The Conservancy's project is located in a biodiversity hotspot convergence zone—where the coastal forests of Eastern Africa and Horn of Africa meet. Much of that area is comprised of Somali Acacia-Commiphora bushlands and thickets. The coastal forests of Eastern Africa hotspot extends from the Kenya-Somalia border to the Tanzania-Mozambique border and includes portions of the Tana River north of the coast. These forests have over 1,700 threatened endemic animals and plants, including three highly threatened monkey species and two species of bushbabies. Besides the endangered African wild dog, Tana River mangabey, and Golden-rumped elephant shrew (sengi), species include the critically endangered hirola, Aders' duiker, and Tana River red colobus. Plant species are also under extreme pressure. Coastal forests and other forests are shrinking as land is used by subsistence agriculture, settlement, and infrastructure. All these factors contribute to an increase in human-wildlife conflict.

The Horn of Africa biodiversity hotspot covers more than 1.5 million km² and is one of only two that is entirely arid. The bushlands of northeastern Kenya are found here. This hotspot has over 2,700 endemic plants and animals, including threatened antelopes and more reptiles than anywhere in Africa. Only about 5% of the original habitat remains. Livestock grazing is a major cause of these losses, followed by charcoal harvesting and political instability.