Harrison Nabaala, Savannah Restoration Manager at The Centre for Ecosystem Restoration (CERK), and one of the masterminds behind the newly established Enarau Conservancy, shares an end-of-year reflection on the conservancy’s journey so far.
As we come together during the festive time of the year, Enarau Conservancy would like to express our sincere appreciation for your continued support in our efforts to safeguard wildlife, revive ecosystems, and empower communities. As 2023 draws to a close, we reflect on the accomplishments and obstacles that have shaped our journey throughout the year.
Safeguarding Sanctuary
Our ranger team has made significant progress in ensuring the security of Enarau Conservancy’s critical habitats. They conduct regular patrols on foot and by motorcycles to deter any illegal activities within the conservancy. This has helped to keep the habitat safe and intact. Our monitoring efforts have improved with the use of real-time trackers in handheld gadgets and motorcycles, providing crucial data to Earth Ranger software for processing and visualization.
Restoration in Bloom
At the heart of our restoration efforts lies our on-site tree nursery, which is thriving despite facing challenges such as herbivory, pest attacks, and unpredictable weather. Currently, we are cultivating 4,129 seedlings from a diverse range of native tree species. This savanna nursery is a testament to our dedication to supporting restoration programs, not only within Enarau but also across the Mara ecosystem. We meet challenges with resilience, and we are pleased to report a steady rise in species diversity and seedling quantities.
Advancements in Research
Our research program, in collaboration with partners such as the Centre for Ecosystem Restoration Kenya (CERK) and the Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancies Association (MMWCA), has made significant progress. Baseline surveys on biodiversity are currently underway, with passionate students from our partner universities – both local and international – collecting data. We anticipate that the completion of our first research unit will serve as a hub for collaboration and knowledge sharing among conservationists, further enriching our understanding of the environment.
Community at the Heart
Enarau Conservancy is resolutely committed to promoting the well-being of the community. We believe in establishing collaborative partnerships that enable us to involve the community in maximizing the benefits of conservation. For instance, we have joined hands with Water4Wildlife Maasai Mara to demonstrate our dedication to this cause. Additionally, we run initiatives such as “Football Conservation” at Laila Primary School that not only provide environmental knowledge to children but also cultivate a sense of responsibility towards the environment.
Gratitude for Partnerships
As we celebrate the achievements made in our thematic pillars, namely Research, Restoration and Conservation, Technology, and Community well-being, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our team, partners, and the community. Enarau Conservancy’s unwavering dedication to conservation and community engagement shines brightly this Christmas season. Let the spirit of unity and care for our planet continue to guide us into a hopeful and sustainable future. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Enarau Conservancy!
To learn more about this project and to show your support, please visit the Enarau Conservancy page and share with friends and family. Alternatively, get in touch with Paul Herbertson.