Vision 2005: an integrated conservation and development project for the Kikuyu escarpment forest

David Kuria

Through this proposed project KENVO (Kijabe Environment Volunteers) hopes to diversify its voluntary awareness activities while still advocating for sound management and conservation of the Kikuyu Escarpment Forests. In doing so KENVO will be building on the achievements of two previous projects supported by the CLP in 2000 and 2002. Activities and lessons learnt will be scaled up and expanded to other sites of the entire forest through a network of partnerships and promoted through exchange visits and meetings with local groups.

The project will also continue encouraging the sustainable use of the forest by diversifying income-generating opportunities for the local communities, maintaining conservation education and community awareness activities, and ensuring that these activities can be sustained without relying on external funding. The project is keen to introduce a micro-credit scheme and a revolving fund for team members and community groups. This facility is aimed at improving the livelihoods of the volunteers who are most in need of economic support.