the world,” he says.

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Persons: CNN — Naimina, Ntirua, Obibi, ”, Nell Lewis, CNN Ntirua Koikai, Enkiyio, Mara, Rob O’Meara, Sarah, Kirk's dik, dik, Peter Achammer, Ole Koikai, Ntirua Koikai, Mbuvi Musingo, “, O’Meara, “ We’re, Josephat Olokula, sparky, you’re, “ I’m, Ntasikoi Oloimoeja, Oloimoeja Organizations: CNN, Initiative, Hansen Global, Forest Guardians, Guardians, Government, Helicopter Charter EA, Kenya Forestry Research Institute, ” Locations: “, Kenya, Nairobi, Mara, Narok