Peninah Aloo Obudho
Other projects
23 Oct 2015
Establishment of a Botanical Garden and Nature Trail for Environmental Education and Community Awareness Creation at Karatina University, Kenya
The project is a continuation of the first Rufford Small Grant Project. The project aims to complete the establishment of a Botanical Garden and Nature Trail at Karatina University for environmental education of the community, primary school children and university students. The facility will be used for the sensitization of community around the university on the importance of nature conservation. Additionally, the project will establish 10 more Environmental Clubs around Nyeri County especially in Mukuruweni sub-county and Mathira west which were omitted in the first phase. The aim of the project is to impart environmental virtues to young children in primary schools and members of the community. Since each primary school will establish a school forest in the school compound, the project will enhance forest cover in Nyeri County in a small way thus mitigating impacts of global climate change.
Karatina University is located a few metres from an extension of the Mount Kenya forest which has faced destruction from forest fires and high demand for forest products. Forests have enormous influence on global climate and local weather affecting food production. With reduced forest cover, livelihoods are greatly affected. This project will enhance awareness on environmental conservation among school children and community members.
The project will complete the Botanical Garden and Nature Trail at the University for Community Sensitization on environmental conservation. This will enhance awareness creation on environmental conservation. It is hoped that the planting of trees in the school forests will contribute towards increased forest cover in Nyeri County. With increase in forest cover, the project will contribute towards mitigating the impacts of global climate change. Environmental conservation is the responsibility of the community members including youths, women groups and school children. When adequately sensitized, they will understand the importance of the connection between the environment and their livelihoods.
The project will establish 10 more Environmental Clubs in primary schools. Members of the Environmental Clubs will be trained on environmental conservation using the tree nursery at the University Botanical Garden and Nature Trail. Patrons for the clubs will also be trained to equip them with skills required to assist the clubs in environmental conservation. Environmental sensitization materials will be developed and circulated in the selected primary schools. These materials will be prepared in English and translated in the local language for all stakeholders to understand. The training of pupils in primary schools will ensure the sustainability of the programme long after the end of the project. Previous work brought together stakeholders with interests in promoting environmental conservation. This second phase aims to bring more partners on board including National Environmental Management Agency and UNEP. This will enhance partnership between Karatina University and other stakeholders.