Dakatcha Woodland Participatory Management Plan 2014 - 2019 by Nature Kenya Publications

PARTICIPATORY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR DAKATCHA WOODLAND 2014 - 2019

NATIONAL MUSEUMS OF KENYA where heritage lives on

PARTICIPATORY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR DAKATCHA WOODLAND 2014 - 2019

APPROVAL PAGE This Management Plan is hereby approved; its implementation will be guided by the signed Management Agreement between Kenya Forest Service, Kilifi County Government and Dakatcha Community Forest Association. Its implementation will be based on approved annual work plans. The plan may be amended as need arises and depending on prevailing conservation policy legislations through mutual agreement of both parties.

David K. Mbugua, Director Kenya Forest Service

Kiringi Mwachitu Executive Member Environment, Water, Environment, Forestry and Natural Resources, Kilifi County

Disclaimer

The production, printing and distribution of this document to stakeholders has been with the financial assistance of the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF). The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of the team that developed the Participatory Management Plan for Dakatcha Woodland, and cannot under normal circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of CEPF.

DAKATCHA WOODLAND PARTICIPATORY MANAGEMENT PLAN 2015 -2019

CONTENTS APPROVAL PAGE .................................................................................................................................... 5 FOREWORD ............................................................................................................................................. 7 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .......................................................................................................................... 8 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ........................................................................................................................... 9 LIST OF ABREVIATIONS ...................................................................................................................... 10 CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................ 11 Background, Vision and objective ......................................................................................................................... 11 Vision ............................................................................................................................................................................... 11 Overall Objective .......................................................................................................................................................... 11 Metholodology for Dakatcha Woodland Management Plan ....................................................................... 11 CHAPTER 2: LEGAL STATUS, BIOPHYSICAL AND SOCIAL ............................................................. 12 CHARACTERISTICS OF DAKATCHA WOODLAND Legal Status and Geographical Location ........................................................................................................... 12 Biophysical Description ............................................................................................................................................ 13 Topography, Altitude and Climate ........................................................................................................................ 13 Soils .................................................................................................................................................................................. 13 Vegetation ..................................................................................................................................................................... 13 Fauna ............................................................................................................................................................................... 13 Social Economic Status ............................................................................................................................................ 14 Human Population Adjacent to the Forest ....................................................................................................... 14 Local Economy ............................................................................................................................................................ 14 Social Amenities .......................................................................................................................................................... 15 Stakeholders and their Engagement in Dakatcha Woodland Conservation ........................................ 15 Roles and Responsibilities of Stakeholders ...................................................................................................... 15 CHAPTER 3: PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS ..................................................................................... 17 Policies and Legal Frameworks for Dakatcha PFMP ..................................................................................... 17 The Constitution of Kenya ....................................................................................................................................... 17 Forest Act No.7 of 2005 ........................................................................................................................................... 17 KFS Strategic Plan ...................................................................................................................................................... 17 Environmental Management & Coordination Act 1999 ................................................................................ 17 Wildlife Management and Conservation Act Cap 2013 ................................................................................ 17 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) ........................................................................................................ 17 The Science and Technology Act cap 250 ........................................................................................................ 17 Farm Forestry Development Regulations of 2009 Gazetted .................................................................... 17 under the Agriculture Act Cap 318 The Agriculture Act, Cap 318 .................................................................................................................................. 17 Kenya Tourist Development Corporation Act, Cap 382 ............................................................................... 17 Tourist Industry Licensing Act, Cap 381 ............................................................................................................. 18 Grass Fires Act ............................................................................................................................................................. 18 Chiefsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Act ...................................................................................................................................................................... 18 Social Services Laws on Registration of CBOs ................................................................................................ 18 Physical Planning Act ............................................................................................................................................... 18 Rationale for Dakatcha Woodland Management Plan .................................................................................. 18 Value of the Forest ..................................................................................................................................................... 18 Biodiversity Value ....................................................................................................................................................... 18

DAKATCHA WOODLAND PARTICIPATORY MANAGEMENT PLAN 2015 -2019

CONTENTS Charcoal Burning ......................................................................................................................................................... 18 Timber Production ...................................................................................................................................................... 18 Pole Cutting .................................................................................................................................................................. 19 Poaching of Wildlife ................................................................................................................................................... 19 Illegal Wood Carving Activities ............................................................................................................................. 19 Land Encroachment/Settlement .......................................................................................................................... 19 Large Scale Agricultural Interests ........................................................................................................................ 19 Forest Fires .................................................................................................................................................................. 20 Other Constraints to Conservation ..................................................................................................................... 20 CHAPTER 4: ZONING FOR EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT ................................................................. 20 Management Objectives ......................................................................................................................................... 20 Dakatcha Woodland PFM Programme Zones ................................................................................................ 20 Core Biodiversity Conservation Zone ................................................................................................................ 20 Forest Zone ................................................................................................................................................................... 21 Buffer Zone ................................................................................................................................................................... 22 The Intervention Zone on Private Land ............................................................................................................. 22 CHAPTER 5: MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES ................................................................................... 23 Human Resources Development Programme ................................................................................................ 23 Security and Protection of the Forest and its Biodiversity Programme .............................................. 24 Ecosystem Management and Ecological Monitoring Programme .......................................................... 25 Awareness Creation and Livelihood Programme .......................................................................................... 26 Infrastructure and Equipment Programme ...................................................................................................... 27 CHAPTER 6: PLAN IMPLEMENTATION .............................................................................................. 29 Costs of Implementing the Management Plan ............................................................................................... 29 Monitoring Framework ............................................................................................................................................ 29 Plan Implementation Structure ............................................................................................................................ 29 Evaluation Framework ............................................................................................................................................. 29

DAKATCHA WOODLAND PARTICIPATORY MANAGEMENT PLAN 2015 -2019

FOREWORD Dakatcha Woodland is recognized globally as a Key Biodiversity area (KBA) and an Important Bird Area (IBA). Its forest fragments provide important ecosystem services that need to be protected. Within the Dakatcha Woodland, there are sites of great cultural importance to the local communities. One unique aspect of Dakatcha Woodland as a conservation area is that local community reside within it. Rapid growth of human population within Dakatcha Woodland and the adjacent area including towns and the resultant increased demands for forest products including timber and charcoal, and increased demand for agricultural products is a great threat to the conservation of the woodland. The high poverty levels and limited livelihood options also force members of the local community to turn to extractive use of forest products. There is also increased pressure for large scale agricultural production both by the government and private companies that might compromise the survival of the existing forest fragments. Dakatcha Woodland Management Plan was developed to guide the sustainable utilization of the forest fragments and surrounding landscape in recognition that it is an important biodiversity conservation site that hosts many globally threatened species and that it is home to local communities whose livelihoods are dependent on it. The plan also recognizes that both the County and the Central governments have an obligation to ensure that the forest is used sustainably for socio-economic developments and for biodiversity conservation. This plan is prepared in compliance with the legal requirement of the Forests Act, 2005 which provides a mandatory legal requirement for preparation of management plans for management of all forests. The implementation of this plan will require the dedication of all stakeholders. The County government of Kilifi commits to work closely with KFS and other National government agencies such as KWS and NEMA, and with civil society organizations to ensure that this plan is implemented. The County government also recognizes that there is urgent need to prioritize the development of a land use plan to guide the future developmemnt activities in the PFM area and its environs.

DAKATCHA WOODLAND PARTICIPATORY MANAGEMENT PLAN 2015 -2019

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We sincerely thank the various players who in one way or the other contributed to the successful development of this management plan. We thank Kenya Forest Service (James Mwang’ombe Mwamodenyi, Blessingtone Maghanga and Diang’a Obara) for taking the lead and also for providing the legal and technical backstopping throughout the entire process. We also thank Maria Fungomeli and Hussein Kassim both of National Museums of Kenya for their commitment throughout this process. Nature Kenya is highly appreciated not just for the financial support that led to the successful completion of this PFMP but also for dedicating their staff (Dr. Paul Matiku, Dr. Paul Muoria, Joan Gichuki, Francis Kagema, George Odera, Arafa Salim and Brian Wambua) from the start to the end of this process. Special thanks to the local chiefs and their assistants for mobilizing the local people to the various meetings. The entire Dakatcha community is highly appreciated for their commitment and will to ensure conservation of the remaining forest patches. May God bless all the players currently involved and those who will join us in future. This management plan was compiled by Blessingtone Maghanga (KFS), Maria Fungomeli (NMK), Paul Muoria and George Odera (NK), and was edited by Fleur Ng’weno (NK), James Mwang’ombe Mwamodenyi, J.K. Macharia (KFS) and Paul Matiku (NK).

