WABiLED’s Post

The "Wilderness Activity Zone" (or Moorland Environmentally Significant Area) is a critical part of the Aberdares ecosystem, designated to protect the moorland's unique species and vital water catchment areas. 🌿💧 This area harbours rare species, some of which are endemic, making it a biodiversity hotspot. Due to its ecological fragility, visitor use is strictly controlled to prevent natural resource degradation. Infrastructure development in this zone is limited to essential services and resource protection. 🚫 The proposed construction of the Ihithe - Ndunyu Njeru road through this sensitive area threatens its delicate balance. Here’s how the road will impact the zone: ▪️ Habitat Destruction: The construction will disrupt habitats, leading to the loss of unique plant and animal species. ▪️ Water Catchment Damage: The road could damage crucial water catchment areas, affecting water supply for surrounding communities. ▪️ Increased Human Activity: More human activity will lead to pollution, poaching, and further degradation of the environment. ▪️ Fragmentation: The road will fragment the ecosystem, making it harder for species to move and survive. ▪️Erosion and Landslides: Construction could lead to soil erosion and increase the risk of landslides, further damaging the environment. We call on the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) to cancel the license permitting this construction. Let's ensure that our natural heritage is preserved for future generations. Source: Aberdare Ecosystem Management Plan, 2010-20 #CancelNEMALicence #SaveTheAberdares #SupportAberdareRoadAlternative #AberdareYetu Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust

The proposed Ihithe - Ndunyu Njeru road project, with approximately 9.8% of its route passing through the Aberdare National Park - approximately 49 kilometers - raises significant concerns about its potential environmental, social, and economic impacts. ENVIRONMENTAL & ECOLOGICAL THREATS: 1️⃣ Disruption to Wildlife & Habitat: The Aberdare National Park is a biodiversity hotspot, home to various wildlife species, including endangered animals like the mountain bongo. A road through this ecosystem increases the risk of habitat fragmentation, disturbing natural migration patterns and exposing wildlife to dangers like vehicle collisions and poaching. 2️⃣ Water Catchment Areas at Risk: The Aberdare Range is one of Kenya’s vital water catchment areas, providing water to major rivers such as the Tana and Athi. The construction of the road could lead to deforestation, soil erosion, and siltation of rivers, severely affecting water supply for millions of people. This would compromise water security, affecting agriculture, urban centers, and industries dependent on this resource. SOCIAL & ECONOMIC CONCERNS: 1️⃣ Increased Risk of Human-Wildlife Conflicts: By traversing through the park, the road poses a significant risk of accidents between vehicles and wildlife. The presence of a high-traffic route may cause animals to wander onto roads, leading to fatal accidents. This puts both humans and animals at risk. 2️⃣ Impact on Local Livelihoods: The communities surrounding the Aberdare region depend heavily on tourism, agriculture, and water resources. Any adverse effects on the park’s ecosystem would diminish its tourism appeal, leading to a reduction in income for local businesses, jobs in eco-tourism, and the overall economy. The alternative Nyandarua - Kariamu - Ndunyu Njeru road route represents a more balanced approach, addressing both developmental needs and environmental preservation. Aberdare Yetu advocates for this alternative to safeguard the region’s biodiversity, local livelihoods, and water resources, all of which are critical for the future sustainability of the area. #CancelNEMALicence #SupportAberdareRoadAlternative #SaveTheAberdares #AberdareYetu

Most ecosystems in Kenya are fragmented and scattered, often due to human activities such as agriculture, urbanization, and infrastructure development. However, the Aberdares ecosystem stands out as a connected and contiguous landscape. This connectivity is vital for maintaining the ecological integrity of the region, allowing for: ▪️Migration and Movement of Species: Wildlife in the Aberdares can move freely across the landscape, ensuring genetic diversity and resilience against environmental changes. ▪️ Continuous Habitat: Connected ecosystems provide uninterrupted habitats for various species, which is essential for their survival and reproduction. ▪️ Integrated Ecosystem Services: The connected nature of the Aberdares ensures that ecosystem functions such as water regulation, carbon sequestration, and climate regulation are maintained across a broader area. The connectivity of the Aberdares is a precious asset that supports its rich biodiversity and ecological functions. Disrupting this with the Ihithe - Ndunyu Njeru road would have far-reaching consequences, not only for the wildlife and plants but also for the communities that rely on these ecosystem services. We must advocate for sustainable alternatives that protect and preserve the integrity of the Aberdares. #HandsOffTheAberdares #SaveTheAberdares #CancelNEMALicence #NoAberdaresNoLivelihoods #SupportAberdareRoadAlternative #AberdareYetu

