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WORD FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - MICHAEL GACHANJA SWARA 2013 -1

elcome to the first issue conflicts. Because of increased OUT SOON! of the 2013 Quarterly levels of poaching of rhino and Newsletter. This issue horns, we anticipate to be W involved in discussions and walks highlights some of the activities undertaken by East African Wild that will address this particular Life Society (EAWLS) with a special issue. Such a walk is being focus on the activities that promote organised by Elephants Neighbours the engagement of the youth – as Centre. This is highlighted in this future leaders – in conservation. We issue. are learning from our projects that compared to the past, natural resource 2013 is an election year in . conservation is not drawing a lot of This newsletter has highlighted interest among the youth. Yet, if these some of the work we did with resources were to be conserved for the the established County Natural future, this is the critical mass that we Resources Forums/Networks in need to engage. Nakuru, Samburu, Laikipia and Kwale Counties. These forums The current issue highlights the will constructively engage those Mazingira Quiz Challenge, the aspiring for political positions Satima Wildlife Clubs Award and within the devolved governments the Tusalimie Simba Conservation as part of the efforts being made walk as examples. The Mazingira by the project to influence political Quiz involves essay writing and leaders early into committing UPCOMING EVENTS exhibitions that showcase the best themselves to support sustainable Muthaiga Country Club environmental technologies across management of natural resources 17th April 2013 by Karl Ammann, in the four counties. Plans are colleges and universities. For colleges Topic: The Hanoi Connection film, and universities, the Satima Wildlife underway to hold forums with highlights issues in the expanding rhino Clubs Award targets the youth in essay them in February 2013 to advocate horn trade. In particular it looks at the competition and public speaking, while for inclusion into the campaign Vietnamese influence on the demand for in lower academic levels (primary manifestos and prioritization rhino horn, its impact on price escalation and secondary schools), competition of agenda articulating issues of and the consequences for Africa. is held on essays, photography and concern raised by Civil Society arts. The conservation walk is a new Organizations (CSOs) and Karen Country Club initiative by EAWLS of publicising networks. In the next issue of the 8th May 2013 by Juliet King current conservation issues of concern. newsletter, we will be providing you Topic: Hirola Last year, it was on human-wildlife with updates.

EAWLS NEWSLETTER JANUARY - MARCH 2013 1 Showdown ends in style at the Mazingira Quiz Challenge 2012

By Ben Arudo, University of

uiz competitions are always Ololua Forest on 17th November 2012 full of tension and excitement where 2,000 seedlings were planted Qas teams’ battle with each and adopted to allow the students to other’s wits to find out who is the best give back to mother nature. of them all; especially when trophies, cash prizes and an opportunity to Mazingira Quiz Challenge is an adopt trees are up for grabs. That was initiative by the Kenya Forests the scenario on the 16th November Working Group (KFWG) that targets 2012 in the Louis Leaky Auditorium institutions of higher learning both at the National Museums of Kenya colleges and universities in Kenya. LEFT: KenyattaUniversity takes the mazingira cup 2012. (NMK). Sixteen Universities battled The challenge tests the knowledge TOP RIGHT: Bellice Rabach of Kenya pipeline it out the during the Mazingira Quiz of students on issues of forestry, company planting a tree at Olulua forest. Challenge 2012. wetlands, wildlife and climate change MIDDLE RIGHT: David Kuria demonstrates to the winning university (KU) on proper tree while at the same time providing planting. The 2011 winners, University of a platform to learn about current BELOW RIGHT: Ololua Community Forest Nairobi, were unfortunate to be environmental global issues. Association members join in tree planting. edged out early in the competition by United States International University Categories that make up the challenge to the respective theme through (U.S.I.U); Masinde Muliro University include; photography, drawings or music. and Kenyatta University fought it out • The quiz challenge: students answer • Essay and Poetry in the final round which was too close questions on issues of wetlands, to call the winner outright. During the forests, wildlife and climate change. evening award ceremony jubilation Another category included in the The Kenya Forests Working filled the air when Kenyatta University different round of questions is Group (KFWG) gives special thanks to Kenya Pipeline (KU) was announced the winners of general knowledge. Company Limited (KPC), Tecno the 2012 Mazingira Quiz Challenge. • Mazingira innovation: this involves mobile, Kenya Commercial With this year’s theme being “Green exhibitions that showcase the Bank Foundation, Kenya Forest Economy”, Maseno University clinched best environmental technological Service, Safaricom Foundation, the award for the Best Innovative solutions as a way of promoting United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Idea category whilst Masinde Muliro innovations across universities and organizing committee and the University took the award for the Best colleges. communities at Ololua Forest for Essay. The winners crowned the event • Mazingira Art: awarded to artists their invaluable support. with a tree planting ceremony at the who can showcase art in relation

