With support from TerraFund for AFR100, we are dedicated to combating climate change, restoring critical ecosystems, and reviving biodiversity by replenishing forests that are vital to the health of our planet. Shamanek Forest in Nyahururu has been identified as one of the key areas for our restoration efforts.
On August 9, 2024, we paid a strategic courtesy visit to the newly appointed Laikipia County Forest Conservator (CFC), Mr. Peter Kariuki, to strengthen ties and establish a strong working relationship as we embark on our restoration project in Shamanek Forest. This meeting provided an excellent opportunity to foster collaboration on future conservation efforts.
Aligned with our goal of planting 70,000 tree seedlings to restore 36.3 hectares of Shamanek Forest, we were joined by the secretary of the Shamanek Community Forest Association (CFA), Mr. Amos King’ori. The initiative focuses on planting four main indigenous tree species in the area: Dombeya torrida (Forest dombeya), Syzgium cordatum (Water berry), Juniperus virginiana (Red cedar), and Podocarpus falcatus.
During the meeting, the CFC emphasized the importance of using the Jaza Miti mobile application to document every tree planted, helping to keep accurate records toward Laikipia County’s ambitious goal of planting 37 million trees within a year. Shamanek Forest, having experienced wildfires two years ago, is highly suitable for restoration. However, due to the hilly terrain, Mr. Kariuki stated that the Plantation Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme (PELIS) would not be appropriate for this area.
Mr. Kariuki also shared Mr. King’ori’s suggestion of establishing a temporary onsite nursery to facilitate planting, particularly given the challenging conditions of the roads during the rainy seasons. We agreed to source seedlings from local communities, not only to support their livelihoods but also to encourage sustained engagement in reforestation.The CFC, together with the CFA and the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), pledged full support for restoring various sites within the forest. Additionally, Mr. Kariuki recommended documenting the entire tree-growing process from the start to simplify monitoring over the next six years.
Additionally, we visited two community nurseries to assess the types of seedlings available, inquire about their prices, and evaluate their suitability for planting. These forest-adjacent communities collect seeds from the forest, making the seedlings more resilient to local climatic conditions, which results in higher survival rates. By using locally sourced seeds, these communities play a vital role in preserving native plant species, enhancing biodiversity, and supporting the surrounding ecosystems. This approach should be replicated in other forested areas to improve environmental resilience and strengthen community livelihoods.
