One of the greatest challenges that endangered species face is the loss of their natural habitat.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN estimates that 3.4 million hectares of forest cover in Africa disappeared every year from 2000 to 2010. In East Africa, a total of 6 million hectares were lost between 2000 and 2012, according to the World Wildlife Fund.
The key drivers of forest degradation are the development of agricultural land and rapid population growth. Ultimately, losing forest cover will exacerbate the negative effects of climate change, affecting both communities and wildlife.
Our Response
We are working with our neighbours to protect the forest cover found in our ecosystem. We are supporting and strengthening Community Forest Associations to ensure that they remain robust, community-driven institutions that spearhead the protection and management of forests.
We also support local communities in adopting environmentally sound agricultural practicesto promote sustainable economic opportunities (learn more about how Lewa is building farmers’ capacity for sustainable agriculture here).
Lewa oversees six tree nurseries that produce approximately 6,000 seedlings per year. These young saplings are planted throughout the conservancy grounds or often sold to small-scale farmers at a significantly discounted price. In addition, our team works with local farmers to safeguard the environment where wildlife reside, while ensuring that agricultural production is sufficiently sustaining communities.
| Our Impact |
10,000
Trees planted by Lewa, Ngare Ndare Forest, Borana Conservancy and the Kenya Forest Service.
12
Security scouts trained by Lewa to support effective management of the forests.