2 EAWLS NEWSLETTER JANUARY - MARCH 2013 past, many wildlife species have often ventured into human settlements TUSALIMIE SIMBA causing significant damage to property and life. In turn, revenge from irate CONSERVATION WALK humans is often fatal hence giving a blow to wildlife populations and By Ben Arudo, University of Nairobi ecosystem balance that may take decades to re-establish. This calls for solutions to be sought in order to conserve our national pride.

The walk! The residents of Tuala town who were uneasy about the idea during the pre-visits carried out in the month of July 2012 in preparation for this walk welcomed and joined the parade clad in green with hopes that this event marks the beginning of collaboration where human-wildlife conflict solutions can be sought.

Mr. Cheruiyot, a Senior Warden- stressed the importance of safeguarding the Nairobi National Park and its resources for the sake of our environment

and our economy while encouraging the youth to keep engaging in such environmental initiatives to enhance their understanding on the issues at hand as future leaders. He also lauded the Kenya Wildlife Conservation Forum (KWCF) for its efforts to initiate this cause with an important purpose and message to Kenyans.

“ !” Twende tukamsalimie simba East African Wild Life Society a Swahili phrase meaning let’s go TOP: The Chief Guest Mr. Ali Kaka-Regional (EAWLS) and KWCF intends to and greet the Lion inspired the Director Eastern and Southern Africa IUCN flags-off the walk assisted by Ms. Anne Kahihia hold such walks annually, seeking to solidarity of over 500 people including - Assistant Director Kenya Wildlife Service address the increasing cases of human- students from various institutions, (KWS). wildlife conflict in the country as well representatives of government and BELOW LEFT: Students from Olosirikon Primary School on the forefront holding up a as provide an independent and rational Non-Governmental organizations, banner, setting the pace for the crowd in tow. platform for constructive dialogue the private sector including BELOW RIGHT: Participants descending the with regard to wildlife conservation. communication and hospitality Mbagathi River Escarpment; the final stretch towards the end of the walk. providers, residents living near the Special thanks go to Safaricom, St Nairobi National Park in Olosirikon John’s Ambulance, Hilton Hotel, area, the media, and individuals African Nazarene University, the all gathered at the Africa Nazarene Local Administration- Ongata Rongai, University car park in Rongai on 29th Kenya Wildlife Service, distinguished September 2012, where they began living near wildlife inhabited areas on guests, the organizing committee the 15km walk on marked sections the importance of wildlife and how for their invaluable support and all of the Athi-Kapiti Corridor, Kitengela to live in harmony with wild animals. the participants who persevered the dubbed “Tusalimie Simba” conservation The walk came at a time when cases scorching sun while enjoying the walk. of human wildlife conflict in the areas gentle slopes and the scenic view right surrounding the Athi-Kapiti Corridor, in the heart of Nairobi City. The purpose of the walk was to Kitengela were on the rise with signs sensitize people, particularly those of decline apparently distant. In the

