www.lamuconservationtrust.org
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“The Lamu area is the priceless heritage of how Africa was before being despoiled by human greed and how it should remain for posterity. Its magnificence as a wildlife spectacle is unmatched, its cultural heritage is a historical treasure trove and its marine life is magical and stunning. I am so proud that the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust has been able to play a significant role in helping the local people to preserve and safeguard this irreplaceable and precious natural jewel.� Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick DBE MBE MBS DVMS
www.lamuconservationtrust.org
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WHO WE ARE The Lamu Conservation Trust is an indigenous conservation community and a flexible movement for conservation and development, managing complex ecological systems whilst accommodating diverse stakeholder interests and values. OUR MISSION Our mission is to conserve the indigenous cultures, wildlife and marine ecologies of the Greater Lamu Eco-Region, encompassing conservation strategies and cultural practices, providing security for the benefit of our peoples and for future generations. WHAT WE DO Large uninterrupted tracts of wildlife and indigenous forest grow increasingly scarce. Sensitive areas bordering National Parks and Game Reserves are being exploited and the Greater Lamu Eco-region is just one of these critically endangered areas. Private lands conservation is an innovative tactic that leverages the increasing interest of the private sector to take part in communitybased conservation. Conserved sustainably this land offers opportunities that will provide a solid income alternative to the communities, local governments and county ccouncils within these sensitive areas. www.lamuconservationtrust.org
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OUR VISION Our vision is to unite in embracing our role and responsibility as custodians of our land, addressing our current and future challenges and resolving our issues for the protection of our culture and the security of our wildlife and marine biodiversity.
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OUR PEOPLE We are the people of Lamu District. We are a fusion of local communities including the Bajuni, the Orma, the Boni and the Sanye. Empowered through the Lamu Conservation Trust we are the custodians of our land, securing our future by protecting our biological diversity, safeguarding our culture and traditions and sustainably managing our natural resources on land and sea. OUR TEAM of EXPERTS Whilst we recognise the strength of our local traditional knowledge we also recognise the need for further support and conservational capacity building. By fusing outsiders’ and local knowledge we will be able to develop culturally appropriate adaptive systems of managing our diverse biological resources. Our team of experts are selected to advise on all Lamu Conservation Trust projects lending support, knowledge and technical expertise. OUR FRIENDS The Lamu Conservation Trust is grateful for the solid support of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and the passion of William and Robert Carr-Hartley and Sangalai Ltd. OUR LEADERSHIP The Trust is instrumental in creating deliberative inclusionary processes that will transform decision making and management practices, opening-up co-
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management frameworks allowing for learning and collective action. Through social interaction and debate different positions of stakeholders are recognised and respected, whilst all participants are confident that their views are heard and noticed. OUR BOARD The Trust is a dynamic and fluid organism founded in 2011 through the support of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. By creating an inclusionary framework through the institutionalisation of the L.C.T, active representation of all member communities, local leaders and government officials is facilitated. Our Founding Trustees: Mohammed Ali Athman Omari Twalib Mzee William Carr-Hartley Robert Carr - Hartley
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Anchored within Lamu’s ancient history is a rich and vibrant culture. Described as the “oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa�, the area is globally recognised as a vitally important heritage site. Through the Lamu Conservation Trust and our team of experts we are now empowered to preserve our cultural identity whilst balancing the social and economic needs of our communities with the maintenance of healthy ecosystems through sustainable community development projects. Our long-term goal is to create financial sustainability by implementing sound commercial ventures, which will employ locals and create a solid income that will support the running of L.C.T activities.
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Our sustainable Community Development Projects include: Community Employment Wildlife & Community Security Low-impact Cattle Ranching Agroforestry Beekeeping Eco-tourism Carbon Credits Apprenticeships and Education
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The Lamu Area: “The birthplace of Swahili, East Africa’s lingua franca. This region was once central to the old empires of the Indian Ocean region and therefore of significant importance to the human history of the world”
www.lamuconservationtrust.org
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FLORA Nine threatened plant species including the critically endangered Euphorbia tanaensis occur within the Greater Lamu Eco-region.
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Wildlife and the viability of their habitats in the Greater Lamu Eco-region are under severe threat due to increased human/wildlife conflicts triggered by illegal hunting, habitat destruction and the disruption of migratory movement patterns. Through active conservation strategies we will work towards stabilising and sustaining our terrestrial ecosystem, which incorporates critical habitat and wildlife corridors and is a biodiversity hotspot for globally threatened species.
