The Laikipia Wildlife Forum (LWF) recently joined a special workshop organised by Kenya Forest Service (KFS) with support from the Food Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO). LWFs input was important in developing a plan called FOLAREP, short for Forest and Landscape Restoration Plan. This plan is all about making sure our forests and landscapes stay healthy. This event, attended by a diverse array of stakeholders from Laikipia County including Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), marked a pivotal moment in the County’s commitment to sustainable land management and biodiversity conservation.
But why is the domestication of FOLAREP such a crucial stride for Laikipia County? At its core, this document serves as a roadmap, guiding policymakers and stakeholders in nurturing the delicate balance between human activities and the preservation of natural resources. With Laikipia’s ecosystems under constant threat from various pressures, a localized FOLAREP becomes an indispensable tool in safeguarding the region’s ecological integrity.
For LWF, the adoption of FOLAREP opens a new chapter in our tireless efforts towards conservation.
Across our six thematic areas—water, rangelands, tourism, land use, wildlife, and conservation education—we are ready to integrate FOLAREP seamlessly into our restoration initiatives.
In the realm of water management, FOLAREP will inform strategies to protect critical water sources and enhance water quality, ensuring the sustenance of both wildlife and communities. Rangelands, often subjected to degradation, will benefit from FOLAREP’s guidelines on sustainable grazing practices, fostering healthier ecosystems and resilient livelihoods.
The tourism sector, a vital economic pillar, stands to gain from FOLAREP’s emphasis on responsible tourism practices, promoting both conservation and community development. Meanwhile, land use planning will be supported by FOLAREP’s insights, fostering harmony between human settlements and wildlife habitats.
Moreover, FOLAREP’s integration into LWF’s conservation education programs will empower future generations with the knowledge and appreciation necessary to become stewards of their natural heritage.
But FOLAREP isn’t just a plan on paper—it’s also a tool for getting help. LWF can use FOLAREP to show others why protecting Laikipia’s nature is so important. This might mean getting money from people who want to help or teaming up with other groups who care about nature.
As the workshop ended, everyone felt excited about what FOLAREP could do for Laikipia. With this plan as their guide, LWF is ready to work together to make sure Laikipia’s forests, rivers, and animals stay happy and healthy for a long time to come.