EAWLS NEWSLETTER JANUARY - MARCH 2013 3 An Unforgettable Safari Experience By Washington Wachira, Kenyatta University

he winners of the Satima wildlife clubs competition T2012 thought that it was barely a win. However, they were yet to be amazed by what was awaiting them in the awards basket. The array of awards courtesy of the East African Wild Life Society (EAWLS) and the Wildlife Clubs of Kenya (WCK) was what graced the awarding ceremony held on 10th December 2012. Preceded by warm speeches and encouraging words from the various guests of the day, the awards reminded the winners the beauty of hard work. Little did they know that the promised safari was going to overshadow all that they had already seen. It all started when we boarded “Komba”; the famous Wildlife Clubs of Kenya (WCK) bus. TOP: The winners at the gate to the Lake Nakuru National Park. Joseph, the wheel-watcher of the BELOW: Flamingoes at Lake Oloidien in Naivasha. week, did not miss a single step in ensuring a smooth ride for all. probably the sweetest some of us had What we saw for the five days was experienced in our entire lives. Day one began with a trans-rift journey in 1883. The view of the cascading the last of the sweet meals by Mr. from Nairobi to Nakuru, the capital of white waters and the curio shops Wambua our talented cook before the Rift Valley Province. We headed took away the day. We had to rush leaving the Avian Conservation for the bird watchers paradise; back to Nakuru for a fantastic game Centre, the home to Bwana Paul our commonly known as Lake Nakuru drive which saw us understand the wonderful safari guide. National Park. This was going to reason behind it being categorized as Sadly, we had to check on our be our home for much of the safari a premium park. nights. The WCK camp in the park was surely home away from home. Day four was the climax of all the Kombamothers to after Nairobi five wheredays away we bid from our fun. We headed for the Ol Pejeta friendshome. We goodbye. took the final ride of Mr. The following day saw us cruise Conservancy in Laikipia where we through the arid lands of Baringo saw the only chimpanzee sanctuary I thank all the organizers of the and Bogoria ramsar sites. Although in the country. It was amazing to get Satima Awards competition; the younger ramsar sites than Nakuru, up close and personal with Baraka, East African Wild Life Society and the lakes marveled all who were the blind black rhino. We then moved the Wildlife Clubs of Kenya for on board. From the islands of Lake to Wajee Nature Park in Mukurweini that marvelous opportunity to Baringo to the hot springs and where we experienced the real participate in a competition that has fumaroles of Lake Bogoria and the impact of altitude for the coldest conservation at heart. The whole night of the safari. experience was just breathtaking. ranges; it all felt like a dry paradise. It enabled me make new friends Prosopis juliflora trees carpeting the In day three, we explored the historic On the last day we explored summing up to twenty cool ones. I Thompson’s falls in Nyahururu. The Mukurweini, where we saw fantastic would quickly grab another chance of group had the chance to see what the waterfalls and caves used by the Mau its kind; for it is comparable to none. Thank you so much…..

44explorer, EAWLSEAWLS NEWSLETTERNEWSLETTER Joseph Thompson, JANUARYJANUARY -- MARCHMARCH saw 20132013 first Mau freedom fighters. We enjoyed Conservation of sacred forest inspires hope to the County Natural Resource Networks/Forums

By Alex Ngari and Mildred Menda

he East African Wild Life Society (EAWLS) is Tsupporting the development of civil society forums/networks in Nakuru, Samburu, Laikipia and Kwale Counties through the project “Strengthening CSOs County Government Legislative Engagement Process Support Project”. The major purpose of the networks and forums is to provide a platform where stakeholders within the natural resource sector can discuss substantive issues affecting natural resource development. The forums are also expected to be useful instruments for public participation on matters related to natural resource management and contribute to the formulation of legislation and ParticipantsParticipants of cross-siteof cross- sitevisit visitto Kwale to Kwale court good got goodfortunes fortunes by touching by touching their cheecks their onto laws at the devolved governance a trunk of a sacred tree at Kaya Kinondo forest, Diani. cheeks onto a trunk of a sacred tree at Kaya Kinondo forest, Diani. levels.