DAKATCHA WOODLAND PARTICIPATORY MANAGEMENT PLAN 2015 -2019

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This Dakatcha Woodland management plan was developed following Kenya Forest Service approved Participatory Forest Management framework. The woodland covers some 188,207 hectares within Magarini sub-county of Kilifi County and comprises of intact forest fragments and human settlements. The local community has set aside eight community conserved areas (CCAs) within the woodland. Other sites of conservation interest within Dakatcha Woodland include six Kayas and a reserve under the management of A Rocha Kenya. Dakatcha Woodland forest fragments trap, store and release rainwater; protect the fragile soil from erosion; moderate the local climate; sequester carbon, thus slowing climate change; shelter globally endangered wildlife; and provide medicines, food and fibre to the local community. Dakatcha Woodland holds substantial populations of globally-threatened species including the Endangered Sokoke Scops Owl (Otus ireneae), Sokoke Pipit (Anthus sokokensis), and Clarkeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Weaver (Ploceus golandi) and Golden-rumped Elephant-Shrew (Sengi) - Rhynchocyon chrysopygus. Dakatcha Woodland has been identified as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International, and is part of the Coastal Forests of East Africa Global Hotspot defined by Conservation International. Despite its conservation and biodiversity importance, Dakatcha Woodland has no formal protection status. Key threats to the survival of this IBA include uncontrolled charcoal and timber production, conversion into agricultural land, land speculators and poaching. This plan provides a road map to sustainably conserve the forest in order to provide ecological and socio-economic services to the local human population. The plan identifies five management objectives which if implemented will lead to the sustainability of the Dakatcha Woodland ecosystem. These include human resources development, enhanced security and protection, ecological monitoring, livelihood improvement and improvement in the infrastructure and equipment. The plan clearly identifies the management challenges for each objective, and identifies actions to overcome them. It is recommended that a land use plan be developed to guide sustainable use of Dakatcha Woodland. This plan will be implemented in a participatory manner with the involvement of the County government, the National government through KFS, local communities, and conservation organizations. Funding for this plan is expected to come from the County government, KFS and development partners.

DAKATCHA WOODLAND PARTICIPATORY MANAGEMENT PLAN 2015 -2019

LIST OF ABREVIATIONS CBD CBO CCA CFA CFG CRS DWCG DWFA GOK IBA IGA IUCN KEFRI KNBS KFS KTDC KWS LPC METT NEMA NGO NK NMK PFM PFMP UNDP WARMA WWF

Convention on Biological Diversity Community Based Organisation Community Conserved Area Community Forest Association Community Forest Guard Catholic Relief Service Dakatcha Woodland Conservation Group Dkatcha Woodland Forest Association Government of Kenya Important Bird Area Income Generating Activity International Union for Conservation of Nature Kenya Forestry Research Institute Kenya National Bureau of Statistics Kenya Forest Service Kenya Tourist Development Corporation Kenya Wildlife Service Local Planning Committee Management Effective Tracking Tool National Environment Management Authority Non-Governmental Organisation Nature Kenya National Museums of Kenya Participatory Forest Management Participatory Forest Management Plan United Nations Development Programme Water Resources Management Authority World Wide Fund for Nature

DAKATCHA WOODLAND PARTICIPATORY MANAGEMENT PLAN 2015 -2019

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION Background, Vision and Objective This management plan was developed in the spirit of Participatory Forest Management (PFM) with the aim of steering the sustainable management of Dakatcha Woodland. The PFM area comprises of intact forest fragments including Community Conserved Areas (CCAs), gazetted National Monuments (Kaya forests), seasonal and permanent wetlands and human settlements. The planning area excludes land under Galana Ranch (see figure 1). The PFM process for Dakatcha Woodland dates back to early 2010 when various stakeholders including Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Kenya Forest Research Institute (KEFRI), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), National Museums of Kenya (NMK), Nature Kenya (NK) and members of the local community came together to develop a management plan for the entire woodland. However, this idea was changed and a 25-year master plan was drawn but never concluded. The overall objective of this management plan is to have intact woodland with existing human settlement, conserved forest fragments and rehabilitated degraded forest areas for sustaining the full functions of the woodland and community livelihoods with no reduction in woodland or forest area and without compromising livelihood security by 2035. In early 2011 the need to establish Community Conserved Areas (CCAs) as the core conservation areas within the woodland was recognized. Several sensitization meetings, workshops and barazas bringing together the various stakeholders were conducted that culminated into this plan. Vision Sustainably conserved woodland with intact forest fragments that provide ecological and socio-economic services to the local human population, the nation and the world. Overall Objective To have ecologically viable woodland with conserved forest fragments, existing human settlements, and rehabilitated forest areas for sustaining the full functions of the woodland while supporting community livelihoods.

DAKATCHA WOODLAND PARTICIPATORY MANAGEMENT PLAN 2015 -2019

Metholodology for Dakatcha Woodland Management Plan This management plan preparation process followed typical PFM model where the following steps were followed: 1. Awareness creation 2. Participatory mapping of participating villages 3. Zonation of the PFM area 4. Participatory Forest Resource mapping within the PFM area 5. Preliminary zoning of PFM utilization zones 6. Participatory forest resource assessment 7. On farm participatory assessment of the forest resource. Between November and early December 2012, seven community sensitization meetings were held to get the community views on how they would want the woodland managed. A technical committee of eight individuals representing Nature Kenya (NK), Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Kenya Forest Research Institute (KEFRI), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), National Museums of Kenya (NMK), Dakatcha Woodland Conservation group (DWCG) and Dakatcha Community Forest Association (CFA) was formed to put together the information available into a first draft management plan. A local planning committee (LPC) of 32 community members was formed to review the draft document. The views of the LPC were then subjected to further consultation and consideration by the technical committee and a second draft document drawn up. Thesecond draft document was again shared with the local planning committee before the draft document was discussed with the larger community in four major community meetings held at grass-root levels. The document was officially assessed and owned by the local community for onward transmission to the Kilifi County government and to the Director KFS for consideration and final approval.

CHAPTER 2: LEGAL STATUS, BIOPHYSICAL AND SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF DAKATCHA WOODLAND Legal Status and Geographical Location Dakatcha Woodland consists of isolated and scattered intact pockets of forests, mainly of Brachystegia spiciformis and Cynometra webberi, in Marafa Division, Magarini subcounty of Kilifi County (Figure 1). Magarini subcounty has total area coverage of 1,675 Km2 and is divided into six locations i.e. Marafa, Garashi, Bungale, Dagamra, Chamari and Adu. Most of Dakatcha Woodland occupies land that is held in trust by Kilifi County Government on behalf of the local inhabitants. However, part of the Dakatcha Woodland IBA is located within the government-owned Galana Ranch. Dakatcha Woodland is estimated to be 188,207 hectares. The Eastern boundary runs from Sabaki River to the south and northwards to the area east of Marafa town, Adu and north into Adu Ranch. To the west, some parts of Dakatcha Woodland are within Galana Ranch

while some of the northern parts are said to be in Adu Ranch. Together with a part of ArabukoSokoke forest and fragments of Madunguni forest, the Dakatcha woodland forms the only remaining northern-most forest block of Brachystegia spiciformis. The local community has established eight (8) Community Conserved Areas (CCAs), which were mapped in 2014 (Figure 1). These are Kamale to the north, and Changoto, Chalalu, Kibaoni, Bore Singwaya, Boyani, Baraka Jembe and Mulunguni. However, the areas adjacent to Kamale, Changoto and Chalalu need to be treated as a conservation area. Another conservation area is around Mulunguni CCA. In addition, within Dakatcha Woodland are six (6) gazetted Kaya forests under National Museums of Kenya (NMK) and a private reserve under the management of A Rocha Kenya.

