Ecology Conservation in Kenya

  Kenya

Rural

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks

Description: This is your chance to roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty and really make a difference in the world of conservation. This project is a rare opportunity to get hands-on experience with crucial conservation work in a stunning rural environment. Deforestation is a huge issue throughout Kenya where fires, illegal logging and expanding communities have encroached into limited forested areas. As a conservation volunteer, you'll be living on the slopes of rural Mount Kenya and will spend your time helping to preserve rapidly diminishing indigenous and exotic species of trees. As you plant new trees, build seed beds and help with facilities maintenance, just keep your eyes peeled for the elephants, buffalos, leopards and monkeys!

*What does the conservation project do?
The project is focused not only on the long-term reforestation of a badly affected region, but also works with the local community on grassroots involvement and awareness-raising programmes.

The project aims to build up bare areas of hillside, which used to be wooded, to protect wildlife and to safeguard the essential water supply to over seven million people, which depends on the protection of the surrounding forest, and is seriously threatened by the environmental impact of such drastic deforestation. It is hoped that reforestation will encourage the indigenous animals back to the area, such as elephant and buffalo, not to mention many bird species. The project was started by local subsistence farmers, who also volunteer daily at the project. They will welcome you into their project and their community and enjoy meeting people from different cultures.

*Why does the project need volunteers?
Approximately 75% of energy used in Kenya is based on wood, despite the fact that the country has a relatively low amount of forested areas. Those areas are steadily depleting, due to constant logging and the spreading of urban areas into the forested regions. The impact is both environmental and social, with indigenous species of trees and wildlife diminishing and local communities still reliant on dwindling resources. The environmental damage means that there is a depleted rainfall, fewer nutrients in the soil, and greater risk of landslips and wind erosion. This project desperately needs volunteers to play a part in the long-term reforestation activities which will contribute to a more balanced relationship between the natural environment and the human communities that the forested land supports. The project takes a long term view of this work and is constantly looking at new ideas, while hoping to expand into a larger area with more members becoming involved.

Highlights:
* Playing your part in the re-forestation of Kenya
* Living in the shadow of the awesome Mt. Kenya - and climbing it if you have the energy!
* Living and working alongside a rural Kenyan community

Qualifications: The skills you need:
In such a practical project, volunteers must be prepared to get their hands dirty, and have the patience and flexibility to do a wide range of activities. The ability to view the bigger picture and long term goals of the project are essential to the understanding of activities that may seem repetitive at times. A genuine interest in the environment and a love of nature and the outdoors, as well as an awareness of your activities in relation to local communities are also very important.

The members of the project educate children in local schools about the importance of the environment, and the necessity of conservation, not only in their area, but on a global scale. They prefer volunteers to have a sound knowledge of their own environment and conservation programmes from home.

The project members welcome other skills, currently also computer skills (particularly web design), and building skills. They would also like to expand in other areas such as teaching craft and art to local people for them to sell to augment their incomes. Artistic and photographic skills, along with creative ideas are very welcome.

Your role as a volunteer:
Your main role as a volunteer will involve the general maintenance of planting seeds, replanting saplings, weeding and maintaining the seedbeds, so you will need to be prepared for physical, hands-on labour! You will also be collecting seeds from the forest, collecting soil, and potting seed bags. Alongside local volunteers, you will work in the tree nursery preparing, planting and watering seed beds and taking care of the seedlings. In the planting seasons (March to May and August to November) you will help to plant the seedlings in the foothills of Mount Kenya, local schools, and other community areas.

You may have the opportunity to go into local schools to educate children about the environment. There may also be opportunities for building work, construction and clearing unused areas of land.

Cost in US$: USD 875.00 for 1 week, USD 220.00 for every week thereafter

* Accommodation: Shared dormitory room in hostel
* Food: Breakfast and dinner
* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
* Training: In-country orientation
* Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 17-80

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Kenya Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 50,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 400 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994