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Revitalizing the SW Mau Ecosystem with Support from the Darwin Initiative

The South West Mau ecosystem, one of Kenya’s largest water towers, is undergoing extensive rehabilitation efforts to restore its forests and empower local communities. With support from the Darwin Initiative, Rhino Ark has been working tirelessly to ensure the ecosystem’s long-term conservation. Here’s an overview of the achievements from April to August 2024 and what lies ahead.

1. Rebuilding & Strengthening the Community Forest Association (CFA)
Community involvement is at the heart of the South West Mau conservation project. The South West Mau CFA was revitalized after 12 years of inactivity, with key milestones including community sensitization meetings, elections, and the signing of the Participatory Forest Management Plan (PFMP) and Forest Management Agreement (FMA) in August 2023.

Since then, member recruitment has continued, with the CFA working towards formalizing membership and issuing identity cards. By December 2024, the goal is to ensure more robust participation from local communities in forest management activities.

2. Establishing a Community Tree Nursery
A major component of forest restoration is the establishment of a community tree nursery. Between June and July 2023, the nursery was set up, and by August 2024, it had raised 31,000 tree seedlings of indigenous species like Cussonia holstii, Dombeya torrida, and Croton megalocarpus.

The nursery aims to expand its capacity to 50,000 seedlings by the end of 2024. These seedlings will play a key role in reforesting degraded areas and improving the ecological health of the South West Mau.

3. Commercial Honey Project
As part of efforts to support sustainable livelihoods, a commercial honey project was launched in December 2023. Following the selection of bee farmers, beekeeping training sessions were held in 2024, including an exchange visit to the Kapkuikui Natural Honey Cooperative in Baringo. The formation of a beekeeping cooperative is now underway, with the registration process expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

This project not only provides income for community members but also promotes forest conservation through sustainable land-use practices.

4. Forest Restoration at Korabariet
Forest restoration in the South West Mau continues with the planting of 33,000 tree seedlings on a 30-hectare site. Ongoing maintenance activities, including weeding, bush clearing, and fence reinforcement, are ensuring the success of this restoration project, with community scouts hired to guard the site.

5. Launching a Commercial Honey Project
The construction of outposts at Korabariet and Bosta strengthens forest protection efforts. These facilities were handed over to local authorities in early 2023. In addition, eight community scouts were recruited into the JSU, undergoing paramilitary training to help combat illegal activities like logging, charcoal production, and livestock grazing within the forest. Regular patrols are conducted in collaboration with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), with 613 cattle, 203 sheep, and 20 donkeys removed from the forest since patrols began. Over 31 charcoal kilns and 13 logging structures have also been destroyed.

    Looking Ahead

    The South West Mau project is making significant strides in both forest restoration and community empowerment. By the end of 2024, the expanded tree nursery, the newly formed beekeeping cooperative, and strengthened forest patrols will help safeguard the ecosystem and improve livelihoods for local communities.

    The Darwin Initiative’s support continues to be instrumental in these achievements, ensuring that the South West Mau remains a thriving, resilient ecosystem for generations to come.

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