By Sophie Birkett | Head of Operations, Charitable Trust
Dear Supporter,
In February 2014 GVI returned to work with Ngoyaki to complete the work from 2013 and begin looking at alternative livelihood projects for the community members. Livestock herding places large pressures on the land in this area with soil erosion and pollution of the creek having adverse effects on the habitat. We worked to complete the construction of a cattle trough whereby herdsman could take their livestock to water them thus protecting the creek and the valuable water source downstream.
However GVI undertook another project while working in Kasokoni. There is great potential for eco-tourism in the area with great biodiversity particularly among bird species. The CBO Ngoyaki also has long term aims of establishing an eco-tourism site with guided walks encompassing views of Kilimanjaro and a visit to the adjacent Crater Lake. Already possessing a rich Taveta culture and extensive knowledge on local plant and animal species Ngoyaki could become a great eco-tourism spot. Areas that we mapped during our time with Ngoyaki are the Northern range of their territory, a short walk from our campsite to the nearest road and a possible tourism trail visiting Lake Chala through an abandoned hotel.
While being guided by the group we were also taking note of all animal species that were sighted and identified along the way to add to our ongoing species list for the area, another way of encouraging tourism. Mapping the area was a great help to Ngoyaki because it utilises resources GVI has access to that the group would not be able to fund themselves. GVI has used Google Earth to create a KML file showing satellite images of the territory that Ngoyaki owns and the routes they guided us on. This will be a valuable resource for eco-tourism as it gives them a tangible document they can present to possible visitors and is something they can include in any tourist brochures they produce.
Looking to the future Ngoyaki are aiming to build a catchment area and pump to fill the completed cattle trough and expand their knowledge of ecotourism and develop a tourism centre. GVI, in partnership with Tsavo Pride and Ngoyaki are optimistic about the continuing partnership and goals with the community and land management focusing on anti poaching, alternative livelihood and wildlife conservation collaboratively to protect the habitat around Kasakoni.
Many thanks for your continuing support
GVI Kenya
Links:
Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.
If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can receive an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.