Takeaways from my recent Africa Trip I have just returned from one of the most inspiring trips I've had in a long time. My colleague and I had the chance to visit our Ethiopia office and later members of the Mursi [a community based in the Lower Omo Valley] with which our staff is working with on a large biodiversity project. We began this work in 2022, through a $8.5M investment from the US Gov't. Allow me to summarize why this might be one of the most significant projects we have rolled out in a while. The Mursi community is not only rich in cultural heritage but also has a significant historical impact on biodiversity conservation in the country. By supporting the Mursi community, we are in turn strengthening: i. a biodiversity hotspot; ii. land use practices; iii. species conservation, and; iv. livehihood opportunities. and as a biodiversity conservation project in Ethiopia, we are in turn strengthening: i. tourism revenue; ii. ecosystem services; iii. agricultural productivity; iv. sustainable forestry; v. medicinal resources; vi. climate resilience, and; vii. job creation I look forward to returning to see the continued impact of our efforts working along this vibrant community. #Ethiopia #USAID #biodiversity #conservation #climateadaptation #sustainability #agriculture #impactinvestment #IIRR #Africa #SDGs #ESG

📢 WHICH ROAD FOR KENYA? 🇰🇪 The Ihithe - Ndunyu Njeru road will slice through a staggering 36.78 km of the Aberdares ecosystem, endangering our precious forests, wildlife, and water catchment areas. In stark contrast, the Ndaragwa - Kariamu - Ndunyu Njeru alternative route impacts only 3.98 km of the ecosystem, preserving critical habitats while still delivering economic benefits. The choice is clear: 🌍 Environmental Impact: The Ihithe - Ndunyu Njeru route threatens 255 acres of natural vegetation, including montane forests and bamboo, putting endangered wildlife at risk. The alternative route preserves the ecosystem, keeping the Aberdares intact for future generations. 🚧 Community Well-being: The Ndaragwa - Kariamu - Ndunyu Njeru alternative supports local communities by providing better access to markets without sacrificing the environment. It avoids the heavy traffic, accidents, and wildlife collisions expected on the Ihithe - Ndunyu Njeru proposed route. 💰 Cost Efficiency: With a lower construction cost, the Ndaragwa - Kariamu - Ndunyu Njeru alternative offers a more economically viable solution, channeling funds to where they’re needed most. We must advocate for progress that respects both our people and our planet. Let’s push for the Ndaragwa - Kariamu - Ndunyu Njeru alternative route and protect the Aberdares from irreversible damage. 📢 Join us in saying NO to the destruction of our natural heritage and YES to sustainable development! #SupportAberdareRoadAlternative #SaveTheAberdares #CancelNEMALicence #AberdareYetu #SustainableDevelopment

Hurri Hills, located in northern Kenya and primarily in Marsabit County, faces socio-economic challenges due to its remote location and harsh environmental conditions, such as a scarcity of essential services and periodic droughts. Despite this, the region stands out for its unique biodiversity, including endangered species like the Grevy's zebra and the reticulated giraffe. Initiatives are being implemented to address the development needs of the communities, such as improving education and healthcare. Additionally, our carbon credit projects, developed by Globusterra Group, will be highly beneficial for local communities and biodiversity conservation. By funding projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we not only help mitigate climate change but also generate additional income and promote the conservation of valuable natural resources in the region. #HurriHills #Kenya #Biodiversity #Conservation #Sustainability #CarbonCredits #ClimateChange #CommunityDevelopment #EnvironmentalResilience #GlobusterraGroup

Between 2001 and 2023, Ganol catchment areas in Garo Hills experienced a significant loss of tree cover, totaling 3.65 thousand hectares (ha), marking a 16% decrease in tree cover since 2000. To gain a firsthand impression of the challenges faced, the Meghalaya Chief Minister assessed the ground situation concerning deforestation in villages adjacent to the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve in West Garo Hills district last week. The visit included interactions with the Nokmas/ headman from the Ganol catchment areas. The CM informed Nokmas that the government has initiated several conservation initiatives aimed at protecting and rejuvenating the catchment areas, emphasizing community involvement in the Green Meghalaya initiative and the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) program. It may be mentioned that, the Ganol River, which originates from Nokrek, is the main source of water for Tura and other adjoining areas in the region. Accompanied by senior officials, including Principal Secretary Mr Sampath Kumar, as well as a team from the Forest and Environment Department, Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA), and the Council of Nokmas, the Chief Minister visited the villages of Sakalgre, Baladinggre, and Sakal Aduma. Here’s a glimpse of the first-day visit to Ganol Catchment areas in Garo Hills! ✨ #ganolcatchment #forestconservation #greenmeghalaya #communityinvolvement #chiefministerconradksangma #environmentalprotection #nokrekbiospherereserve #PESProgram #sustainabledevelopment #waterconservation #recoveryispossible #meghalayaprogress #garohills #ecoinitiatives #GroundAssessment #transformativevisit #naturepreservation #communityengagement #firstdayhighlightsEdited · 14m