Figure 1: Map of Dakatcha Woodland

DAKATCHA WOODLAND PARTICIPATORY MANAGEMENT PLAN 2015 -2019

Biophysical Description Topography, Altitude and Climate A large part of Dakatcha Woodland lies within a gently undulating foot plateau just after the coastal strip. Its altitude varies between 25 to 350 metres above sea level. Dakatcha Woodland lies in an area with a mean annual rainfall ranging between 500-900mm distributed in two rainy seasons; long rains being experienced in March to June and short rains occurring from October to December. The mean annual temperature is 24 to 30º Celsius; the mean maximum temperature is 28ºC to 31ºC, and the mean minimum temperature is 20 to 23º Celsius. Soils The soils in Dakatcha Woodland are generally sandy or clayey, poor in nutrients and prone to leaching and erosion. Brachystegia forest is found on red sandy soil or white sandy soil. Cynometra thickets are found on red soils at the top of hills. This is the area that is threatened by pineapple production. Black-cotton soils rich in clay mainly support grassland or scrub. Vegetation Dakatcha woodland has mixed vegetation but is dominated by Brachystegia spiciformis forest in the valleys and on the slopes, and Brachylaena huillensis-Cynometra webberi association on top of the low hills, on red Magarini soils. The vegetation layers can be further described as follows:

1. The tree layer is occupied by singlestemmed trees more than 6m high. The main vegetation type is Brachystegia forest composed of broadly spreading trees over 5 meters high and sparse ground cover; in some area, this layer includes large Julbernardia and Manilkara trees, with an understorey that includes a variety of shrubs. 2. The high shrub layer is occupied by multistemmed shrubs, which generally are less than 6m but more than 2m in height, such as extremely dense broad-leaved thicket mostly less than 5m in height with completely closed canopy, which is mainly composed of Cynometra webberi. 3. The low shrub layer is occupied by multistemmed shrubs, which are generally less than 2m in height. These are areas of scrub, dense thicket or bush land with succulents. 4. The herb layer is occupied by both herbs and grasses. There are also grassland areas with scattered trees and shrubs. GIS analysis using 2014 Goggle earth maps reveal that 50% (93,873 ha) of Dakatcha Woodland is either farmland or open grazing areas. Forested areas currently cover 32% (59,617 ha) of the land while 17 % (31,580 ha) of the land can be classified as woodland (Figures 1 and 2). Fauna Dakatcha diversity.

woodland Its bird

has a species

rich faunal assemblage

Table 1: Dakatcha Woodland Land Use Acreage Unclassified 16 ha

Bare Areas 3,122 ha

Forest 59,617 ha Open Areas (Farmlands/ Grazing Areas) 93,873 ha Woodland 31,580 ha

DAKATCHA WOODLAND PARTICIPATORY MANAGEMENT PLAN 2015 -2019

includes Southern Banded Snake Eagle (Circaetus fasciolatus), Brown-headed Parrot (Poicephalus cryptoxanthus), Fischer’s Turaco (Tauraco fischeri), Mangrove Kingfisher (Halcyon senegaloides), Brown-breasted Barbet (Lybius melanopterus), Mombasa Woodpecker (Campethera mombassica), Pale Batis (Batis soror), Chestnut-fronted Helmetshrike (Prionops scopifrons), Scaly Babbler (Turdoides squamulata), Black-bellied Starling (Lamprotornis corruscus), Mouse-coloured Sunbird (Nectarinia veroxii), Clarke’s Weaver (Ploceus golandi), Zanzibar Red Bishop (Euplectes nigroventris), Malindi Pipit (Anthus melindae) and Sokoke Pipit (Anthus sokokensis) among others. Mammals of conservation importance include the endangered Goldenrumped Elephant-Shrew (Sengi) (Rhynchocyon chrysopygus) and Elephants (Loxodonta africana). Social Economic Status Human Population Adjacent to the Forest Human settlement started in Dakatcha Woodland around 1500 AD as the Watha and Mijikenda people started settling in the area. Dakatcha forest was known as Soso – a forest with many Brachystegia trees (Mrihi) - by the local Watha hunter-gatherer community. The Giriama people, a sub-group of the Mijikenda, are the main occupants of Magarini district and the main Bantu-speaking population in the area. Today the Giriama and Watha people are mostly farmers growing a wide range of subsistence and modern cash crops and keeping some livestock. In the 1980s there was an influx of other ethnic groups, such as the Kamba, and in 1991 Somali refugees were temporarily settled at Government Inspection Station near Marafa. Recently, people from central parts of Kenya have been buying/acquiring land in the area. The national annual population growth rate is approximately 2.7 percent whereas in Malindi sub-county it is as high as 3.9 percent according to the Ministry of Planning and National Development. Magarini sub-county total population was 160,154 in 2009. The population is sparsely distributed with more people concentrated in major trading centres such as Marafa, Garashi, Baricho and Adu. The distribution of people is affected by factors such as rainfall, altitude, and also by administrative policy like settlement schemes. In Dakatcha Woodland, climatic conditions, poor soils, economic activities such as farming for subsistence and livestock rearing and scarcity of water contribute to low population density. 14

A socio-economic household survey conducted in 2010 within Dakatcha Woodland found that the average household has seven (7) members. Fifty two percent (52%) of the population in the area is female. Literacy level stands at 66% (79% for men and 55% for women) compared to the national average of 82% and 70% for males and females, respectively (KNBS, 2007). There is limited access to household amenities, particularly housing, sanitation, water and energy, which directly impacts to the welfare of household members (KNBS 2007). Majority of the residents live in mud walled houses. The lack of permanent water sources in the vicinity of homesteads in Dakatcha Woodland force people to walk for long distances to access water. During the droughts, River Sabaki is the main source of water as the two seasonal rivers, Deki and Koromi, are dry. Recently, water from the Sabaki River is being piped to a few of the urban centres. Local Economy The area adjacent to Dakatcha Woodland has a typical rural lifestyle; the major economic activities of the people revolve around small scale crop production and animal husbandry. A socio-economic survey conducted in 2011 indicated that nearly all the members of the local community practice crop production (Figure 2). The major subsistence crops are maize, cassava and the legumes (green grams and cowpeas). The major limiting factors to crop production are low levels of soil nutrients and low rainfall. The sandy nature of the soil makes it excessively freely drained, hence significant leaching occurs especially during heavy rains. After the El-Nino rains of 1997-98, crop productivity fell drastically due to heavy mineral leaching as a result of the heavy rains. Some farmers practice pineapple farming as a major cash crop. Pineapple farming today is facing difficulties due to prolonged droughts, diseases and transport difficulties caused by poor road networks and involvement of middlemen. The soils that are mainly sandy lose fertility quickly and would be more suitable for millet and sorghum than for pineapple and maize, which require frequent fertilization. Dakatcha Woodland and the adjacent area is served by the following government-run health facilities: i. Marafa Health Centre ii. GarashiHealth Centre iii. Baricho Dispensary iv. AduHealth Centre v. Sosoni Dispensary vi. Matolani Dispensary DAKATCHA WOODLAND PARTICIPATORY MANAGEMENT PLAN 2015 -2019

Figure 2: Sources of Livelihoods for Local Community in Dakatcha Woodland Referral cases are sent to the District Hospital in Malindi or to Coast Provincial General Hospital in Mombasa. There is a total of a total of eight (9) government run public primary schools and five (5) Secondary schools. The people in this area are mainly Christians and Muslims with a number of places of worship. There are churches, mosques and shrines for traditional worship. Stakeholders and their Engagement in Dakatcha Woodland Conservation The following are some of the stakeholders as identified by the communities during the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and sensitization barazas:A. Forest adjacent communities including Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) like Dakatcha Woodland Conservation Group, Hell’s Kitchen Tour Operators and Mama Sauti Group and learning institutions. B. Kilifi County Government particularly ministries responsible for wildlife/biodiversity conservation, forestry, agriculture, tourism and wildlife. C. The National government. This includes relevant line ministries, departments and parastatals including • Kenya Forest Service (KFS) • Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) • National Museums of Kenya (NMK) • The Kenya Forest Research Institute (KEFRI) • National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) • Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA) DAKATCHA WOODLAND PARTICIPATORY MANAGEMENT PLAN 2015 -2019

