Rangers from ILMAMUSI Mukogodo Forest Association have acquired new digital radios, solar chargers and repeater station with the assistance of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. The equipment, purchased with funding from the BIOPAMA Project provides for a quick and easy connection to the regional radio and security network used by Lewa, Il Ngwesi, Lekurruki, and Borana Conservancies.
The ranges have been working with no clear communication protocols and no specific channels of sharing information obtained during their patrols in Mukogodo Forest. A five-day training of Mukogodo rangers on standard operating procedures for field patrols, radio communications and ecological monitoring of the Mukogodo landscape took place this June.
The rangers are keen to point out that the digital radios and new communication protocols will majorly contribute to effective patrols within the forest, as well as improve communication on all matters related to the security of the Forest and surrounding residents. A follow-up training is planned to take place in two months.
The Mukogodo Forest Support Project that is part of a series of Rapid Response Grants in partnership with the BIOPAMA (Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management), which is supported by the European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States.
ILMAMUSI is the lead implementer of this project, and is supported by Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Northern Rangeland Trust, Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Wildlife Service and Borana Conservancy. The Forum provides grant support and technical assistance.
12 rangers from ILMAMUSI Mukogodo CFA and their manager are expected to benefit from this Project as well as Forest user groups and their families will gain added security. The Project also envisions that an increase in landscape security will benefit as many as 6,900 households.
The objective of the BIOPAMA Project is to ensure that the Forest Association can engage effectively in security and conservation measures in the Forest with their surrounding partners.
DISCLAIMER: This article has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States through the BIOPAMA Programme. The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of Laikipia Forum and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union or of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States.
