As we approach the conclusion of the Global Environment Facility (GEF-6) funded project, it is a moment for us at Laikipia Wildlife Forum (LWF) to reflect, celebrate, and strategically plan for the future. The project, scheduled to end on December 31st, 2024, has been a journey filled with learning, challenges, and remarkable achievements, all seen through our lens.
Since 2019, LWF has diligently implemented three Letters of Agreement (LoAs) under this project, primarily focusing on restoring degraded areas and rehabilitating water projects in the greater Laikipia landscape.
To ensure sustainability beyond donor funding, we recently convened a partner consultative engagement meeting aimed at preparing for an exit strategy and conducting an end-of-project evaluation. Benjamin Deridder, our Chief Technical Advisor, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) National Project Coordinator Mr. Meshack Muga, and Patrick Mugi, the Monitoring and Evaluation expert from FAO, were among the attendees. They were joined by a team from FAO headquarters to assist us in crafting an exit/sustainability plan and preparing for the Final Evaluation scheduled for July 2024. The objective was clear: to extract lessons learned, identify best practices, and develop viable solutions while addressing knowledge management needs.
Participants during the consultative meeting
The meeting commenced with a warm welcome from our Executive Director, Celline Achieng’, who provided an overview of LWF’s role. Patrick Mugi from FAO then shared his remarks and outlined the meeting’s expectations.
Our peer implementing partners had the opportunity to present their progress, key achievements, lessons learned, and sustainability plans in light of the imminent conclusion of GEF-6 funding. These partners included Leparua Conservancy, Ilmamusi CFA, Northern Rangelands Trust, and Narupa Conservancy. They highlighted their efforts and contributions to the project success.
Following the presentations, a plenary session was held to facilitate in-depth discussions on the project’s dynamics, fostering collaboration, and promoting cross learning among the partners.
The event culminated in the partners planting trees within LWF’s compound, symbolizing our collective commitment to sustainability and nurturing the environment that sustains us all.
Tree planting session at LWF’s compound.
