As the adverse impacts from climate change are being felt intensely, we need to heed calls to do more to protect our environment.
At the COP27 summit in Egypt, governments around the world are committing to delivering results to minimise the warming of the planet. The commitments come in the wake of a simple call by the Kenyan President, Dr. William Ruto, for families to plant 100 trees every time one of their children celebrates a birthday.
The driving force behind many of these calls is the devastating drought, with more than 28 counties in Kenya impacted by the devastating lack of rains. The ecosystem and social impacts of the drought situation are alarming.
Mukogodo Forest, a community conservancy organisation is now planning a walk to raise awareness on the importance of protecting our natural resources that has been a source of livelihoods for many families in Laikipia.
Mukogodo forest reserve is a mosaic of closed forest, open forest and open grasslands; it is one of the remaining dry forests covering more than 30,000 hectares. The surrounding group of conservancies - in the heart of Kenya’s Laikipia- Samburu ecosystem - host Kenya’s second highest density of wildlife including the highest concentration of elephants outside of protected areas. The area is also a critical corridor for elephants to move between Samburu lowlands, the Laikipia plateau and Mt. Kenya Forest reserve.
The estimated value of the Mukogodo ecosystem is Kenya Shillings 9.1 billion. This area serves as an anchor for local communities with honey production, livestock keeping (small scale herding and beef ranching), ecotourism, conservation, and sand collection; but it is under growing pressure.
The forest is an important water tower for the landscape but is threatened by vegetation loss, while the surrounding landscape is being threatened by land degradation. Being in semi arid lands, the Mukogodo landscape is particularly vulnerable to climate change. The rangelands productivity has also been steadily decreasing.
It’s hoped the Mukogodo’s Walk Wild event - on the 19th of November 2022 - will bring the community together to help address some of the critical issues confronting Mukogodo Forest.
The Mukogodo ILMAMUSI Forest Association has a vision for making the area a world-leading conserved indigenous forest. The Associations Chairman Wilfred Mejole wants to conserve wildlife and improve livelihoods through sustainable income generating tourism activities while minimizing wildlife conflict among many other plans.
You can show your support by registering to participate in Saturday’s Walk Wild Mukogodo challenge.
If you don’t wish to walk, please show your commitment by making a direct donation.