Restoring the wetlands in Saiwa Swamp National Park
Last year thanks to your support, we raised £20,659 during the 2021 Big Give Christmas Challenge to restore and protect the wetlands in Saiwa Swamp National Park, Kenya.
A quick recap of the project…
Located in Kakamega, Western Kenya, the wetlands in Saiwa Swamp are a vital source of natural resources for local communities.
But decades of poor land use and over cultivation have drained the vital wetlands found in the park.
Not only has this threatened the livelihoods of the communities neighbouring the park, but also rare wildlife species such as the Grey Crowned Crane and the aquatic Sitatunga Antelope.
But thanks to you, we’re working with the local community to restore and protect this fragile ecosystem.
Together with our local partner, Kipsaina Cranes & Wetlands Conservation Group (KCWCG), we’re planting indigenous trees to restore the shrinking wetlands for the benefit of people, wildlife and the planet.
So far, 12,000 trees have been planted and 3,000 more will be planted later in year during the next tree planting season!
We’re also supporting local farmers to gain agroforestry techniques for improved soil fertility and crop yields.
And promoting environmental stewardship amongst the local community. Ensuring that everyone understands and values the importance of tree planting and conservation.
“I’m happy to work with Kipsaina Cranes & Wildlife Conservation Group because besides conserving the wetlands, we’re also getting something to sustain our lives. I am also happy to work here because I now have a lot of experience in conserving trees, I have experience of planting trees in the forest and planting even my own trees. ”
Protecting endangered species
In this video, Wycliffe, Matika, ITF’s Africa Programmes Manager, shares how this project is helping the Kenya Wildlife Service to protect endangered species found within the swamp.
“With 80% of Kenya being arid or semi-arid, we have no option but to save our wetlands from extinction.” Wycliffe points out.
Thank you for your support!
Wetlands are critical to mitigating climate change and safeguarding biodiversity. They purify and protect freshwater sources and help prevent soil erosion.
And thanks to all of you who donated to our 2021 Big Give Christmas Campaign, we’re planting trees to ensure the health of the wetlands for future generations to come.
Double your donation!
We’re once again taking part in the Big Give Challenge. For one week only, all donations made between 29th November - 6th December, will be generously matched by our friends at the Big Give. That means one donation, twice the impact. Simply donate on our campaign page and make twice the impact for people and the planet.