LWF has always received recognition for its impactful conservation education initiatives, extending its reach to schools and society within the greater Laikipia landscape. As we near the completion of the FAO GEF6-funded project, focusing on the management of the invasive species Opuntia stricta, it becomes evident that involving the next generation is paramount.
Recognizing this, LWF organized the inaugural Conservation Education Forum Day and conducted two phases of debates in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Laikipia North Sub County.
These educational endeavours aimed to harness the innovative potential of youth in addressing environmental challenges, particularly the management of Opuntia stricta, an invasive species affecting the Maiyanat community.
On February 16th, 2024, LWF took a significant step by hosting a Conservation Education Forum Day at Dol Dol Boys’ High School. This event brought together seven secondary schools from Laikipia North Sub County: Dol Dol Mixed Day Secondary School, St. Francis Girls’ High School, Dol Dol Boys’ High School, Kurum Secondary School, Ilpolei Secondary School, Chumvi Mixed Secondary School, and Lokusero Secondary School, along with other stakeholders, fostering discussions and empowering youth with knowledge to tackle environmental issues effectively. The objective was clear: to engage students in meaningful conservation efforts, ensuring a sustainable future for Laikipia’s biodiversity.
LWF’s Brian Otieno outlines the agenda for the debate sessions at the Conservation Education Forum
Subsequently, two phases of debates were held at St. Francis Girls’ High School on March 11th, 2024, and Dol Dol Boys’ High School on March 16th, 2024. These debates were primarily learning platforms where students could delve into the ecological implications of the Opuntia stricta invasion and propose viable solutions. Guided by a structured outline, participants explored management strategies, analyzed their effectiveness, and emphasized community engagement and education.
During the debates, students displayed a profound understanding of Opuntia stricta, highlighting its characteristics, spread mechanisms, impacts, and control measures. They proposed various approaches, including indigenous, biological, mechanical, physical removal, and chemical control methods, demonstrating their commitment to mitigating its spread. Moreover, students identified opportunities for utilizing the plant, such as fodder for livestock and raw materials for biogas, oil, jam, and juice production, thus emphasizing the potential for economic use alongside environmental conservation.
Judges Susan Gathoni from LWF and James Njihia, along with Jedidah Kamoiro from Borana Conservancy, attentively observe Phase 1 of the debates.
The exchange of ideas during the debates not only enriched students’ understanding of environmental issues but also inspired them to engage their communities through workshops and awareness campaigns. It was evident that the debates served as both a learning and career development platform, igniting a passion for environmental stewardship among participants.
The culmination of these efforts was on the 15th of March 2024, at Dol Dol Boys’ High School, where students demonstrated remarkable growth in their understanding of Opuntia stricta and its management.
St. Francis Girls’ High School secured the overall Winner title, with Dol Dol Day Secondary School and Ilpolei Secondary School securing the 1st and 2nd runner-up positions, respectively. Their dedication and commitment to environmental education and youth leadership are truly commendable.
LWF remains steadfast in nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards. Through initiatives like the Conservation Education Debates, supported by partners, including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Borana Conservancy, NKCC, and MpalaLive, among others, we continue to empower youth, foster environmental conservation, and create a sustainable future for generations to come.
We encourage like-minded organizations and individuals to join forces with us, amplifying our reach and impact in conservation education through the planning and execution of similar inspiring initiatives.
