Category: Blog

Nature Kenya works with 30 Site Support Groups (SSGs) to implement biodiversity conservation actions in 27 Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) stretching from the coastal, eastern, and central to the Rift Valley and western regions of the country. Every year, Nature Kenya organizes a National SSG Workshop where representatives from these community groups meet to share their experiences and learn lessons and best practices for biodiversity conservation.

In 2023, the National SSG Workshop took place in December in Nairobi. Under the theme Local Actions Safeguarding Nature and Livelihoods, the workshop focused on how SSGs are undertaking conservation actions within their localities while improving the livelihoods of communities. Sixty representatives (18 women and 42 men) from 28 SSGs attended the workshop. The 4-day engagement saw the SSGs share their experiences in forest and landscape restoration, site monitoring, locally-led advocacy, participation in policy and legislation formulation and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) processes, promotion of green value chain and climate-smart production, leadership and governance, resource mobilization, communication and marketing.

The 28 SSGs represented at the workshop made presentations about their 2023 achievements and challenges. The SSGs also used the workshop to set conservation targets for their sites for the year 2024.

 By Milka Musyoka 

In the heart of the Tana River Delta lie lush expanses of terrestrial and mangrove forests. These forests are treasure troves of biodiversity and are a source of sustenance for the local communities. Over the years, these vital landscapes have undergone massive degradation, resulting in habitat and biodiversity loss. In response to the forest degradation threat, communities in Mpozi, Chara, Kilelengwani and Kipini in the Delta are embracing participatory forest management (PFM). The PFM entails the legal transfer of forest resources (use rights) from the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to community forest associations (CFAs). This transfer is enabled by, and dependent upon a negotiated and documented Forest Management Agreement (FMA).

The PFM process is not just a bureaucratic procedure but a collaborative effort that places the destiny of the forests in the hands of those who call it home. Community members actively involved in this transformative process have witnessed firsthand the positive impact it has on their well-being.

“The journey began with a series of community consultations and workshops where the diverse voices of the forest-adjacent residents were heard. This inclusive approach ensured that the PFM process truly reflects the aspirations and concerns of our community,” says Said Nyara, the chairperson of Mpozi CFA.

Through lively discussions and shared insights, the communities collectively identified the unique ecological features of their forests, acknowledged the resources they offer, and resolved to address the challenges they face, adds Nyara.

Nature Kenya, in collaboration with Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and Kenya Forest Research Institute (KEFRI), organised training workshops for the communities to equip them with the requisite knowledge and skills for effective forest management.

“These training sessions have empowered us with the necessary skills to manage and conserve our forests. From gaining insights into sustainable harvesting practices to developing the ability to identify signs of ecosystem distress, my community is steadily growing more proficient in its role as guardians of Ozi forest,” says Nyara.

In October 2023, Mpozi, Chara, Kilelengawani and Kipini CFAs signed forest management agreements with KFS. The signing event took place in Chara and marked a transformative move toward locally-led initiatives for sustainable forest conservation and management. This shift is crucial for mitigating climate change impacts on local communities. It also holds the potential to improve living standards through the sustainable use of forest resources such as firewood. The PFM process extends beyond environmental concerns, signalling a devolved approach that empowers local communities to plan, seek financing and implement sustainable development livelihood options.

“Signing these agreements is a strong affirmation of our dedication to conserving forests in recognition of the fact that their health is inseparable from the well-being of our communities,” says Nyara.

The four CFAs have also developed PFM plans to guide their engagements. As an ongoing process, the PFM plans are envisaged to adapt and respond to the changing community and forest needs. Through continued collaboration, monitoring, and adaptation, the process will contribute to the resilience and vitality of the forest.

Nature Kenya supported the development of the PFM plans by helping to mediate potential internal conflicts that could have hindered their implementation. The collaborative effort between the communities, county and national government agencies, and conservation organizations is a testament to the positive outcomes that can emerge when stakeholders unite for a common cause. The journey towards sustainable forest management in the Tana River Delta is a beacon of hope, demonstrating the potential for harmony between human development and environmental preservation.

