Bio-diversity

Institute for culture and Ecology (ICE) is a national indigenous non-governmental organization started in 2006, and registered by the Non-Governmental Organizations Board (Reg. OP.218/051/2006/0218/4221). ICE is committed to buttressing traditional knowledge in community-based environmental and resource management initiatives and facilitating culture-based learning that would lead to social and ecological well-being of the earth community. The specific objective and results of the project is as follows: Primary objectives To initiate a process of recognition of Kathita River as a sacred river under UNESCO s Intangible Heritage. To map out sacred sites along Kathita River and lobby for its recognition as a sacred river under UNESCO s Intangible Heritage. To promote agro-forestry for sustainable livelihoods of communities along Kathita river. To build partnerships and consolidate a local lobby group on Indigenous and Community Conserved Areas (ICCAs) in Mt. Kenya East Region Specific results 125 km of riverine ecosystem protected and trees planted on the 200 ha protected 5 indigenous crops promoted for re-introduction by communities living adjacent to the river 10 sacred sites potentiated and protected to sustain the sacred nature of the Kathita river 100 households along Kathita river practicing agro-ecological farming adopt soil conservation techniques 10 community groups identified and strengthened to promote protection of Kathita river, prioritize cultural activities to revive for protection of the river and to lead in lobbying for recognition of Kathita as a sacred river Linkages formed and strengthened between local institutions of governance, Community Forest Associations, Water Resource Users Associations and government institutions on forest and water conservation. ICCAs working group up and running in Mt. Kenya East region. Basic ICCAs database developed for Mt. Kenya East region. The activities to be carried include the following: Community dialogues for mobilization; organizing local community, developing and strengthening leadership structures; developing lobbying materials on Kathita river; planting trees on riparian reserve of Kathita river; recuperating indigenous seeds and promoting agro-ecological farming practices to optimize farm production; promoting partnerships for lobbying on Kathita river; developing a media strategy for communication; and conducting strategy development meetings for the ICCAs group in Kenya. This project is important to Meru and Tharaka communities since Kathita River is sacred to them and it is also a key source of water for their farming and livestock keeping activities.

Kenya