As one of the project undertaking, towards maintenance of the Kaya, the natural resource knowledge EAWLS organized a very successful and support of cultural ceremonies, base that the visitors from Samburu, exchange visit in Kwale in December community initiatives such as schools Laikipia and Nakuru had. Community last year that brought representatives and water projects. based natural resource management from all the four pilot County Natural and conservation efforts are not in Resources Networks together At Kaya Kinondo, the visitors not vain despite a myriad of hurdles that to share experiences and learn only learnt about one of the Africa’s may lie ahead. The conservation from each other. The participants remaining biological, cultural and successes witnessed at Kaya Kinondo exchanged ideas and learnt lessons historically rich forests, but also further uplifted the morale of the that could be useful in the growth its contribution to an important network/forums’ members from and achievement of mandates of community conservation effort. Samburu who are struggling to bring respective networks/forums. communities into conservancies; association established by the units that guarantee sustainable The participants were privileged to communityThrough a financial as part of service the project, natural resource management for visit Kaya Kinondo sacred forest in loans are given to community groups pastoralists; or the Nakuru residents south coast, where an ecotourism and individuals within the area to who have to battle with irresponsible project is being piloted to test the initiate income generating micro solid waste disposal in the towns; viability of ecotourism as a means projects. The forest is not only or the members from Laikipia who of linking conservation to tangible ecologically valuable but is also a are rallying the communities into strong part of cultural heritage with organized groups to curb human- local community. A conservation deep ethno-ecological values which andsocial development and economic community benefits of based have been respected and maintained including Kwale people who have group was formed with an aim of through generations. towildlife protect conflict the rest in ofthe their county; natural coordinating conservation and resources from plunder by multi- development activities in the area. The visit to the cultural heritage of nationals who are thirsty to make All proceedings of the project go Digo people; Kaya Kinondo, widened

hugeEAWLS profits. NEWSLETTER JANUARY - MARCH 2013 5 Progress by the County Natural Resources Forums/Networks: Kwale, Nakuru, Laikipia and Samburu

By Mildred Menda

he County Natural Resource Forums/ Networks in Nakuru, TSamburu, Laikipia and Kwale Counties, have successfully continued with monthly meetings to discuss important issues affecting natural resource management in their counties. Members of these networks are actively involved in drafting and reviewing of the various bills that are related to natural resources. They participated in the review of the draft Geology, Minerals and Mining Bill in a meeting held in Nakuru, August 2012 and later participated in validating comments and recommendations given, in a subsequent workshop held in Nairobi, October 2012. Laikipia County Natural Resource Network Participants of Laikipia County in a group discussion during training on Community Land has been actively involved in the Bill held in Nanyuki, November 2012. initial information gathering for the Community Land bill and has a task force in place working on the contributing to Vision 2030 comes provided an excellent opportunity memorandum to be submitted to for the network/forums members to the National Task Force in charge of learn from each other. only once in every five years. drafting the bill. As part of capacity building for the 2013 is an election year in Kenya, the natural resources networks and County Natural Resource Forums will Consultative meetings held by the forums, a training workshop was constructively engage those aspiring County Natural Resource Forums/ held in August 2012. Key topics to for political positions within the Networks, provided an opportunity enable the growth and functioning of devolved governments as part of the to consolidate their views that were the forums/networks were covered. efforts being made by the project to presented to the Medium Term Participants were taken through Plans 2 (MTP 2) committee that is a number of lessons that would regard to them making commitments influence political leaders early in responsible for getting views from enable them utilize the acquired that would be useful in supporting different counties towards the knowledge in building their Forums/ sustainable management of natural achievement of Vision 2030. This Networks within their counties as resources in their counties. Plans initiative will assist in raising the well as enhancing networking and are underway to hold forums with them in February 2013 to ensure this second planning stage of MTP Additionally, this training was geared that they will put into consideration influencing key policy decisions. 2.profile Vision of 2030’senvironmental Medium concerns Term Plans in towards enabling them to be agents the election manifestos and agendas 2 is set to be implemented between of change within their counties and to articulating county issues of concern 2013-2017. The opportunity to give support sustainable management of raised by Civil Society Organizations views for the different term plans natural resources. The training also (CSOs) networks.

