In April, LWF staff participated in a comprehensive Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) workshop organized by TerraFund for AFR100 at the Alps Hotel in Nakuru. The workshop aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of MRV, including various data collection methods and quality assurance processes. Attendees were trained on creating site and nursery profiles on TerraMatch and how to submit their initial project, site, nursery, and financial reports. They also learned to generate geospatial data using the Flority app as well as how to prepare for verification processes ahead of site visits.
The first day began with an overview of MRV concepts, followed by practical sessions on data -collection and nursery-grouping on TerraMatch. One-on-one sessions allowed participants to delve deeper into specific data collection strategies.
Day-two focused on polygon data collection, with sessions on using the TerraMatch, Flority, and Greenhouse platforms. Participants engaged in hands-on practice, working in small groups to collect and analyze data.
The final day covered reporting and verification, detailing the requirements for comprehensive project reporting. Participants were guided through financial reporting and the submission process on TerraMatch. The day ended with a World Café session, where participants discussed their experiences and insights in small groups.
LWF’s project under this fund aims to restore Laikipia’s degraded rangelands through grass reseeding and water bund-construction. This initiative will provide sustainable forage for livestock, reduce pressure on the Mukogodo Forest, and improve the region’s ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, water quality, and wildlife health. The project also includes a significant tree-planting effort, with a target of growing 150,000 trees to increase forest cover and further support the ecosystem. The project also aims to enhance public health through better air and water quality and to boost ecotourism, providing a source of income for local communities.
The MRV workshop equipped LWF staff with essential skills and knowledge to effectively monitor and report their restoration efforts. With TerraFund for AFR100’s support and local champions’ dedication, LWF is set to make significant strides in restoring Laikipia’s rangelands, promising a greener and more sustainable future for the region.