Lush green indigenous forest
One of the waterfalls within Ngarendare forest
Ngare Ndare Forest Trust has been in existence since 1997 when it operated as Ngare Ndare forest working group but was officially registered in 2004. It brings together 6 community-based organizations adjacent to the forest as well as large-scale farms and ranches bordering the forest. Its activities are supported in the approved management plan (2008 – 2013). Other activities within the management plan are pasture management, research and monitoring and education and environmental awareness programmes.
How big is NNF?
Brief history of NNFT
when was it set up and why
Ngarendare Forest Trust is 5554Ha in size. It is all surrounded by a power fence which is a huge investment to the surrounding communities as far as their security is concerned.
A board of trustees composed of 6 community representatives, large-scale farms/ranches and exofficio members, who are District forest officer, KWS warden, and the area Chief, manage the organization (NNFT).
Aerial view of a section of the forest
In total the six CBOs are composed more than 2000 households all of whom directly depend on the forest for the above products. The Forest is home to a number of springs which all feed the Ngarendare River which then drains into Ewaso Ngiro River. Currently there are two River user Associations (Ngare Ndare and Ngare Niting WRUAs) which depend directly on the forest for their water. The forest is a critical corridor for Elephants to Mt. Kenya Forest.
Diversity of Trees & Animals
Importance to the Surrounding Areas
In its structure the CBOs are composed of seven user groups. These are firewood collectors, water users, grazers, herbal medicine collectors, beekeepers, youth and tree nurseries groups.
Ngarendare Forest is home to a variety of rare flora and fauna. Olea Africana is the dominant tree species followed by Juniperus procera. Columbus monkies, baboons a variety of rare birds, buffalos, wilddogs, hyenas, etc are the most common animals apart from Elephants.
Abundant Flora & Fauna
Ngarendare Forest Reserve and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy have been recognised as the extention of Mt. Kenya World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Home to the most endangered indigenous tree spieces
Eco-Sites The Canopy Walkway
Other Attractions • Forest Camping • Forest Walking • Rock Climbing • Game Drives • Bird Watching • Zipline • Canyoning • Waterfalls
The Blue Pools
Benefits to the Community
What does NNFT do for the local community • • • •
Empowerment of the community to protect the environment Initiates development programmes like roads repair, schools constructions Supports education programme and gives bursaries to students Security programmes and offers rapid response in cases of emergencies. etc
Where does the water in NNF come from?
The water within Ngarendare forest emanates from a number of springs within the forest. Some is transferred in bulk pipelines to the surrounding communities.
NNFT CBOs embracebiogas technology to save the forest
Friends of Ngarendare Forest
How can you join Friends of NNF? One can join to be friends of Ngare Ndare by registering through the Ngarendare office by Contacting: Manager 0722 886 456: Dominic Maringa Chairman 0722 501 241: Charlie Wheeler Accounts 0700 412 532 Friends of Ngare Ndare forest pay annual subscription of Ksh. 10,000 Founder Members of Ngare Ndare pay annual subscription of Ksh. 15,000
Ngarendare Forest Trust P.O. Box 1704 - 60200, Meru E-mail:info@ngarendare.org www.facebook.com/ngarendare
Cheques are payable to ‘Ngare Ndare Forest Trust’
www.ngarendare.org Fred Kimathi/kim@slopesmedia.com