NEWSLETTER
Forest Yetu Bi-annual Newsletter
This project is supported by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMU).
Unless We Embrace Them, We Will Never Save Them!
‘Forest Yetu’ loosely translated - ‘Our Forest’, are two sheng (Swahili-English slang) words that not only underpin our collective responsibility, in forest conservation, but the power of togetherness for the benefit of nature and people.
Our inaugural bi-annual newsletter ‘Forest Yetu’ takes you deep into the heart of what were once Kenya’s magnificent forest blocks, in Kwale county, but now remain bare or threatened by human activities. The stories of individuals and communities who have stood up and spoke up for trees when chainsaws ‘silenced’ them, believed in the value of trees when no one else around them did, or adopted sustainable practices as a move to save forests, reaffirms that, averting climate change needs a committed and determined movement. Without partnerships this is not possible Our approach at World Wide Fund for Nature - Kenya (WWF-Kenya) is anchored on partnerships through Participatory Forest Management approaches. We are working with forest adjacent communities, governments and other stakeholders to conserve and rehabilitate forests while at the same time maximising benefits for all. Under WWF-Kenya’s Public-Private-People Partnerships project, to save coastal Kenya forests, at least 30,000 hectares of terrestrial forests and mangrove ecosystems in Kwale County will be restored and managed effectively. More than 30,000 indigenous tree seedlings have been planted so far and community members are reaping the benefits of conservation. The buck indeed stops with us, we are the custodians and the generation which will reverse forest loss. If I don’t plant and grow a tree, who will? Together for Forests Dr. Judith Nyunja, Manager, WWF-Kenya Coastal Kenya Programme
Reforestation Project Launched in Kwale In a move to avert the gravest consequences of climate change and to #KeepKenyaBreathing, an ambitious forest restoration and environmental standards project was launched in Kwale, Kenya in January 24th, 2019. Thanks to the World Wide Fund for Nature - Germany (WWF-Germany), World Wide Fund for Nature-Kenya (WWF-Kenya) and partners including Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KEMFRI), National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Forests are still the best #carboncapture technology we have available. #ForestsMatter for #ClimateAction Kwale County Government. The project is supported by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMU), Germany.
Reaping the Fruits of Forest Conservation “I love to protect the environment, this is my motivation. Conservation pays, but it takes patience hard work and commitment~ ” Samuel Benzi Karisa - founding member of Gogoni Forest Conservation Group “Conservation pays, but it takes patience, hard work and commitment. I am a member of Gogoni Forest Group. We started off in 1997. We were a total of 52 members. Two decades later, only seven remain. Our individual resolve to protect our environment and bequeath the next generation a healthy environment was strengthened every day. There is no doubt that most of our members abandoned the forest conservation group simply because their expectations of a quicksell of tree seedlings were never met. They grew impatient and opted out.”
Our Journey to Success “Initially we concentrated on growing exotic tree species like casuarina, neem and eucalyptus. We slowly realised breaking even was an uphill task. We were selling a mature exotic species seedling at a paltry amount of between 3-5 shillings. Lack of demand for the tree species compounded our problems. Our turning point was in mid-2000, an organisation donated seedlings bags, tents and implements. We jointly made a decision to focus on indigenous tree species,whose ecosystem services were much better, with the hope that we could earn more. Naturally indigenous tree species take much longer in the nurseries. They also have a low survival rate and require intense maintenance. This was yet another test to the group which triggered another exodus. Additionally, finding a market for our new products was tough but, the price was between 200-300 shillings which is 100 times the price of exotic species seedlings.”
The Wind Fall “The tide finally turned in our favor after the start of the forest restoration programme within Kwale county by WWF-Kenya supported by IKI-BMU in early 2019. Our patience finally paid off. Our group joyfully received a request to supply 3,500 indigenous tree seedlings towards the restoration of Gogoni Forest Block. This I must say was life-changing. The timing was perfect. We had all the mature seedlings the project had requested from us. We have finally started to reap the fruits of our conservation work. We banked a huge chunk of the money received in order to plan adequately on how best to expand our project. The balance was divided equally among all the members. The seven members are now empowered economically.”
My Motivation “I love to protect the environment. Our livelihoods depend on forests. Trees prevent soil erosion. They attract rainfall and clearly from our experience have a direct economic value. As part of giving back to the mother earth I am applying the knowledge I have gathered over time in forest conservation to transform my community and my life. I would like to encourage all communities and individuals to be actively engaged in tree planting activities. It is in no doubt painstaking but with patience the fruits are sweet.” Samuel Benzi Karisa - Secretary, Gogoni Forest Conservation Group Samuel Benzi Karisa is a founding member and the current secretary of Gogoni Forest Conservation Group - one of the key beneficiaries of WWF-Kenya’s Public-Private-People Partnerships Project to save Coastal Kenya Forests.
