The Kasigau corridor project continues to expand healthcare and education spending, with the implementation of 3 novel health education pilot projects, the distribution of covid supplies as well as building, renovating and equipping schools within the project zone. A new cohort of enthusiastic rangers has been recruited and trained alongside a new Senior Research Scientist, Dr Geoffrey Mwangi Wambugu, who has joined the team. A widespread drought has challenged food security, but the communities remain resilient in their drive to continue the greenhouse enterprise.
The Chyulu Hills REDD+ benefits have been shared across the community, allowing for the expansion of a beekeeping enterprise, the construction of a new ranger station, the distribution of hundreds of new bursaries and the establishment of a girl’s healthcare education program. Whilst the project zone has been challenged by an increasing threat of forest fires, new partnerships with adjacent NGOs has resulted in an integrated fire management and response plan. The pandemic continues to limit community engagement and has resulted in an uptick in human-wildlife conflicts.
argeted infrastructure projects have been initiated across Chi Phat, Sovanna Baitong, Bak Angrut, O’Som and Chomna villages, including the provision of new roads, bridges, water wells, schools and a medical centre. Additional funding has been allocated to support higher education opportunities, establish a tiger recovery centre and address the snaring crisis through the expansion of the ranger and Community Anti-Poaching Unit programs.
The community-run fish pond initiative is continuing to expand through the project area as a more sustainable option to wild-caught fish, with new succes s in breeding the African sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Women are leading agricultural intensification in th e project zone through Community Based Organisations (OBs), securing food and alternative income through the establishment of a new cassava species. Construction continues on new educational, water and healthcare facilities, with a new clinic in Ibali set to open in early 2022.
IBIS Rice is a Wildlife Conservation Society initiative unique to the Northern Plains, successfully connecting conservation outcomes with economic incentives. Launched in 2010, it provides communities motivation to engage in conservation, offering 1,500 wildlife-friendly farmers a premium for organic jasmine rice.
COOPBAM is a certified fair trade and organic coffee cooperative with more than 500 members who have made a commitment to sustainably use natural resources within the Alto Mayo Protected Forest, as well as a commitment to net zero deforestation. Members of COOPBAM operate in the northern part of the project area, which provides vital fresh water to downstream communities and is home to many threatened and endemic plant and animal species.
The Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust (MWCT) employs a dedicated team of 18 Maasai warriors (Moran), who day in and day out monitor GPS-collared lions and other wildlife species in the Chyulu Hills. Data collected is analyzed and used to gauge various aspects of different wildlife species like their eating habits and the prey selection of lions. The monitoring is also a very significant measure to mitigating human-wildlife conflict within the local Maasai communities.
Wildlife Alliance has been active across the Cardamom Rainforest Landscape since 2001, working with local governments and communities both prior to and since the inception of the Southern Cardamom REDD+ Project in 2015. The foundation of the project’s conservation work is its unique boots-on-the-ground enforcement, which is critical for effective protected area management in this extremely threatened landscape.
The Kasigau Corridor REDD+ Project has multiple avenues of engagement with women’s groups throughout the project area. One of the most impactful and widespread initiatives is the Hadithi Crafts Support Community Based Organization (CBO), an umbrella organization that represents 61 women’s groups which make traditional handicrafts, providing economic alternatives for sustainable livelihoods to 1,773 women living in the Kasigau Corridor REDD+ project area.