•

Line GOK Ministries/ Departments responsible for Public Administration Agriculture, Fisheries, and Energy D. National and International NGOs including i. Nature Kenya (NK) ii. World Vision iii. Actionaid iv. Red Cross v. WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) vi. A Rocha Kenya vii. Catholic Relief Services (CSR) viii. BirdLife International ix. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) E. Local schools and higher learning institutions User Groups The various forest user groups identified within the DakatchaCCAs include 1. Researchers 2. Herbalists 3. Beekeepers 4. Charcoal Producers 5. Wood carvers 6. Fuel wood collectors 7. Local guides association 8. Grass collectors and livestock herders Roles and Responsibilities of Stakeholders A. County Government in collaboration with National Government i. Lead on the implementation of forestry policies from both County and National Government ii. Offer technical services to communities as they engage in activities within their mandate Help in conservation of the 15

forest by linking conservation work to the activities the communities are involved in. iii. Help in mobilizing resources for the implementation of the plan Community mobilization. iv. Ensuring development of farm forestry in forest adjacent farms. B. Dakatcha Community Forest Association (DCFA) i. Reporting forest destruction activities (illegal activities) to the KFS and County government. ii. Being involved in ecologically and environmentally sound forestry related enterprises as per the approved management plan. iii. Awareness creation to the general public on the importance of forest conservation. iv. Assisting in prompt forest fire suppression. v. Participating in forest protection patrols through community forest guards. vi. Assisting in rehabilitation of degraded areas. vii. Conducting monthly forest biodiversity monitoring and assessments. viii. On farm tree planting activities. C. Kenya Forest Service (KFS) i. Coordinating the PFM process among the stakeholders ii. Awareness creation to the general public on the importance of forest conservation. iii. Keeping a data base for the various conservation/income generating activities being carried out by the CFA and other stakeholders. iv. Advising the CFA and user groups on various opportunities they may wish to engage in. v. Ensuring protection and conservation of the forest by enforcing Forestry laws. D. Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) i. Ensuring protection of wildlife resources in the forest by enforcing Wildlife Act. ii. Help/Advise on wildlife based activities. iii. Advising the community on prospects of setting up a community wildlife conservancy within the CCAs.

ii. Team up with the KFS to mobilize the local community on the importance of practicing farm forestry. F. Local schools and other higher learning institutions i. Ensuring environmental education is given to people and students and creating awareness among the school communities on the importance of DakatchaWoodland ii. Participating in tree planting activities within the schools, surrounding the CCAs and in their farms. iii. Organizing educational visits to the forest by students and pupils. iv. Conducting research and disseminating the research findings to the custodian agency and other stakeholders to benefit them in various forest management decision making processes. G. Dakatcha Woodland Conservation Group (DWCG) i. Ensure conservation of forest through lobbying and awareness creation. ii. Assistthe forest adjacent communities to undertake forestry friendly ecological activities by sourcing money from donors locally and abroad and initiating IGA projects. iii. Lead on biodiversity monitoring and reporting H. Nature Kenya (NK) and other Coservation NGOs i. Help to fund raise by directly engaging with donors andby building the capacity of the local community in proposaldevelopment and fund raising. ii. Building the capacity of the local community in nature-based enterprises, advocacy and monitoring. iii. Awareness creation on the importance of the forest as a biodiversity conservation area (locally and abroad) and helping to market the biodiversity value of the forest both locally and abroad. iv. Promoting involvement of the local community in the PFMP implementation. v. Technical advice on management of the CCAs.

E. Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) i. Conduct forestry research and advise on farm forestry practices in the PFM area.

DAKATCHA WOODLAND PARTICIPATORY MANAGEMENT PLAN 2015 -2019

CHAPTER 3: PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS Policies and Legal Frameworks for Dakatcha PFMP Laws, regulations, policies and conventions are necessary for harmonization of multi-sectoral interests and practices in conservation and management of the plan area. These laws define the rolesthat the local community, local authorities, government departments and development partners play in implementing a plan. It is important to note that the laws provide for development of codes of conduct and by-laws to properly manage the plan area. The Constitution of Kenya The Constitution of Kenya, Chapter four, part 2, under the rights and fundamental freedoms section 42 guarantees Kenyans the right to a clean and healthy environment.In Chapter five, part 2, on environment and natural resources, section 69, there is emphasis on sustainable utilization, management and conservation of the environment, ensuring that the country attains at least 10% tree cover; and also the protection of biological diversity and utilization of environment and natural resources for the benefit of the people of Kenya. Forest Act no.7 of 2005 This is an Act of Parliament that provide for the establishment, development and sustainable management including conservation and rational utilization of forest resources (both indigenous and plantations forests) for the socio-economic development of the country. The act states clearly that each forest in Kenya must have a management plan. The act also provides for community participation in forest management through the community forest associations (CFA), application for community participation, their functions, the assignment of forest user rights and termination or variation of management agreements.The Forest Actapplies to state forests, local authority forests and private forests. KFS Strategic Plan This is a core forest policy implementation document in Kenya in which all the varied forest resources in the country are discussed in detail and their preferred management approaches well-articulated. The plan therefore provides a road map for forest management in Kenya. Environmental Management & Coordination Act 1999 The Act provides legal, institutional frameworks and procedures for management

DAKATCHA WOODLAND PARTICIPATORY MANAGEMENT PLAN 2015 -2019

of environment as well as modalities for conflict resolution. It is based on the principle that everybody is entitled to a healthy and clean environment. Section 42 is dedicated to the development and implementation of Management plans and section 29 subsection 3 deals with the establishment of Local Environment Committees. Wildlife Management and Conservation Act cap, 2013 This is the principal Act that provides for the protection, conseration and sustainable use and management of wildlife in Kenya. This Act effectively replaces the Wildlife Conservation Act of 1976. The new act puts structures for the conservation of wildlife in a devolved government system, puts special protection measures for globally threatened species and lays emphasis on public participation in conservation. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) This is an international treaty to sustain the rich diversity of life on earth, which is one of the core programs in this management plan, hence the policy guidelines of this international convention were found to be very important in management of this biodiversity hotspot forest. The Science and Technology Act cap 250 This act led to the establishment of Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI)to undertake research and development in forestry and allied natural resources including farm forestry and development of tree establishment technologies. Farm forestry development regulations of 2009 gazetted under the Agriculture Act Cap 318 The regulations give guidance on development and practice of farm forestry activities in Kenya. The regulations require farmers to have at least 10% tree cover in their farms. The Agriculture Act, Cap 318 It seeks to provide and maintain a stable agriculture, conservation of soil and its fertility and encourage good acceptable agricultural land management. Kenya Tourist Development Corporation Act, Cap 382 This regulates tourism through Kenya Tourist Development Corporation (KTDC) - provision of travel, expedition tours, whether hunting,

fishing, photography or otherwise. Tourist Industry Licensing Act, Cap 381. This Act of Parliament provides for regulating the tourist industry with a view to promoting its well-being and development. Grass fires Act This is an Act of parliament dealing with the use of fires within the agricultural setting in Kenya, it gives in detail the procedure to be followed by farmers or any land owner in case they would like to use fire as a land preparation /management tool.This Act is important in helping prevent forest fires and also dealing with offences related to fire damage occurring in the forest. Chiefs’ Act This is important in mobilizing the communities for communal works like fire-fighting, undertaking communal projects, and for development meetings. Social Services Laws on Registration of CBOs This Act provides for the registration of CBOs and empowers them to contribute to the implementation of the management plan. It also governs their operations. Physical Planning Act This Act provides for the preparation and implementation of physical development plans and establishes the responsibility for the physical planning at various levels of government in order to remove uncertainty regarding the responsibility for regional planning. Rationale for Dakatcha Woodland Management Plan Value of the Forest The forests of Dakatcha Woodland provide environmental services to the local community, the county, the nation and the planet. The Woodland’s forests fragments trap, store and release rainwater; protect the fragile soil from erosion; moderate the local climate; sequester carbon, thus slowing climate change; shelter globally endangered wildlife; and provide medicines, food and fibre to the local community. Biodiversity Value Dakatcha Woodland holds substantial populations of globally-threatened species. Globally threatened birds include the Endangered Sokoke Scops Owl (Otus ireneae),

