Naatum Women Group members have a look at the MCF story in the first quarter edition of the Forum Focus Newsletter
With a mission to support local initiatives that bring benefits to people, wildlife, and their habitats, the Mazingira Conservation Fund (MCF) is a driving force in uniting conservation, community engagement, and sustainable commerce.
Guided by its core values of diversity/inclusion, respect, responsibility, courage, and creativity, the MCF is spearheading practical interventions that are transforming the conservation landscape of the region.
Unveiling the Grantees
Under the guidance of the Laikipia Wildlife Forum, the MCF selected five exceptional grantees through a rigorous and competitive process. These grantees represent a diverse range of projects that aim to drive positive change and contribute to sustainable natural resource management within the greater Laikipia landscape. Let’s explore their remarkable initiatives:
Oramat Lenaboisho Cooperative Society (OLCS)
OLCS’s project is dedicated to empowering women in traditional Maasai society by focusing on livestock ownership and increasing household wealth. Through activities such as livestock purchasing, improved governance and financial literacy, and marketing and sales support, the project aims to expand the cooperative’s membership and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for women.
Members of the Oramat Lenaboisho Cooperative Society Committee discuss their project
The Leo Project (TLP)
The Leo Project recognizes the significance of engaging youth in climate change initiatives. By providing comprehensive training programs, stakeholder engagement, tree-planting activities, and the establishment of a tree nursery in partnership with a local school, this project aims to empower young people to become advocates of climate resilience and sustainable practices.
Wangechi Kiongo, The Leo Project’s Director of Social Impact and Sustainability outlining their MCF Project to youths at their recource center in Jua Kali
Naatum Women Group
This group is tackling climate change effects through rangeland restoration activities, tree planting, and vertical kitchen gardening. By enhancing rangeland management practices, clearing invasive plant species, and involving local communities in decision-making processes, this project aims to restore balance to the ecosystem while empowering women to lead conservation efforts.
MCF’s Grants Officer, John Kiongo gives a brief background of the fund and how it aims to assist groups
Ontulili Primates Protection (OPP)
The OPP project focuses on protecting primates and biodiversity along the Ontulili River. By addressing unsustainable human activities, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict, the project aims to restore the riparian land, benefiting both primates and the local community. Their activities include sourcing and procuring seeds, training farmers, and conducting tree-planting in collaboration with local stakeholders.
The OPP Project Manager-Faith Jimmy, OPP guardians and the MCF Grants Officer at one of OPP’s tree nurseries
Ilmamusi Mukogodo Community Forest Association (CFA):
The Ilmamusi Mukogodo CFA is entrusted with the management of the Mukogodo Forest Reserve. Their project focuses on strengthening ecotourism activities by improving campsites, fostering collaboration among local tourism facilities, and enhancing online presence. By attracting more tourists, the project aims to generate economic benefits for the local community while ensuring the sustainable protection and management of the forest.
The Ilmamusi CFA Project Manager, Lestan Kimiri and John Kiongo, at one of the designated camp sitesin Sarara.
Through the unwavering support of the Mazingira Conservation Fund, these remarkable initiatives are already in motion, making a tangible difference in the Greater Laikipia landscape. By empowering women, engaging youth, restoring critical habitats, and promoting sustainable practices, these projects embody the vision of combining conservation, community, and commerce for the benefit of wildlife and their habitats. As the MCF continues to grow and expand its reach, it invites stakeholders and potential donors to join hands in preserving the precious natural heritage of our landscape for generations to come.
