Conservation of Karura Forest Reserve and its role in providing environmental services to Nairobi city
Samuel Owuor, Teresa Mbatia & Parita Shah Department of Geography & Environmental Studies University of Nairobi, Kenya
A Presentation at the Round Table Workshop on Resilient Cities Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, 2 October 2014 Cities and climate change
• Cities in Africa are hotspots for risks and impacts associated with climate change • Impacts and vulnerability vary according to location, form, density and economy of the city • The risks and impacts are real, but highly uncertain • Cities must be part of the solution in terms of mitigation measures
…the role of Karura forest as a “carbon sink” and “green lung”
The Karura Forest Reserve
Located in northern part of Nairobi Gazetted in 1932 Covers an area of 1041.3 ha (originally 1062.7 ha) One of the largest gazetted forest located entirely within city limits Has both natural forest (25%) and plantations (61%) Rich in biodiversity with many species of plants, birds, insects and mammals Managed by the Kenya Forest Service The 1990s battle field and the long journey to Karura forest conservation efforts The 1990s threat of land grabbers, encroachment, illegal allocations & excisions Wangari Maathai with her resilient nature led all sorts of protests Forest Act 2005 that prohibited de-gazettement of forests, while encouraging participatory forest management 2009 formation of Friends of Karura Forest (FKF) Friends of Karura Forest / Karura Community Forest Association
Made up of individuals, corporate membership and resident associations + other stakeholders Run by a Board and supported by a management committee Partnering with Kenya Forest Service to: protect, manage and conserve the forest provide access, livelihood and employment to people living around the forest restore the forest to its natural … Notable achievements & lessons learnt
Rehabilitation of the forest, Friends of Karura Forest and making it safe, secure and participatory forest serene: management has made Karura: Karura Forest Strategic A watershed Management Plan (2010-2014) A biodiversity reservoir Fencing the forest A historical and cultural site Efficient and transparent A recreation and eco-tourism area management system A research and environmental Improving existing infrastructure education centre Creating more recreational and While at the same time providing eco-tourism options important environmental services Community livelihoods projects to Nairobi city (i.e. carbon sink, (bee keeping, fish ponds, forest soil and water conservation) resources, employment)