Sokoke Pipit (Anthus sokokensis), and Clarke’s Weaver (Ploceus golandi). Other bird species of conservation interests include the Near threatened Southern Banded Snake Eagle (Circaetus fasciolatus) and Fischers’ Turaco (Tauraco fischeri). Dakatcha Woodland is important for the globally threatened Goldenrumped Elephant-Shrew (Sengi) - Rhynchocyon chrysopygus - and at least 11 nationally or regionally rare plants including Monadenium invenustum, Pavetta linearifolia and the orchid Eulophia serrata. Dakatcha Woodland has been identified as an Important Bird Area (IBA) using international criteria developed and applied by BirdLife International. Dakatcha is also part of the Coastal Forests Global Hotspot defined by Conservation International. Despite its conservation and biodiversity importance, Dakatcha Woodland has no formal protection status since the forest is on unprotected, unadjudicated trustland and private land. Conservation Threats and Constraints Lack of formal protection of Dakatcha Woodland predisposes the resource to degradation, which is exacerbated by an influx of immigrants to the area. The area is facing threats both from climatic and anthropogenic factors including charcoal burning, illegal logging, pole cutting, poaching of wildlife, illegal wood carving activities, land encroachment/settlement and forest fires. Charcoal Burning Some local residents and, in the recent past, members of the local community from neighbouring sub-counties harvest logs without approval for the purposes of charcoal production. The Charcoal produced is sold both for commercial and household use and thus help in meeting the growing energy demand in the nearby towns and cities, most specifically Malindi, Watamu, Kilifi and Mombasa. Some of the charcoal is exported to the Middle East. Bungale location, mainly Mulunguni and Kasikini areas, lead in charcoal production compared to other areas within the sub-county. It is estimated that 92 tonnes of charcoalare extracted from the Dakatcha Woodlands every day. This extraction level is unsustainable and is already impacting the forest’s biodiversity negatively. Timber Production In the Dakatcha PFM area unauthorized harvesting of trees for timber production continues to be a major threat to the ecosystem. Among the species mainly targeted are Afzelia quanzensis; Brachystegia spiciformis; Manilkara

DAKATCHA WOODLAND PARTICIPATORY MANAGEMENT PLAN 2015 -2019

zanzibarensis; Nesogordonia africana; and Pleurostylia africana. The towns of Malindi, Watamu, Kilifi and Mombasa provide a big market for the illegally acquired timber. Pole Cutting The unauthorized harvest of pole material is a very pronounced activity. Many of the poles are used locally for house construction buy a significant proportion is sold for commercial purposes in Malindi and Watamu. This practice is much more common in Kamale sub-location of Adu location compared to other areas. Just like timber logging, pole cutting also results into habitat conversion, with the majority of the targeted species being hardwoods e.g. Terminalia spinosa (Mwanga) and Brachylaena huillensis (Mhuhu), all of which are considered termite resistant. Poaching of Wildlife Poaching of wildlife is among the leading illegal activities in the forest. Illegal poaching for game meat for household consumption and for small scale commercial activities has targeted mainly the Dikdiks and Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris) and also the endangered Golden-rumped Sengi (Elephant-shrew) Rhynchocyon crysopygus and Adersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Duiker (Cephalophus adersi). The increased poaching has drastically reduced their populations. This practice is so common that local hotels in small trading centres such as Kwa-Maasai, Baricho, Adu centre and the areas around Matolani sell game meat openly. Illegal Wood Carving Activities Selective cutting of trees for carving activity is a major source of forest degradation in the

Encroachment of forest for pineapple production

DAKATCHA WOODLAND PARTICIPATORY MANAGEMENT PLAN 2015 -2019

Dakatcha PFM area. Species like Brachylaena huillensis (Mhuhu) and Cynometra webberi (Mfunda) are the most targeted species and fall under the rare/threatened plant species in relation to IUCN classification. These once abundant species have now been almost cleared and only few trees remain standing in scattered isolated portions of the forests. Other species preferred for wood carvings include Manilkara sulcata, and Grewia plagiophylla. Land Encroachment/Settlement Due to the absence of formal protection status, Dakatcha forest experiences very high encroachment pressure for agricultural purposes and settlements. This has resulted in the shrinking of the forest fragments. If the decline trend continues, the viability of the forest as a water catchment, soil protection, carbon sink and biodiversity conservation area would be greatly affected. Pineapple farming is becoming a major threat to the continued existence of Cynometra forest whose soils are good for this crop. Large Scale Agricultural Interests The threat of losing a large proportion of DakatchaWoodland to large scale agricultural interests is very real. For example, the Kenyan government intends to use Galana Ranch for large scale food production through irrigation. Part of DakatchaWoodland IBA is within Galana Ranch. In addition, Del Monte company has been consulting the county government and the local community on the possibility of leasing land for large scale pineapple production. About three years ago, the threat of losing most of the woodland to biofuel production was real until NEMA declined to licence the initiative.

Clearing of forest for agricultural production

Forest fires This is commonly restricted to areas under pineapple growing where land is under thick bushy undergrowth. The pineapple growing areas around Chamari experience forest fires more often especially when farmers open more land for agriculture. Other constraints to conservation High levels of poverty and limited livelihood options among the forest adjacent communities has made many residents of Dakatcha Woodland fall back to the forest for income generation especially in seasons where there are serious crop failures. There are high levels of unemployment in the local population, especially among young adults. Members of

The Hellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kitchen in Marafa

the local community lack the skills and training to obtain well paying technical jobs. They rely on illegal activity within the forest as means of earning their livelihood. To make matters worse the local people do not have a sense of ownership of the forest due to alienation by earlier policies that emphasized state ownership of forests. Insecurity, usually associated with poaching, is another challenge in some parts of Dakatcha Woodland as it prevents residents from engaging in commercial and conservation activities. In addition, institutional framework is weak due to poor governance, weak political systems, and lack of political goodwill to change the situation. Lack of clear land ownership/ tenure does not help.

Cyrtanthus lily

DAKATCHA WOODLAND PARTICIPATORY MANAGEMENT PLAN 2015 -2019

CHAPTER 4: ZONING FOR EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT Management Objectives The following management objectives will contribute to reducing the current threats to the conservation of Dakatcha Woodland. 1. Build the human resource capacity for effective management 2. Improve the security and protection of the forest and its biodiversity 3. Ecosystem management and ecological monitoring 4. Improve the livelihoods of local community members 5. Improve the infrastructure and equipment Dakatcha Woodland PFM Programme Zones The Dakatcha Woodland CCA PFM area was zoned into four (4) management zones, which this management plan proposes as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Core Biodiversity Conservation zone Forest zone Buffer zone Intervention zone

Core Biodiversity Conservation Zone This zone includes community conserved areas (CCAs) - Kamale, Changoto, Chalalu, Kibaoni, Bore Singwaya, Boyani, Baraka Jembe and Mulunguni; and the 6 Kaya forests; the A Rocha Reserve (Figure 1) and all other areas designated for protection by the local communities, the County or the national government. This zone is exclusively meant for conservation of biodiversity, promotion of cultural and religious activities and for eco-friendly nature-based activities such as ecotourism and research. PFM activities in this zone are based on recognition that the forest harbours endemic and endangered flora and fauna and that Dakatcha Woodland provides important ecosystem services. The guiding principles in the management of this zone are: 1. This zone is the core of the Key Biodiversity Area (KBA)/Important Bird Area (IBA) with rich biodiversity including rare and threatened species. As such it should be treated as the Nature Reserve part of DakatchaWoodland. 2. It is strictly a conservation zone and a site for the promotion of socio-cultural, religious and economic welfare of the community through promotion of non-consumptive uses. 3. Extractive use of forest products in this zone will be prohibited and the CFA through its community forest guards (CFGs) and

