[1] The biosphere reserve was part of the UNESCO-MAB project "Biosphere Reserves for Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development in Anglophone Africa (BRAAF)" which had the objective to ensure the long-term conservation of biodiversity in including local population in its sustainable use.

Several BRAAF projects aimed to promote income-generating activities such as bee-keeping or to control the tick infestation in the livestock of the pastoralist communities.

With most indigenous people practicing pastoralism and agriculture, these are the most important socio-economic activities in the area.

Poaching of wildlife for meat and trophies, illegal fishing, selling of firewood and charcoal constitute threats to the biodiversity in the biosphere reserve.

[1] Below the rift wall, perennial springs in the north support a ground water forest (characterized by Trichilia roka and Croton macrostachyus or the yellow fever tree (Acacia xanthophloea).