Bringing Back the Bees and the trees “As a young man growing up next to the forest I loved to accompany my dad to the forest where he kept a number of traditional log beehives. It was fun. I always looked forward to the nature walk while surrounded by the pristine majestic trees. Back then honey was part of dowry payment. We had such a respectful and mutually beneficial relationship with the Marenje Community Forest in Kwale. When I retired from civil service, almost 15 years ago, I embarked on a journey. I decided to carry my late father’s legacy and began to transform my community and I through beekeeping. While many people only appreciate bees for the honey they give freely, there is a crucial thing we forget, bees are pollinators and very critical organisms in our lives. But they depend heavily on forests and forested areas to pick up their nectar and thrive. Having a healthy forest is equivalent to having healthy bees and in return humans get food in plenty. With our forests gone then the bees will easily relocate. We, residents of Marenje, will be the biggest losers. Through the training and learning by WWF-Kenya we have endeavored to integrate beekeeping business with forest conservation. The portion of my piece of land where I have set aside for beekeeping is forested. Through mentorship and training I implore my son and community members to embrace conservation agriculture. Beekeeping is a technical craft with limited labour while its returns are equally sweet. I have also established woodlots within my farm in order not to interfere with the integrity of our community forest. This ensures that I have wood fuel throughout the year and also get to sell the surplus. I am currently on a mission to encourage my community to constantly plant trees, especially during the rainy season, not just in the nearby forests, but also on their farms . Our forests are no longer a source of firewood but rather natural resources for rendering ecosystem services.” Simeon Mwanyumba - beekeeper Simeon Mwanyumba is a beekeeper living next to Marenje Community Forest. He stays on guard to protect the forest because in his own words ‘he has tasted the sweet benefits of conservation’. Simeon is a member of Msambweni Beekeepers Association. The association partnered with WWF-Kenya in the implementation of the Public-Private-People Partnerships Project to save Coastal Kenya Forests.
The Woman Who Never Gave up on Gogoni Forest “Twice every week I visit our tree nursery at Gogoni without fail. I have been doing this for 22 years now. I am a member of the Gogoni Forest Conservation group. When I joined the group during its inception in 1997, I did not have any experience in tree nursery establishment and care, the support and training that I have gained over time is invaluable. I can now comfortably nature a seed to its maturity. I am a widow and unemployed. Putting food on the table and educating my children is tough. Apart from the odd jobs I take up, in addition to subsistence farming, I have always banked on the success of our forest conservation group. At the beginning of the project, just like my other colleagues, I had thought of quitting the group. There was no substantial sale of the tree seedlings up until we switched gears to indigenous seedlings. Our fortunes are however slowly and steadily changing.
There is no doubt about the value of trees. Trees provide us with edible healthy fruits. In addition they clean the air we breathe and also prevent soil erosion. I shall endeavor to plant and grow as many trees as I can as well as spread the message of tree growing to my children and everyone.” Mbuche Martin Nyamawi - Founding member of Gogoni Forest Conservation Group Our Biggest breakthrough came in 2019, for the first time in the history of our forest group, we were able to sell more than 3,000 tree seedlings at one go. Through our leadership we agreed to save a substantial amount and split the balance amongst ourselves. The savings will help us expand our tree nursery business. I used part of the money I received to pay school fees for my children. I am happy this is happening now because one of my sons will start his higher education in the year 2020. I shall endeavor to plant and grow as many trees as I can as well as spread the message of tree growing to my children and everyone.” Mbuche Martin Nyamawi - Founding member of Gogoni Forest Conservation Group Mbuche Martin Nyamawe is a founding member of Gogoni Forest Conservation Group - one of the key beneficiaries of WWF-Kenya’s Public-Private-People Partnerships Project to save Coastal Kenya Forests.
3,500 Tree Seedlings Planted in Gogoni Forest
In the month of May, we took our national tree planting campaign - Keep Kenya Breathing to Kwale County. More than 3,500 seedlings were planted along the determined forest boundary and within the Gogoni Forest Block. Children, youth, women and men took part in the tree planting exercise on May 16th 2019 with the goal of achieving the 40,000 tree seedlings in five key forest blocks in the county: Gogoni, Dzombo, Gonja, Marenje, Mrima and Shimba Hills. A robust monitoring plan is in place to ensure the survival and growth of the seedlings and the success of the ambitious project supported by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German Environment Ministry (BMU). Keep Kenya Breathing is a WWF-Kenya national campaign that provides an open platform and invitation to all stakeholders to take positive action in restoring Kenya’s 10% forest cover by 2030.
When they were silenced using their Chainsaws, We Spoke Up for the Mangroves One of the key drivers of coastal forests degradation is the knowledge gap on forests ecosystem services benefits. Mangroves, for example, are important nesting grounds for fish- a key source of food. They also act as guards against typhoons. Terrestrial forests on the other handform are important sources and retainers of freshwater for communities while at the same time critical carbon sinks that mitigate against climate change. Uthman Saddique is determined to fill that gap, by creating awareness to secure a healthy and prosperous future, for communities in two villages in Kwale - Gazi and Makongeni . They are close to his heart. It is where he grew up. Saddique is a staunch community health volunteer, an avid reader and environmental activist. He has benefited from conservation capacity building initiatives organised by different environmental organizations like WWF-Kenya. He sits in the board of Mikoko Pamoja- a model carbon-offset project. He never misses an opportunity to have a conversation on conservation with his peers, women groups and during community engagements. How does he sustain these activities? One may ask. Thanks to the cash payment he receives through the Mikoko Pamoja project. Like any residents of Gazi and Makongeni he is a direct beneficiary of forest restoration and protection services.. What next for Saddique? promoting forest farming and establishment of tree nurseries to empower and enable community members sell tree seedlings and earn some money.” he says While WWF-Kenya’s Public-Private-People Partnerships to Save Coastal Kenya Forests Project, supported by the International Climate Initiative (IKI), is big on forests restoration, it is equally big on taking the local custodians of these community forests onto a journey of appreciating the value of conservation. Tapping into their own indigenous knowledge while leveraging on youth power.
