This August ZanaA is helping the launch of an incredible new organization, REFUGE: Restoring Forests for Future Generations. While ZanaA works to provide alternatives to wood pulp for sanitary pads, REFUGE is helping to protect and restore the most critical water catchment for East Africa.
Unleash the G: The Freshest Way to Restore the Land
Unleash the G is a concept that hopes to realize the potential of the youth to transform the landscape of this great land. By definition we aspire to use this event as a launch pad to engage the youth in getting involved to restore the most important catchment area in this land, the Mau Forest. In so doing, we believe this will be a catalyst for the country to realize its highest potential in the sectors of Health, Economy, Tourism and Agriculture, thus addressing the issues of poverty, hunger and disease.
The Mavuno Eco Fest on August 22nd, brings a new dimension to environmental awareness. Bring family and friends and experience the G. This event showcases a variety of exciting activities unlike anything Nairobi has ever seen. This event brings together artistes like the indomitable Eric Wainaina, the coolest jazz sounds of Aaron Crucial Rimbui, the energetic and internationally renowned Jua Kali drummers and many more.
With fantastic performances running through out day, a kids’ corner, acrobats, fantastic food and mind-blowing prizes it will be a day to remember. In addition, the latest innovations in environmental friendly items will be showcased at a craft fare. This event is by definition, the freshest way for the youth to engage the issues of deforestation
Background from Founder and ZanaA Board member, Dr. Mukuria Mwangi
Having worked in the Eastern Mau Forest since 2005, I have personally witnessed the human potential to destroy the most critical catchment area Kenya. While living in East Mau for nearly four years, I formed a personal relationship with the communities both indigenous and migratory and learned of their personal challenges as well as their views about the forest. Each year the diminishing forest has affected key areas of development including impacts on tourism, agriculture, energy and community health. My experience has motivated a personal mission to develop practical solutions to help preserve the Mau forest while empowering diverse communities to provide for themselves and their families. REFUGE is the result of this journey (Restoring Forests for Future Generations).
The Mau Forest is the largest indigenous forest in East Africa spanning 400,000 ha. Despite the considerable size, 10% (over 4000 hectares) were destroyed in March 2009 by local arsonists. Since Kenya’s independence the forest has shrunk dramatically; less that only 45% of closed canopy forest is left, only 180,000 ha. Consequently, the interaction between farming communities and the forest has been largely negative. REFUGE seeks to introduce new opportunities for rural farming communities to engage in sustainable agriculture technologies and methodologies placing a high premium on the reforestation process. Community stakeholders also includes grassroots institutions such as churches and schools, where education on the environment and integrating best practices in farming with a community’s worldview can lead to longer-lasting positive changes in environmental management.
REFUGE’s Partners
REFUGE has formed key partnerships with UNEP’s Billion Tree Campaign and Medea Group Limited to provide expertise in the areas of tree planting and “fusion farming.” Each organization has a track record of transforming landscapes and communities through innovative community-based approaches. Directly and indirectly, communities working with REFUGE to produce a positive effect on local ecosystems while enhancing regional food security and reducing poverty through sustainable income generation. The ZanaAfrica Group will be working with REFUGE ensuring transparency, accountability and reporting for all funds raised on behalf of REFUGE to support the restorative work REFUGE plans to implement in the Mau Forest.
REFUGE’s Mission and Goal
REFUGE seeks to implement environmentally sustainable solutions to protect the Mau forest while addressing the pervasive issue of rural poverty by providing food security through innovations in rural farming methodologies.
The mission of REFUGE is to sensitize the local communities that live in the region, on how their actions directly and indirectly impact the lives of more than 300 million Africans in ten (10) neighboring countries. This initiative translates into community based initiatives that synergize optimal farming methods increasing yields, by leveraging “backpack farming” in cooperation with intensive reforestation exercises.
As the dominant economies of the world opt to go green, Kenya – emerging economies hold the potential to present themselves as contenders in the global marketplace by adopting a proactive stance towards supporting the environment.
The funds raised by REFUGE will help implement a strategic training and replanting program with indigenous communities of the Mau Forest. Our goal is to replant more than 100 million indigenous seedlings and train 50,000 local farmers and school children on the value of reforestation over the next 14 years.