Our vision for Legacy Farm Project is guided by a comprehensive plan that fosters community engagement, promotes sustainable practices, drives economic growth, and preserves cultural heritage. ⁠ ⁠ Through these pillars, we aim to create a lasting impact for future generations.⁠ ⁠ #farmingthefuture #legacyfarmproject #innovation #partnership #sustainability #agriculture #LegacyFarm #StrathmoreAlberta #CanadianHistory #AgriculturalHistory #FarmLife #PrairieLife #CPRailway #AgriculturistMecca #HeritageFarm #HistoricalFarm #FutureOfAgriculture #SustainableAgriculture #FarmTourism #Agritourism #CommunityDevelopment #EconomicDevelopment #UrbanPlanning #CommunityConsultation #TownPlanning #DevelopmentProject #PublicHearing #ExploreAlberta #VisitAlberta #CanadianTourism

The Plus One Tree Initiative is actively engaged in the restoration of the Lake Baringo Basin, a crucial ecosystem in Kenya. This initiative focuses on combating #LandDegradation and promoting sustainable land management practices to preserve the area's biodiversity and ecosystem services. Key activities include: 1. Reforestation Efforts The initiative plants native tree species, such as Vachelia xanthophloea and grass species, which are well-adapted to the local environment. These efforts help stabilize soil, improve water retention, and create habitats for wildlife. 2. Community Engagement and Education By working closely with local communities, the initiative raises awareness about the importance of sustainable land practices. Training sessions and workshops empower community members with knowledge on soil conservation, agroforestry, and the benefits of maintaining healthy ecosystems. 3. Seedball Distribution To enhance reforestation efforts, the initiative distributes seedballs to community members, encouraging them to participate in planting and caring for new trees. 4. Monitoring and Evaluation The initiative employs monitoring and evaluation techniques to track the progress of restoration efforts and assess their impact on the local environment and community. The need for #stakeholders to support such activities is critical for achieving land degradation neutrality in the Lake Baringo #Basin. Stakeholders, including #government agencies, #NGOs, private sector partners, and international organizations, can provide: - Financial Support: #Funding is essential to scale up reforestation and conservation efforts, ensuring that more land can be restored and maintained. - Technical Assistance: Sharing #expertise in sustainable land management practices can enhance the effectiveness of restoration activities and introduce innovative solutions to existing challenges. - Policy Support: Creating and #enforcing policies that promote land degradation neutrality can strengthen efforts to protect and restore #ecosystems. -Collaborative Partnerships: Building partnerships between different stakeholders can facilitate resource sharing, knowledge exchange, and coordinated action, leading to more impactful outcomes. Supporting initiatives like the Plus One Tree Initiative, stakeholders can play a vital role in restoring the Lake Baringo Basin and contributing to the broader goal of achieving land degradation neutrality. GEO LDN ,Lena Moral Waldmeier ,Bennittes Kipyegon ,Neil Sims #LandDegradationNeutrality #EcosystemRestoration #LakeBaringoBasin

Transforming #agriculture and #ecosystems through low-carbon solutions isn’t just about reducing emissions—it’s about building lasting change. At VNV - Value Network Ventures and Bôndy, we’re showcasing how sustainable livelihood initiatives ensure the longevity of our projects, add to permanence by incentivising farmers on ground and the ecosystems they support. Join us at our second #COP29 event through Bôndy Africa! Discover how Social Forestry, Agroforestry, Regenerative Agriculture, Blue Carbon projects, and #ClimateFinance come together to decarbonize value chains while driving resilience and adaptation at scale. By embedding climate-smart practices and strengthening connections between communities and markets, these initiatives create sustainable pathways for environmental and social impact. If you’re in #Baku, join us at the Madagascar Pavilion to connect and collaborate.