Rhino Ark, together with Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Forest Service, and the local administration hold regular meetings and trainings in the locations bordering ecosystems we operate in including the Mt. Kenya, Aberdares, Mau Eburu, South Western Mau and now Kakamega Forests. The meetings aim to sensitize the communities on the building and maintenance of the fence, the management of the gates and the need to protect the forest.
Beginning 2017, Rhino Ark is bringing conservation to the next generation through the youths. Engaging the youth is a critical pillar of the conservation process, as youth make up the largest demographic in the community. This is particularly important in the vulnerable South Western Mau Forest Ecosystem, which forms the upper catchment of the Sondu Miriu River basin and, in part, the Mara River. It has been observed that the participation rates of youth in conservation activity have been relatively low, an issue that requires attention.
Conducting regular meetings provides the youth with important context on the status of conservation in the area and how they can fully participate in conservation activities. The highly productive forums prove to be an eye-opener for the youths. From plenary discussions, the participants resolved to have the youths conduct regular follow-ups on grass-root outreach meetings, engaging with local religious leaders.