Fencing Bamboo forest Mtelo

The idea of fencing off the bamboo forest was initially brought to our attention by Giuseppe De Bac, expert agronomist and volunteer. Recognizing the urgent need to protect the forest from further destruction, we quickly began the planning process in the following weeks. During this time, we carefully assessed requirements, estimated costs, and developed a comprehensive budget to guide the project.

After meticulous planning, we began the implementation phase on April 21, 2023. The process involved procuring the necessary materials, such as barbed wire, and coordinating their transportation to the project site in Mount Mtelo.

With the necessary resources and manpower in place, the actual fencing of the bamboo forest began. A team of ten people worked diligently for six days to complete the fencing of about 1.5 hectares. The project was successfully completed on May 11, 2023, achieving the goal of safeguarding the bamboo forest and laying the foundation for its natural regeneration.

Overall, the project went from the initial idea in early February 2023 to the completion of fencing activities on May 11, 2023, demonstrating efficient planning and timely project execution.

Implementation:

Opting to manufacture the fence posts on-site proved to be a cost-effective and efficient decision. Utilizing a tree that had been previously cut down enabled us to save both time and money on transportation.

A team of ten skilled individuals was hired to install the posts and place the wire mesh along the fence, covering approximately 1.5 acres. This workforce also had a positive impact on the local community by providing an opportunity for income to all participants supporting their families.

The entire fencing project was completed in a span of six days.

Impact and Future Prospects:

The completion of the bamboo forest fencing serves as a strong message to the neighboring communities, highlighting the importance of preserving and supporting an ecosystem that has suffered from neglect in recent years. We have been heartened by the positive feedback and engagement from residents in the vicinity, acknowledging our efforts to protect and restore the mountain. The heavy rains during the rainy season in Kenya, exacerbated by deforestation upstream, have led to landslides impacting crops downstream, underscoring the urgency of our conservation work. This initiative has heightened public awareness of environmental issues, prompting us to expand our efforts to safeguard other areas more extensively. By fencing off the 1.5-acre bamboo forest, we have initiated a larger project to protect the entire 4200-acre community forest, involving local communities and stakeholders. Our actions align with Kenya's national target of conserving 10% of forested areas and contribute to CO2 absorption through bamboo forest regeneration and future tree planting initiatives.