REDD+ – Kasigau II, Kenya

Project Description

Mosaic deforestation due to unplanned slash and burn subsistence agriculture and the illegal charcoal trade is driven by population increases

Cattle grazing, forestry and most agriculture is unsustainable due to the fragile ecosystem and lack of water

It is tropical dryland primary forest with some trees estimated to be over 300 years old, over 50 large mammal species including zebra, cheetah, lion and elephants, more than 20 bat species and over 300 bird species

This project includes the ranches of 13 Indigenous Community Ownership Groups forming a corridor of land between the Tsavo East and West National Parks.  It totals 169,741 ha and avoids emissions of 1.29 million tonnes annually

Sustainability Beyond Carbon

Organic clothing factory trains and employs young women to sew, dye and screen-print organic cotton clothing for export to USA and Europe

Organic nurseries sell citrus trees and jojoba to fund the free supply of agroforestry species and native hardwood seedlings to local farmers for medicinal, nutrition and fuelwood needs

Research is funded into growing of jojoba with companion herbs to produce valuable essential oils, providing a high-end cash crop

Community based eco-charcoal production developed offering an alternative to charcoal from primary forest

Several permanent ranger stations established, each with 8-12 rangers recruited and trained from local communities.  Dedicated 4 ranger patrol with tracking skills and biodiversity knowledge tracks and monitors High Conservation Value species

Community Wildlife Scouts funded, trained and supported to monitor and deter illegal activity, e.g. charcoal burning, bushmeat hunting and commercial poaching

Local groups provide environmental advice and support, e.g. a reforestation project planting 20,000 indigenous hardwood trees to replace those lost to charcoal or construction

School construction and maintenance works funded.  Expanded bursary scheme for education

Community members are employed and trained in organic agroforestry

Ecotourism developed, employing safari guides and other service jobs