DAKATCHA WOODLAND PARTICIPATORY MANAGEMENT PLAN 2015 -2019

the local CCA management committees will, with the assistance of KFS, take any necessary steps including legal measures to stop such forms of destruction. Any extractive use should be practiced outside the CCA boundaries. The CCAs, Kaya forests and A Rocha Reserve will be managed as Category Ia (Strict nature reserve) following IUCN guidelines (Dudley, 2008). As such, these areas will be subject to minimum human interference. The main activities to be carried out in these areas will revolve around biodiversity conservation including scientific study and biodiversity monitoring and the conservation of the cultural and spiritual values of nature. Activities 1. Ecotourism development. Actual and potential tourist sites found within Dakatcha Woodland include Hellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kitchen, Mekatilili wa Menza shrine and cultural centre, Kaya Singwaya forest, Bore Singwaya camping site and depression, Kapangani Rock and Dakatcha ruins. Camping sites should be located outside the CCAs. ii. Research and education iii. Carbon trade iv. Cultural activities v. Water abstraction, subject to community regulations vi. CCA committees will develop guidelines and by-laws necessary to control activities in this zone. Forest Zone This zone comprises the forests as shown on the IBA map (Figure 1). These include Brachystegia (Mrihi) forests, Cynometra forests, mixed Julbernadia and other species forests and riverine forests. This is a controlled utilization area that provides the natural resources needed by the local community. Activities within this zone will aim at reducing pressure on CCAs by meeting the demand for some forest products including firewood, and grazing for livestock. Care must be taken to limit extractive uses to only within sustainable/allowable levels in the long run. Surveys will be undertaken to establish the capacity of those areas to provide the resources required by the community. The Forest Zone will be used by local communities for traditional domestic uses such as: 1. Bee keeping

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Collection of insects and wild fruits Mushroom collection Water abstraction Herbal medicine collection Firewood collection for home use Livestock grazing, regulated by the community 8. Cutting of poles for local use, regulated by the community 9. Camping sites and other ecotourism infrastructure 10. Forest rehabilitation However, clearing for agriculture or settlement will not be allowed. Commercial resource extraction and clearing of or for agriculture or settlement will not be allowed. Buffer Zone These are areas of non-forest natural vegetation including grasslands, sparse woodland and scrub. Limited use allowed here includes bee keeping, ecotourism sites such as campsites, grazing, firewood collection and cutting poles for domestic use. This is a controlled utilization area that provides the natural resources needed by the local community. Activities within this zone will aim at reducing pressure on biodiversity conservation zone and the forest zone by meeting the demand for some forest products including firewood, and grazing for livestock. The Intervention Zone on Private Land This zone covers human settlements and land already under cultivation or formerly cultivated. Emphasis here will be on sustainable land use that recognizes the need to conserve biodiversity while enhancing conservation friendly livelihood options that. The following activities will be promoted in this zone: • Sustainable agriculture: The crops grown in farmlands within DakatchaWoodland include pineapple, cassava, mangoes, cashew nuts, and maize. Vegetables and coconuts are grown in riverine zones. However, most of the farming activities are faced with challenges including diseases (for pineapples), low soil fertility and therefore low yields, poor marketing and low prices.

•

These issues need to be addressed by the responsible ministries at both County and central government levels. Existing forests will not be cleared for agricultural purposes. Conservation agriculture (as taught by A Rocha), the use of natural manure and compost and integrated pest management will be promoted for better yields without clearing new land. Agro forestry: aimed at increasing tree cover in forest adjacent farms for sale as fuel wood, timber, poles and environment protection services. KEFRI, CFA through the CCA committees, County government with technical support from KWS will oversee the activity. Tree nurseries: the community will raise tree seedlings either for own farm tree planting or for sale. County government, KFS, KEFRI, CFA will oversee this activity. Bee keeping: Beekeeping on rural farms has a good base of bee forage from the various fruit trees (mangoes, cashew nuts, etc) and the forest trees. Bee keeping has a potential for further expansion. The responsible organizations for implementation will be department of Livestock Development, Nature Kenya (Honey processing) and the County government. Butterfly farming: Butterfly farming as an activity has potential in DakatchaWoodland. The activity is fairly well developed within the nearbyArabuko-Sokoke Forest and as such will be explored as an alternative nature based enterprise for the Dakatcha community. The responsible agencies will be the County government, National Museums of Kenya (NMK), Ministry of Agriculture and KFS. School Educational Programs: Outreach to schools with environmental educational and programs geared towards environmental conservation will be of importance as the PFM is implemented within Dakatcha Woodland. Environmental activities in schools may include Environmental clubs, school-based tree nurseries and tree planting competitions between the schools in PFM area.

DAKATCHA WOODLAND PARTICIPATORY MANAGEMENT PLAN 2015 -2019

CHAPTER 5: MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES The activities are organized in accordance to the various management programmes which have been agreed upon in this plan. 1. Human resources development 2. Security and protection of the forest and its biodiversity 3. Ecosystem management and ecological monitoring 4. Livelihoods of local communities 5. Infrastructure and equipment A five-year implementation plan has been developed for each programme. It is from this five-year activity layout that annual activities implementation schedules will be drawn up. These annual implementation schedules will give details on among other things; • The areas where the activities will take place • The various inputs required to implements activities • The expected outputs after implementation Human Resources Development Programme The Dakatcha community currently participates in the conservation of the forestand the CCAs through the Dakatcha Community Forest Association (DCFA), Dakatcha Woodland Conservation Group (DWCG), and the CCA committees. Some community members have had an opportunity to be trained on fundamentals of implementation of community projects, proposal writing, leadership and governance, conflicts and conflict resolution, gender issues and health education. However,

more needs to be done so that such trainings benefit all members of the community. The community also has forty two (42) fully trained and uniformed community forest guards (CFGs) that will help strengthen forest protection programs. As part of the learning processes, more community members should be exposed through visits to successful conservation areas. Such trainings and exposures will not only help improve the capacity of the local community as partners in process of PFM but will also go a long way towards enabling the CFA committee, DWCG and the broader community fully understand the whole process of participating in Forest Management and also develop some good and realistic expectations out of their participation. The trainings and exposures will not only be useful to the community but also to the County government and KFS officers within Dakatcha and by extension, Malindi zone. It is expected that the trainings and exposures particularly for the forest rangers will enable them have attitudinal change on the whole PFM process by embracing the local community as partners in forest management. Management Challenges 1. Limited human capacity to DakatchaWoodland ecosystem

manage

Management Objective 1. Build the capacity of stakeholders

Local guides and Nature Kenya members during monthly bird monitoring.

DAKATCHA WOODLAND PARTICIPATORY MANAGEMENT PLAN 2015 -2019

Human Resources Development Programme Management Actions Activity

Implementer

Year of Implementation

CFA/CCA committee training on management

County Government, CFA, KFS, NGOs

Training reports.

CFA Training on proposal writing

County Government, CFA, KFS, NGOs

Training report.