6 EAWLS NEWSLETTER JANUARY - MARCH 2013 TIME TO NURTURE THE BEES

By Leah Gichuki, Kenya Forests Working Group (KFWG)

FWG in partnership with Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Kis implementing a bee keeping project at Mji Wa Huruma (Karura Forest).The project is part of the Forest Recovery Policy and Strategies Project funded by UNDP that supports the sustainable management of Kenya’s forests. The project is located in an area adjacent to Mji Wa Huruma village which has a population of 4,000 people.

The project aims at building the capacity of communities to effectively support the government in sustainable forest conservation and promote participatory forest Community groups being trained on bee hive inspection. management. Four community groups (Karuma, Vision, Dawn and Mushroom) have so far been supplied facility soon. Honey Care Africa plan and a management agreement with 100 beehives by the Africa bee that is to be signed soon between keepers. The beehives were installed KFS and the Friends of Karura in the apiary and colonization has managementfacilitated five to days build training the capacity on of Community Forest Association started taking place. thecommercial community bee groups. keeping and financial (CFA). In addition a memorandum of understanding shall be signed KFS monitoring activities on the between KFS and Mji Wa Huruma plant is now complete and the project activities shall be guided by community. Construction of the honey refinery community shall start using the the Friends of Karura management Following several stakeholder meetings on the management and sustainability of the facility, the community are well equipped to take up the management of the facility early this year.

KFWG would like to record its sincere appreciation to all institutions and individuals who supported the project up to its completion.

Karura forest was gazetted in 1932 and it covers an area of approximately 1,063 hectares and is surrounded by Muthaiga, Runda and Gigiri among other suburbs.

Demonstration by trainer on how to use the honey processing machine.

EAWLS NEWSLETTER JANUARY - MARCH 2013 7 POACHERS PUSHING ELEPHANTS TO EXTINCTION

an Kenya afford to lose one elephants outside protected areas The population in 1970 was more elephant? This is a and mobilize resources to establish 167,000. There are 35,000 elephants Cquestion that we all need to Community-based Elephant in Kenya today. A report from Kenya think deeply about. That is why you Monitoring Programmes (CEMP) Wildlife Service (KWS) indicated need to join Elephant Neighbours in Loita –Koromoto (Maasai Mara), that Kenya lost 384 elephants in Centre (ENC) from 9th to 23rd Amboseli – Namanga (Kilimanjaro), 2012 to poaching as compared to February, 2013 in a 500 kilometer Kora Bisinadi and the larger Tsavo 289 in 2011 depicting an upsurge in walk from Mombasa to Nairobi in a ecosystem. The programmes will poaching and paints a grim picture campaign dubbed “Ivory Belongs to help in sensitizing communities on and a rapid decline of elephant the Elephant”. wildlife values, mitigation on human- population towards extinction given that mortality rate was 4% compared The campaign seeks to raise patrols to map and report poaching to a growth rate of 2% in 2011. Over awareness on conservation of incidences.wildlife conflicts as well as conduct 80% of Kenya’s elephants are found outside protected areas and the rest in National Parks and Reserves. Of the 384 poaching cases, 78 per cent were poached in wildlife dispersal areas outside the parks and 22 per cent in protected areas depicting rampant poaching outside protected areas. This calls for community sensitization on elephant protection and conservation.

For more details on how to participate in the walk, contact Jim Nyamu on:email jim.nyamu@ elephantneighborscenter.org www.elephantneighborscenter. org/elephant_walk. Cell: +254 723 398190

• ENC is a non-governmental organization whose mission is to protect the African elephant and secure landscape for elephants outside DATE: 9TH -23RD FEB protected areas FROM: MOMBASA(KENYA) TO NAIROBI(KENYA) 500km • This initiative is a precursor to the Jim Nyamu will be walking 500km from Mombasa to Nairobi Kenya to support the conservation of elephants in Kenya.

contact Convention on Elephant Neighbors Center (ENC) Call: 0723398190 // [email protected] // www.elephantneighborscenter.org International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) meeting to be held in Thailand on 3- 14 March 2013.

