The Pastoralist Alliance for Resilience and Adaptations Across Nations (PARAAN) was formed in 2018 as a social justice movement with the purpose of consolidating a collective voice on the inclusion and rights of indigenous peoples to promote self-action for the mutual benefit and well-being of indigenous peoples and minorities.
Paraan is a Maasai word used by all Maasai territorial sections (in Kenya and Tanzania) which means “mutual sharing and support”. It is a social strategy commonly used across all pastoralist territories that is used to uplift, support, and stabilize members of the community who have been hit hard by a calamity. Indigenous Peoples all over the world have their own strategies and means of sharing and supporting each other. This is what makes them resilient. Therefore, the meaning of PARAAN is more than just a name.
PARAAN brings together different communities of indigenous peoples and other minorities in Kenya, such as; pastoralists, agro-pastoralists, hunter-gatherers, fisher folks, traditional governance structures and indigenous people institutions and CSOs, from across Kenya’s landscapes/territories and ecosystems where indigenous peoples and minority groups inhabits as their ancestorial homes.
The Alliance currently has a membership of thirty two indigenous peoples organizations speeded across eight counties of Kenya
Vision of PARAAN: – To be a solidarity voice and action of indigenous peoples and minorities for stewardship of resources for collective wellbeing.
Mission Statement of PARAAN: – To protect, promote collective rights and resources of indigenous peoples and minorities for sustainable livelihoods in Kenya and EA Region
Thematic Pillars: –