Organize site visits for communities and support institutions for experience sharing Implementation of Management plans and management agreements

County Government, CFA, NGOs

-No of visits made -No of participants

County Government, CFA

Draft management agreement

Strengthen the CCACs to raise awareness of PFM approaches and potential CFA/CCAC Exposure

County Government, CFA, KFS, NGOs

Means of Verification

Tour report

CFA training on gender and conflict resolution

County Government, CFA, KFS, NGOs County Government, CFA,

Develop ways to reduce gender disparity and empower women

County Government, CFA, KFS, NGOs

CFA committee basic computer skill training Forest Rangers/ CFG team building training Strategic management/project management training for the CCAC Forest operations/tree nursery refresher course for community

County Government, CFA County Government, CFA, KFS County Government, NGOs County Government, CFA, KFS, NGOs

No of women participating in decision making Training report

Concept of community CCA and basic skill training for CCAC, CFGs and Rangers In-Charge

County Government, CFA, KFS, NGOs

Security and Protection of the Forest and its Biodiversity Programme Forests have valuable resources that are always targeted for illegal logging for timber, cutting for fuel wood, pole cutting, and charcoal production among others. Thus, having sound security measures in place is core to forest management, and ensuring the ecological integrity of the forest hence safeguarding the biodiversity values of the forest.Since Dakatcha Woodland is not formally protected, KFS only maintains one (1) forest ranger in the area together with a Forester. This has since proved difficult as the area is too expansive and with numerous illegal activities. It is against this background that KFS assisted in training 42 CFGs to help reinforce forest protection initiatives in the area. All this was aimed at enlisting more active community participation in protection. KFS will strive to ensure the number of forest protection personnel in the site is increased when resources allow and also ensuring maximum productivity of the available forest rangers through relevant training and improvement of their work environment. The Forest Rangers stationed at Gede Forest station will continue offering support for Dakatcha when need arises. 24

Training report

Training report.

Training report/ no of participants (men & women) Training

Management challenges 1. High levels of illegal forest resource extraction 2. Limited capacity to monitor illegal activities 3. Limited support of local communities in the protection of the forest fragments Management objectives 1. Promote participatory forest fragment and Community Conservation Areas (CCA) policing 2. Enhance security by increasing training, personnel, liaison with other security forces to improve enforcement, and local community participation 3. Enforce Rules, Regulations and Orders and 4. Provide security for ecotourism activities and investments and for general community

DAKATCHA WOODLAND PARTICIPATORY MANAGEMENT PLAN 2015 -2019

Security and Protection of the Forest and its Biodiversity Programme Management Actions Activity

Implementer

R efresher training (C FG s)

C ounty G ov, KFS C ounty G ov, KFS C ounty G ov, K FS, C FA C ounty G ov, KFS, C FA

Year of Implementation 1

Prom ote transparency and publicity for licensing procedures Initiate joint patrols betw een C ounty governm ent, K FS and C FG s D evelop quantitative m echanism s for reporting illegal activities

Means of Verification 5

N o. Recruited Publicity m eetings held N o of joint patrols R eports

Introduce local incentives to C FG s& com m unity for catching/reporting poachers Purchase of additional m otorbikes for the C FG s

C ounty G ov, KFS C ounty G ov, KFS

Team building exercise betw een K FS and C FG s

C ounty G ov, KFS

Posting of m ore rangers into the site (B oosting the num bers)

C ounty G ov, KFS

Training visit of the R angers and C FG s to M t. Kenya and Kakam ega Forest

C ounty G ov, KFS

Training local youth on tour guiding/ conservation

C ounty G ov, KFS, N G O s

R eports

Engage G alana R anch m anagem ent in the protection of D akatcha W oodland

C ounty G ov, KFS, G alana R anch m anagem ent

R eports

Ecosystem Management and Ecological Monitoring Programme The main objective of this programme will be to ensure that Dakatcha woodland is conserved. Ecological monitoring will help in monitoring the state of key threatened species and their habitat. The programme will provide advance warning of undesirable ecological changes and thus permit managers to adopt an adaptive management approach to conserving biological diversity. In addition, ecological monitoring is a necessity in order to objectively evaluate whether the management plan is achieving its objectives. Ecological monitoring will help evaluate the long-term impacts of human activities including resource utilization and disturbance on biological diversity. Ecological monitoring can also provide important insights into the functioning of complex ecosystems. Ongoing basic and detailed monitoring carried out under the IBA programme coordinated by Nature Kenya and the National Museums of Kenya will go on. In addition, KFS will continue using METT (Management Effective Tracking Tool). Detailed ecological studies need to be promoted particularly on the endangered species whose ecology is poorly understood. For example, the breeding sites for the Endangered Clarke’s Weaver were only discovered in 2013 but no studies on the breeding ecology of this bird have been conducted while studies on the abundance of this species have been discontinuous.

DAKATCHA WOODLAND PARTICIPATORY MANAGEMENT PLAN 2015 -2019

N o of cases reported and acted upon

R eport Training R eport

N o. Posted

-V isit R eport -N o of people involved

Management challenges 1. Lack of a land use plan to guide landuse decisions. 2. Low financial and personnel capacity to conduct ecological monitoring 3. Limited understanding on the ecological needs of threatened species in Dakatcha Woodland 4. Weak linkage between research institutions and forest managers Management objective 1. Land use planning 2. Complete mapping of community conserved areas, kayas and other sites of ecological importance 3. Train CFA, DWCG and forest managers in biodiversity monitoring 4. Mainstream basic monitoring and METT in the management of DakachaWoodland. 5. Assess the level and impact of forest resource extraction including firewood, charcoal and timber production and make recommendations 6. Valuation of ecosystem resources 7. Undertake valuation of forest carbon pools in the CCAs 8. Train local community members to gather information on ecology of threatened species. 9. Generate and disseminate research Information

Ecosystem Management and Ecological Monitoring Programme Management Actions Activity

Implementer

Conduct Basic IBA monitoring

County Gov, SSG, KFS

Map CCAs

County Gov, KFS

Gazette CCAs either as County forests of forest reserves

County Gov, KFS

Land use plan

County Gov, KFS, Nature Kenya and other partners County Gov, KFS

Mainstream METT as a monitoring tool Conduct detailed biodiversity monitoring of Endangered Species and habitat Conduct ecological studies on Clarkeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Weaver and other Endangered species Conduct Research on indigenous knowledge of forest adjacent communities including Ethno-botany Evaluation of carbon storage of the CCAs and possible markets Evaluate dead wood collection (fuel wood) for domestic consumption

Year of Implementation 1

Means of Verification

County Gov, NGOs, NMK

Monitoring report/ population status & trends

County Gov, NGOs, NMK

Reports

County Gov, NGOs, NMK

Reports

County Gov, NGOs

Report

County Gov, NGOs, NMK, CFA

Reports/ data

Awareness Creation and Livelihood Programme Poverty is the biggest driver of deforestation of Dakatcha Woodland. Efforts need to be concentrated on providing alternative livelihood options in order to reduce dependence on extractive use of forest products. In addition, there is need to promote ecotourism activities and other nature based enterprises. Emphasis on marketing the CCAs as tourism destinations are necessary. There is also need to create awareness on the importance of conserving the biodiversity of Dakatcha Woodland.

Management challenges 1. Limited livelihood options 2. Poor ecotourism infrastructure 3. Limited awareness on the value of Dakatcha Woodland

Camping as an ecotourism activity

Gift items for sale at the Hellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kitchen tourist site

Management objectives 1. Awareness creation 2. Evaluation of potential income generation activities (IGAs) 3. Market Dakatcha Woodland as a tourist destination 4. Improve ecotourism infrastructure

DAKATCHA WOODLAND PARTICIPATORY MANAGEMENT PLAN 2015 -2019

Awareness Creation and Livelihood Programme Management Actions Activity

Implementer

Create awareness on the importance of Dakatcha Woodland

County Government, CFA/DWCG/NK/ ARocha/KFS NMK/CFA/CCAC

Reports

County Government, NGOs, KFS, NKM

Training Report

Evaluate IGA including butterfly farming, Mushroom farming, commercial tree nurseries, apiculture Enterprise/ Business training on IGAs Development of a benefit sharing scheme from NBEs

County Government, /NMK/CFA/KFS

Forest Resource valuation

County Government, NMK/KFS/ /CFA, NGOs County Government, KFS, NMK/CFA/KEFRI

Evaluation of carbon storage of the CCAs and possible markets

Means of Verification

Year of Implementer 2

Reports

Promote poultry keeping

County Government, CFA/Agric

Development of low cost ecotourism facilities (Eco-lodges or bandas) in the forest Marketing & publicity of ecotourism ventures of Dakatcha Woodland

County Government, CFA/KFS/NGOs

Building of 1 Camping Site within the forest

County Government

Develop a Website for Dakatcha Woodland

County Government, CFA/KFS/NGOs

Introduce a system of visitor charges for the CCAs

County Government, CFA/Forester

Receipts/ charges formula

Strengthening environmental education programmes and raise awareness on existence of CCAs E ncourage use of the CCAs by local clubs as education resources

County NGOs

Meetings attended Clubs formed

C ounty Government, Learning Institutions, NGOs

N o of tours

Engage Galana Ranch management in awareness creation and livelihood initiatives within Dakatcha IBA

County Government, KFS, Galana Ranch Management

Reports

Facilities developed & operational

County Government, CFAs, NGOs Camping Site in place

Government,

Infrastructure and Equipment Programme The main objective of the infrastructure programme is to have facilities within DakatchaWoodland IBA and morespecifically for the individual CCAs for effective management and conservation of the designated areas.

