Comments from the Representatives of the Maasai in the NCA.

There has been no scientifically proven carrying capacity study, the concept for carrying capacity in dynamic rangeland system under mobile pastoralism is according to the new rangeland studies not possible to establish in any fixed manner. Carrying capacity is dynamic and process oriented and should be covering wildlife, livestock and other uses of natural resources. There are nos sign and no significant ecological damage to the area from overuse of the area by the local communities, although there has been above 50.000 people in the area for decades. A carry capacity of  25.000 people proposed by the NCAA has absolute no linkage to the reality on the ground

Increased Pastoral Human Population in the NCA

UNESCO Report in Relation to the Carrying Capacity of the Maasai Population in the NCA.

In relation to the Maasai population the carrying capacity of the property will be assessed in terms of the current and future numbers of Maasai that the area can sustain. The study will also address issues such as how to increase productivity through, for example, introducing improved breeds of cattle. This study will be undertaken in close consultation with the Maasai population and District Authorities adjacent to the conservation area. The NCAA is currently (May 2007) in the process of identifying a suitable consultant to undertake this carrying capacity study.
see details on: http://whc.unesco.org/archive/2007/whc07-31com-7badde.pdf