The location of Makame WMA on the southern border of the Tarangire/Manyara ecosystem makes it essential habitat for both endangered and migratory wildlife. The population within the region is rapidly expanding with large numbers of immigrant farmers seeking new land to grow crops and rear livestock. Forests and woodlands are seen as unused and converted to agricultural land. This change in land use has led to a deforestation rate in the area that is 9 times the national average. Land use change threatens the regions extensive biodiversity and has the potential to lead to violent conflict between the traditional users of the land and those seeking to use the natural resources within Makame WMA illegally.

The creation of the Makame Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and its resource plan, has given the Masai communities user-rights over their land and the ability to reserve areas for seasonal grazing. This structure empowers the communities to protect critical grazing areas from illegal immigrant farmers, areas which form the basis of the carbon project.