Laikipia Wildlife Forum, P.O. Box 764, Nanyuki, Kenya .. Telephone / fax: (254) 020 2166626 .. Mobile: 0726 500260 .. Email: info@laikipia.org
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To all Members, Friends and Supporters of the Laikipia Wildlife Forum
LWF is pleased to report that the Tourism Trust Fund supported 3-year Tourism Development Plan for Laikipia has been successfully completed. LWF is working closely with Dr Chris Thouless to develop a 5-year tourism strategy for Laikipia. Some exciting tourism marketing initiatives are in the pipeline, having received support through the LWF’s Royal Netherlands Embassy grant.
LWF is working with Intrepid Data Systems to upgrade the website – www.laikipia.org. The FORREMS supported documentation library in the LWF office will be listed on the website with an advanced search function.
Anthony (LWF Executive Director), Josephat (LWF Community Conservation Programme Manager), Martin and Nteere (CLOs Uaso Narok and Central Units) were part of the first official site visit of the West Laikipia fence with the head of fencing at KWS Mr Odhiambo and the Senior Warden for Laikipia Mr Too. The fence configuration in some places is being altered to manage pressure from elephants. The first phase of the fence is now over 50% complete (50km). The wildlife drive removing elephant from community areas is due to take place in March.
Mosiany (CLO Uaso Nyiro unit) continues to provide logistical assistance to the Ewaso Water project team with their Grevy’s zebra study.
News from Loisaba - 12 wild dog pups have been born on Loisaba Wilderness.
The LWF is commissioning a Mike Thomas of Rural Focus and his team to develop a long-term strategy for the LWF to guide the conservation and sustainable use of water resources in the ecosystem. This work will focus on developing and supporting Water Resources User Associations.
Anthony (LWF Executive Director) attended the final meeting of task forces for the first phase of drafting a National Environment Policy. LWF was a member of the Sustainable Use of Natural Resources Task force. The next phase is a consultative process through public meetings around the country.
The LWF is looking at the legality and legitimacy of fees and levies imposed by County Council on people in Laikipia who undertake conservation work. The LWF is developing a position on behalf of its members to lobby County Council not to tax conservation work.
LWF facilitated a 3-day study tour for 22 members of Il Motiok community to Sarara Camp in Namunyak and Tassia Lodge in Lekerruki group ranch to enhance their understanding of agreements between communities and private partners.
Lekerruki group ranch entered into a lease agreement with Northern Frontiers last May, and members, for the first time since the development of Tassia Lodge man years ago, have received dividends.
In an effort to facilitate the implementation of Participatory Forest Management (PFM) practices, LWF mobilised the attendance of 15 participants from 5 Rumuruti community forest associations to attend a capacity building workshop, conducted by Nareda Consultants.
Members of newly formed Gathiuru Community Forest Association (CFA), (catchment area of Burguret and Rongai rivers) benefited from a 2-day workshop facilitated by Nteere (Central unit CLO), to help understand the Kenya Forest Service requirements to guide PFM practises.
Joseph Mosiany (Uaso Nyiro CLO) visited Oloruko conservation area on Makurian group ranch where Holistic Management rangeland rehabilitation techniques are being tested, with the view to introduce these to group ranch members of Munishoi, Musul and Il Polei.
New Director of Uaso Nyiro unit, John Elias was accompanied by Joseph Mosiany to Musul, Munishoi, Morupusi and Il Motiok group ranches last month to better understand the various community conservation work ongoing, and explore ways to strengthen efforts.
With some of Laikipia’s rivers running low, Nteere attended meetings with members of Rongai and Mutara River Water User Associations to discuss options for introducing a rationing programme.
To support Makurian Group Ranch in the development of Oreteti Environment Restoration and Rangeland Rehabilitation Programme and tourism development initiative, a 4-day training for 20 members on project implementation was conducted in Dol Dol, together with a field visit to community lodges in Lekerruki and Il N’gwesi, to give an insight into different partnership agreement models.
Now 3 years into the ILMAMUSI 5 year strategic plan, LWF supported a second workshop for the Forest Association members, to review their achievements and challenges, and put in place mechanisms to help them move forward.
With USAID FORREMS support, LWF identified 16 community members from Ngare Ndare Forest, Mukogodo and Naibunga group ranches to receive training in guide and hospitality management. The 4-day training held in Mukogodo Forest was conducted by experienced safari guide Peter Kiyaa.
A report on the Laikipia bio-enterprise study carried out in Laikipia by Susie Wren Organic & Natural Product Advisor together with Anne Powys has been received and will be disseminated together with the Aloe study report. Both explore the commercial potential for indigenous herbs, trees and plants.
Martin Kahindi (Uaso Narok unit CLO) joined patrons from 11 school environmental clubs in Rumuruti to discuss the challenges of conservation activities, and the development of tree nurseries. The CLO had the opportunity to share information on LWF’s Environmental Education Programme (EEP).
In January, Ephantus Mugo the LWF Environmental Education Officer guided 8 primary schools and 1 secondary school for education tours to Ol Pejeta Conservancy. A total of 261 school children and 18 teachers benefited.
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