By David Odhiambo 

Through the Jaza Miti presidential campaign, Kenya plans to plant more than 15 billion trees by 2032. The initiative encourages citizens to actively participate in tree growing to meet the 15 billion trees target. This ambitious bid is also an effort to restore Kenya’s degraded forests and increase tree cover from 8.83 per cent to above 10 per cent by 2032 to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Following the declaration of 13th November 2023 as a National Tree Planting Day, President William Ruto was at the Kiu catchment area in Makindu, Makueni County, where the Chyulu Site Support Group and other organizations hosted the national tree growing event. More than 100,000 tree seedlings of different species were planted.

Community members from 26 Site Support Groups (SSGs) for the the following Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) collaborated with relevant County Governments and national government agencies to plant over 155,344 trees to mark the day: Mutitu Hill forest, Lake Elmenteita, South Nandi Forest, Mida Creek, Dunga Swamp, Tana River Delta, North Nandi Forest, Ruma National Park, Sabaki River Estuary, Kakamega Forest, Lake Ol’ Bolossat, Lake Bogoria, Dakatcha Woodland, Mukurwe-ini valley, Kikuyu Escarpment, Kinangop Plateau, Busia grasslands, Mumoni Hill forest, Mt. Kenya Forest, Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, Yala Swamp and Taita Hills forests.

While celebrating the achievement of the National Tree Planting Day, we need to remember that protecting existing forests is the most important for biodiversity, the climate and our future.

By Gilbay Obunga

Communities in rural areas mostly rely on natural resources for their daily needs. Over-reliance on natural resources such as wood for fuel has led to the destruction of habitats such as forests. Women, who often have to spend much of their time and energy looking for firewood and water, are the most affected by forest degradation. As such, their direct interaction with forests for firewood, fodder and other products has offered them the necessary knowledge and skills to wisely utilize these resources to meet their basic needs.

In Taita Hills, women have organized themselves into groups to conserve and manage the relic Taita Hills cloud forests. One such group is the Iyale Angamiza Jangwa Seedling Group. This group was founded in 2009 to mobilize women to support the conservation and management of Iyale, Wesu, and Mbili forest fragments. Currently, the group has 16 members engaged in growing indigenous trees, among other activities.

“We started restoring forests because our indigenous trees were disappearing after being replaced by exotic ones, which affected our water supply. This is why we came together as women and started planting indigenous trees that are our heritage and make our environment better,” says Honorina Wache, the group’s secretary.

Through support from the Darwin Initiative, the group has restored 16.1 ha by planting 20,068 assorted indigenous tree species (sourced from their tree nursery) in the degraded and fire-damaged areas of the Iyale forest. To ensure high survival rates of the planted seedlings, the group undertakes spot weeding and replanting at restoration sites.

“By conserving forests in Taita we are also conserving our threatened birds like the Taita Apalis and Taita Thrush,” she adds. The Taita Apalis and Taita Thrush are only found in Taita Hills forests.

The group is also promoting beekeeping to empower its members to support nature conservation. On this front, the group has received 60 Langstroth beehives and bee suits purchased by Nature Kenya with funding from the Darwin Initiative and People Partner with Nature projects. The hives have been distributed to members across the Taita landscape.

“When we conserve our forests, we get clean air, good rains, pasture and bees also get food. Bees give us honey and other products,” says Honorina.

Members of the group have received training in apiculture and value addition to make the most out of beekeeping. In addition to producing honey, the group makes a beeswax-based body cream called Kilambo Soft. Kilambo is a Taita word meaning ‘something’. This locally-produced body cream softens and moisturizes skin and is also used to treat athlete’s foot and skin rashes. Honorina attended the 2023 Nairobi International Trade Fair, where she marketed Kilambo Soft and other wax products from Taita Hills. Her appearance at the trade fair helped to open up new markets for the body cream that was an attraction at the Nature Kenya stand.