8 EAWLS NEWSLETTER JANUARY - MARCH 2013 The senseless demand from certain countries Our visit to Kenya in for ivory and Rhino horn is almost bringing them to extinction, especially the Rhino. We September/October 2012 were very lucky with the weather; sometimes a short shower in the late afternoon was very welcome by the animals and freshened By Bernhard Sorgen and Maria Fuhrer, Switzerland up the vegetation and the air. On our game drives we enjoyed not only the variety of wild animals but also the spectacular view along the Mara- and Talek River with its numerous pools, where hippos are squeezing close together. The area is also a paradise for ornithologists. A big adventure was the migration of thousands of gnus and zebras crossing the Mara River towards Tanzania. Crocodiles, usually sleeping lazy on the sandbank, awake to life and are ready for a big meal.

On the Loldopai hill (lookout hill) we faced a rather negative experience. It is an easy accessible hill with a 360° view over the game reserve. At this point, tourists are allowed to leave their buses to enjoy the tremendous view, stretch their legs or have a picnic. Littering there is becoming a big problem. Certain tourists are just carelessly Bernhard and Maria meet the EAWLS staff throwing away any rubbish (cigarette buts, empty cigarette packages, candy wrap etc.). We don’t understand why their drivers/ or more than 30 years we have been all the projects concerning the environmental guides do not implement properly the park travelling to Kenya, visiting various care EAWLS is dealing with. Then we were off rules given by the Narok county council and Fnational parks like Tsavo, Amboseli, to our destination, INTREPIDS CAMP in the educate their guests accordingly. Those Lake Nakuru, Meru, Samburu, Maralal and Mara. tourists probably cannot imagine what many more, but we felt mostly attracted by Once on the road, we realized that the traffic happened, if an herbivore animal swallows the Maasai Mara. Due to health problems we had very much increased. During the past cigarette buts. had to interrupt our visits for a few years. years the road system was extended and is But our thoughts were very often in Africa now much more frequented and jammed. The While about 10 years ago there were a small and the homesickness grew. Finally I had view over the Rift valley is breath-taking. The adequate, manageable number of camps/ a chance to return to Africa, accompanied area is covered with sleeping volcanoes, the lodges. We were told that today the number by a good friend Maria. Since it was her soil is red. Acacia trees offer welcomed shade of accommodation facilities in and outside first visit, already the flight to Nairobi was to people and animals. After Narok somebody the game reserve boundaries almost tripled. exciting. We first crossed the Alps, then the must have stolen the tarmac. From there to This fact leads automatically to a higher Mediterranean Sea and almost endless the the park there was only gravel roads in more ecological burden to the environment. This Sahara desert. or less good condition. worries not only us. Long discussions with Kenyans, local Maasais and game rangers In Nairobi we were picked up at the airport Once we entered the Mara game reserve, we showed that they are partially sharing our by Richard Rono, chief administrator East met a totally new world. We found a still intact concerns. We met tourists mainly from African Wild Life Society (EAWLS), and environment yet, with all the fauna and flora. Europe, but also from USA, Australia and brought to our hotel. What a hectic live in the East Africa has to offer from the smallest upcoming now from Asia. All of them want roads of Nairobi! Cars, matatus, pedestrians, insect up to the big five. Already the first to see the wildlife of Kenya. It is therefore wheelbarrows, motorcycles, each vehicle evening we saw the most common animals very important to find a balance to meet claiming its place. Our first visit in town like elephants, antelopes, gazelles, zebras, the profitability requirements of the tourism brought us to EAWLS, where we were very gnus, buffalos, giraffes, hyenas and monkeys. industry, the neighbouring humans and still warmly welcomed. Some faces were new, Predators like leopards, cheetahs, and lions leave space to preserve nature and animals others very familiar. It was a happy meeting we observed during the following days. In for the future generations. again. There we heard the latest news about spite of intensive searching there was – Maasai Mara, the wildlife in East Africa and unfortunately - no sign of a Rhino.

EAWLS NEWSLETTER JANUARY - MARCH 2013 9