BIRDLIFE The unique bird biodiversity within the Lamu district is vast, including the near threatened Southern Banded Snake-eagle and the endemic Fishers Turaco. In addition the regionally threatened Saddle-billed Stork, African Crowned Eagle, the endemic Little Yellow Flycatcher and Scaly Babbler are all existent.
FAUNA The African Elephant and a vast array of species still reside within the Lamu district. Species include Lion, Buffalo, Giraffe, Leopard, Hippo, Cheetah, Zebra, and a major breeding population of Topi, Waterbuck, Lesser Kudu, Warthog, Bushpig, Spotted Hyaena and several primate species.
ENDANGERED SPECIES Other near extinct and critically threatened species include the Hirola (Hunter’s Hartebeest), Aders’ Duiker, Lesser Elephant Shrew and the Somali Galago.
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“The forest and grassland habitats within the Lamu mainland are full of surprises of great importance...like the newly discovered Elephant Shrew and the critically endangered Aders’ Duiker...and with further exploration there is great possibility of uncovering yet more unidentified species.”
www.lamuconservationtrust.org
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Human activities including unsustainable and harmful fishing practices, mangrove harvesting and destruction of nesting and foraging habitats is seriously threatening the marine ecology of the Lamu district. Through a participatory community-based approach we are establishing a representative network to promote and implement solutions to protect the marine ecosystem and use marine resources sustainably, whilst working to conserve valuable coral reefs, sea grass and extensive mangrove forests, which provide refuge for many aquatic species and migratory seabirds.
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MARINE-LIFE The Lamu marine environment contains a diversity of land and seascapes including mangroves, mudflats, lagoons, sand dunes, beaches, sand islands, raised reef islands, sea-grass beds and coral reefs. Among the most impressive marine species are Green, Hawksbill, Olive Ridley and Leatherback turtles, Dugongs, Dolphins and Whales. The Greater Lamu Eco-region also accommodates the largest breeding colony of white-cheeked, bridled and roseate terns in the world. SUSTAINABLE FISHING Working with local fishermen, traders, and consumers the Lamu Conservation Trust is striving for long-term sustainability where seafood is harvested in a way that sustains and protects the marine environment, the species within it, and the people who depend on them.
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“The Lamu Archipelago with its labyrinth of mangrove channels and forests is one of the most critical marine habitats within the Eastern Seaboard of Africa�
www.lamuconservationtrust.org
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WHERE WE WORK From mangroves on the Indian Ocean to acacias in the African bush, the environmental diversity of the Greater Lamu Eco-region is incredible. On shore in lowland forest and savannah woodlands we find elephants, lions and antelope. At sea in a rich mosaic of coral reels and mangroves we find leatherback turtles, dolphins and seabirds. AMU Amu Ranch was established as a group cooperative in the 1970’s instigated by its community who were anxious to protect their land. Their efforts in trying to safeguard their 60,000 acres, which is bigger than several of Kenya’s national parks, were unsuccessful due to lack of resources and support. Now stabilised on L.C.T’s solid foundations, Amu and its community can actively protect their land, diversity and culture. THE FUTURE The Lamu Conservation Trust team will continue to work steadily, building on the successful foundations of Amu. Planned activities are to expand conservation efforts throughout the Lamu Eco-region, working inclusively with communities. The Trust will increase security in currently unprotected areas, instigating anti-poaching patrols and community projects, as well as fencing boundaries where settlements have taken
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shape in order to prevent human/wildlife conflict. As relationships grow with local and key government bodies, the Trust will expand its efforts into vitally important biodiversity hotspots and forested areas within the Greater Lamu Eco-region. In the long term we hope that this unique, motivating and inclusive conservation initiative will be wholly embraced by all communities and official organisations and that the people of the area will fully understand that the Lamu Conservation Trust is a movement ‘by the people for the people’ with guidance from a team of experts and trusted supporters. The well-being of this beautifully diverse and irreplaceably unique environment was not long ago looking severely threatened, but now united by a common goal, the people of Lamu are writing a promising future.
www.lamuconservationtrust.org
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www.lamu www.lamuconservationtrust.org muconservationtrust.org mu
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www.lamuconservationtrust.org
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www.lamuconservationtrust.org info@lamuconservationtrust.org | general enquiries: +254 (0) 728861405 All photographs copyright of Robert Carr-Hartley
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Supported by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org
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