In 2005 work began assessing the presence and habitat requirements of spotted-necked otters (Lutra maculicollis) in Kenya and Tanzania. During our original trip to Kenya, we visited a school conservation club presenting information on the otters and involving students in a field trip experience. As a result of this visit a small group of teachers formed the Kisumu Science Teachers Lake Victoria Otter and Wetlands Conservation Development Group (KISTOC). By 2009 ten school-based clubs had been formed and the group had reached out to a small group of fishermen struggling to start a small wildlife viewing concern for tourists (HFG). KISTOC activities have consisted of fortnightly meetings while the HFG with KISTOC help have restored 20km of Lake Victoria shoreline providing habitat for many wildlife species as well as improved fish refugia. Over the intervening years this group received some support from the otter research team members and the International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF) based in Scotland.

This project will facilitate further in-depth training, interaction, and coordination of Kisumu teachers, students, and other groups interested in preserving their lakeshore ecosystem and wildlife. Importantly, this project places primary focus on activities identified as key to success by the Kisumu area stakeholders, allowing them to co-direct and take ownership of the project and its outcome.

At this time, the existing KISTOC clubs are constrained to on-site school meetings due to limited funds. The students and teachers have voiced a desire for more educational material and a need to actually experience the lakeshore ecosystem and its wildlife. They have established goals of contributing to the restoration of lakeshore areas as well as exploring solutions to other conservation issues plaguing their schools and the entire Kisumu area. Additionally, Rufford funds will be used to reach out to other schools interested in the program. This project will provide education materials focused on Lake Victoria’s ecosystem and its wildlife for all clubs. It also will provide new experiential learning opportunities and the opportunity for students to identify projects they can design and carryout to address some of the environmental issues their community faces.

As a companion component, the building of a boat for the HFG contributes to the solution of two significant issues. It will allow the group to develop their communal economic endeavour simultaneously providing transport for school club field trips to see and assist in the restoration of vital wetland habitats.