DSWT NEWSLETTER 2012 General Projects Overview
Aruba windmill and borehole
These activities were put in action in anticipation of the rains, where existing watering points were deepened and reinforced so that more water could be held for longer, which is so heavily relied upon by huge numbers of wildlife, and especially Tsavo’s vulnerable elephant populations. Luckily the rains soon arrived, despite only in small amounts, but the dams the Trust had been providing funding for were in an area where substantial rain had fallen, and literally overnight these enlarged dams successfully captured significant volumes of water, much to the delight of the wild elephant herds and all wildlife who have since been bathing and hydrating themselves daily. In close collaboration with the Kenya Wildlife Service, in 2013 the DSWT will be looking for long term water solutions throughout the region. With support from the DSWT, experts within the field will be engaged to assist in mapping a way forward in an effort to ease the recurrent water issues plaguing the greater Tsavo Conservation Area, recognising that the challenge of water is one of the most pressing underlying problems facing Tsavo’s future, whilst also being a complex issue requiring carefully thought-out solutions.
Fencelines and Infrastructure
The Kibwezi Forest project has seen significant funds invested into electrically fenced borders this year and with the most recent extension the un-shortable fence now runs for 47km, which has been implemented in order to protect the neighbouring communities and their livelihoods, whilst actively safeguarding roaming wild animals from humanwildlife conflict. Over the years the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust has constructed 63km along the Tsavo East National Park northern boundary as well as a 15km fenceline along the south-eastern boundary of the Nairobi National Park. With an ever-increasing human population these protected borders are an incredibly important solution to mounting human-wildlife conflict. These fences are a long term commitment for the DSWT, as they need constant monitoring and maintenance, which entails a significant and on-going financial commitment, as a fence is only as effective as its maintenance. Local community members are employed by the Trust in order to effectively maintain these fencelines, which not only offers much needed employment but creates both cooperation and goodwill with the communities bordering the protected areas.
Kibwezi forest electric fence
The Kibwezi Forest fenceline
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