‘’Mangrove trees cutters pitched camp, lived and executed their devastating mangrove clearance mission in Gazi and Makongeni villages. We would have watched in disbelief and shock as they mercilessly cleared the roots of the ocean, but we chose not to, instead we stood with the mangroves, we came together and became their voice. That’s how mikoko pamoja initiative was born. Today, not a single mangrove tree is being cut. This is a living example of the transformative power of knowledge imparted on community members. They were empowered and motivated. This enabled them to become the first line of defense of their resource, the mangrove forests’’ Uthman Saddique, Environmental Chanpion in Gazi Bay, Kwale County.
Going the Extra Mile Four University students from Technical University of Kenya have gone the extra mile to combat climate change. The Mazingira group members established a 3,300 tree seedlings nursery consisting of over 20 ingeneous tree species in a period of two months. Their aim is to contribute to the restoration of degraded forests in the coastal stretch and beyond. The Technical University of Mombasa Environment Brigade actively took part in the WWFKenya’s forest restoration project supported by the International Climate Initiative (IKI), in Kwale, where 7,000 seedlings have been planted. They volunteer their time to monitor the restored sections of the forest block.
‘’Two heads are often better than one, and ten better than two. Let us all go green, there is no planet B.’’ Eric Obuya, Student of Technical Univerity of Mombasa, Kwale Campus and WWF-Kenya Intern.
The ‘Charcoal Dust Man’ who is Saving Forests in Kwale While only 34% of households in rural Kenya depend on charcoal, the bio-energy resource is utilised in 82% of households in urban areas; fueling its production. Faced with a biting dry spell that triggered a major water crisis, the government of Kenya in March 2018 issued a three-month ban on logging and charcoal burning. This action was intended to restore sanity in a sector that for a long time remained highly unregulated and offered very little room for traders to wiggle. The impact of the wanton destruction of the country’s forests on water catchments and its contribution to climate change was slowly dawning upon the citizens. Many attempted illegal logging and charcoal burning but were apprehended by law enforcement agents.
“Human beings are the custodians of nature . All living things in the wild look up to us. We cannot let them down by destroying their habitats and ultimately ours.’’Matheka King’oo, Charcoal Producer, Vanga, Kwale County
But one man, saw an opportunity and snapped at it. Armed with the knowledge of how to use charcoal dust to make briquettes, thanks to an intervention by WWF-Kenya,Matheka King’oo engaged full gear on production. Today, Matheka understands that ‘’you do not have to fell a whole tree to produce charcoal. Charcoal can be produced not only from charcoal dust, but also by carbonizing organic waste and tree branches in a sustainable manner in order to save our coastal Kenya forests.’ Over time, Matheka says his customers have embraced the use of briquettes despite their earlier fear. As one of the key strategies in stemming destruction of coastal forests under Public-PrivatePeople Partnerships To Save Coastal Kenya Forests Project supported by the International Climate Initiative (IKI), the transition to sustainably sourced charcoal is slowly becoming a reality in Kwale County. Traders and consumers alike are beginning to appreciate the philosophy of sustainable consumption of natural resources and most specifically coastal forests in order to secure a healthy and safe environment for current and future generations. As of July 2019, more than 50 charcoal producers and traders had been trained on sustainable charcoal production and alternatives.
Fostering International Best Practices There is no doubt that nature not only sustains us but also powers industry and commerce. In recognition of this, WWFKenya in partnership with the National Environment Management Authority and the County Government of Kwale conducted training on understanding environmental and social standards and international best practices in large-scale development projects. The training came on the backdrop of the emerging large-scale economic development in Kwale and other parts of the county that have the potential of impacting negatively on natural resources such as forests if not undertaken sustainably. The training was also in response to the need to promote environmentally and socially responsible development. The participants, drawn from among others Base Titanium, Lafarge Kenya, Coast Calcium, Kwale International Sugar Company and a host of Civil Society Organizations engaged on international environmental and social standards for large-scale developments while sharing practical experiences and case studies on the application of these standards and practices.
RESPOND WWF Kenya ensures that large scale infrastructure development has minimum adverse environmental and social impacts
ENGAGE WWF Kenya engages in and influences global, regional, national and county policies and laws while leveraging strategic partnerships
FOREST YETU
SECURE WWF Kenya ensures that key freshwater, marine and forest ecosystems are secured and populations of flagship species in target places are stable or increasing.
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Why we are here. To stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature.
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