Roads For ease of access of the various CCA zones and for security patrols to be effective, roads that are in good condition are necessary. These roads will also be useful in facilitating the local community movement including the

Poor road condition of roads within Dakatcha Woodland.

DAKATCHA WOODLAND PARTICIPATORY MANAGEMENT PLAN 2015 -2019

timely delivery of their farm produce to the local markets. They would also assist tourists in reaching the sites of interest within the CCAs. The road system in the PFM area is almost obsolete. None of the roads is passable during the rainy season. The road to Chalalu CCA through Chamari is usually blocked and cut off by water during rainy season. The section in Kamale can hardly be reached a few kilometres after Adu town. The CFA with the responsible CCA committees, local provincial administration and the Kilifi County Government together will be responsible for implementation of the road program where the local communities will be mobilized to chart the next course of action especially with regard to the road conditions. Placing of stones in the area most prone to flooding would be a start. Nature trails Nature trails will be established in areas with special scenic interest for ecotourism activities (leisure walks or bird watching) within the CCAs and other tourist scenic areas. These trails will be developed by either the eco-tourism specific user groups or by individual business owners having ecotourism facilities within a given area in the PFM area. However no user group or any ecotourism facility owner will be allowed to open up any part of the forest without obtaining approval from the County government, NEMA, KFS and local CCA Committee Building construction The responsible CCA committee will strive to (where practicable) construct offices including visitor bandasnearthe CCA in their jurisdiction. This will be done with the approval of the County government and KFS through the forest level committee. Nature Kenya and other NGOs may assist the locals raise funds for such developments.

Vehicle, machinery and equipment KFS has no vehicle assigned to Magarinisubcounty and as such, the areas set aside for conservation by the local community will not have any vehicle to assist in patrols. However, there are over 5 motorcycles acquired by Nature Kenya to assist in forest patrols and assigned to community forest guards. To effectively discharge its functions while implementing this management plan, the Forester in charge, CFA and CCA management committees will require the following: 1. A 4WD vehicle to assist in patrols and rapid response to protection intelligence reports. 2. 4 additional motorcycles to assist in the CFA outreach programs (specific user groups, Schools). 3. Necessary Office Equipment includes: • One (1) Desktop Computer and printer. • One (1) Laptop • Other normal office supplies. CFA will lobby through its partners who include KFS and the County government to acquire the above machinery Management challenges 1. Limited access to CCAs due to poor road network 2. Lack of nature trails for tourists 3. Lack of vehicles, office space and office equipment for use by CFAs, CCA committees, KFS and others involved in CCA management. Management objectives 1. To develop, improve and maintain physical infrastructure including roads, offices, and nature trails 2. Procure and maintain equipments and ICT infrastructure

Infrastructure and Equipment Programme Management Actions Activity

Implementer

Opening up of new nature trails in the forest Carryout annual surveys of road conditions to properly target maintenance efforts

County Government

Purchase of patrol vehicle and Motorbikes Purchase of Office Equipment

County Government, NGOs, KFS County Government, KFS County government, NGOs

Year of Implementer

Office/Visitor centre construction in CCAs

Means of Verification

5 Two new Nature trails opened up.

County Government, CFA

No of vehicle and bikes bought No of equipment purchased Visitor centres/offices opened

DAKATCHA WOODLAND PARTICIPATORY MANAGEMENT PLAN 2015 -2019

CHAPTER 6: PLAN IMPLEMENTATION Costs of Implementing the Management Plan This plan has both recurrent and capital development expenditure. The main sources of finances will come from the County and National governments and also development partners and from revenue generated through fees charged for various activities. The key sources of funds for financing implementation of the plan will include:a. Government funds: Funds appropriated by the Kilifi County Government Ministry responsible for forestry development. b. External sources: Funds from development partners and other agencies; and funds available at the international level for carbon stocks. c. Other sources as may be approved by various CCA committees and Dakatcha Woodland Management Committee Monitoring Framework Throughout the five-year period of implementing the planned activities monitoring will be an ongoing process, and will commence from the time of annual activity planning.The activity schedule sheet will indicate clearly the indicators to be monitored for any step of activity taken/implemented or accomplished; the target for each activity which must be easily quantifiable; and also all the inputs and their quantities clearly indicated to make it easy for flow-up on procurement, and actual implementation. The annual implementation schedule sheet will indicate the Activity, Responsible Person, Time Frames (Quarters), Targets, and Indicators Plan Implementation Structure Implementation of this plan will be done in a participatory manner (Figure 3). Each CCA and Kayawill have a Management Committee with elected representatives who work closely with Dakatcha Woodland CFA. The CFA will work closely with the Dakatcha Woodland Forest managers from the County government and KFS. Both the CFA and the forest managers will report to an executive Management Committee comprising of: 1. County government â&#x20AC;&#x201C; represented by the cabinet secretary responsible for Forestry, 2. KFS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Zonal Manager or representative. 3. KFS Forester and County Government extension Officer 4. Representatives of Conservation NGOS such as Nature Kenya and Dakatcha Woodland Conservation Group

DAKATCHA WOODLAND PARTICIPATORY MANAGEMENT PLAN 2015 -2019

This executive committee will report to Kilifi County Governorand County Assembly and also to KFS Director and the Board. Evaluation Framework This PFM plan is about Ecosystem Management and hence the evaluation will be geared towards establishing the following: 1. Any positive development in biodiversity conservation as result of PFM in the PFM area. 2. Establish any negative impacts to the forest as a result of PFM. 3. Establish positive changes in social/ economic standards of the local community as a result of their participation in PFM. 4. Establish any positive change in cultural aspect of local community as the results of PFM like improved gender relation at household level and also at community level. 5. Establish whether there is any attitudinal change either positive or negative in both the KFS staff and local community in recognizing each other as partners in Forest Protection. 6. During the implementation of this PFMP evaluation will be done in two phases, i.e. 7. Mid-term evaluation at the end of 2 (second) year of implementation of this management plan 8. End term evaluation that is at the close of this management plan period. Evaluation will be done in a participatory manner, i.e. involving the local community and all relevant stakeholders including Kilifi County Government, KFS, line government departments and institutions, NGOs and other interested stakeholders.

KILIFI COUNTY GOVERNMENT

DIRECTOR - KFS

DAKATCHA WOODLAND MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

NMK NATURE KENYA A ROCHA KENYA

DAKATCHA CFA

DAKATCHA LOCAL MANAGEMENT

CCA AND KAYA MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES

SECURITY - KFS, CFGS

Figure 3: Suggested Dakatcha Woodland PFM implementation framework

REFERENCES

Dudley, N. (Editor) (2008). Guidelines for Applying Protected Area Management Categories. Gland, Switzerland:IUCN. KNCHR 2006

DAKATCHA WOODLAND PARTICIPATORY MANAGEMENT PLAN 2015 -2019

COVER PHOTO CREDIT Front cover: Brachystegia (Mrihi) forest. By D. Mumbu Back cover: Clarkeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Weavers, birds found only Kilifi County â&#x20AC;&#x201C; male and female (carrying caterpillar) on their nesting ground in a seasonal wetland. By C. Jackson