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WILDLABS logoWildlabs.net : The conservation technology network

article / 16 December 2024

Susan and Conservation outreaches

In 2023, I was awarded a seed grant by Arm after my participation in Women in Conservation Technology program (WiCt), organized by WildLabs Net. Fauna & Flora International and GrumetFund. Sooner after, I used the money to initiate an outreach program in schools found at Mwanga, Kilimanjaro (please see my previous blog post). This initiative aimed to foster a deeper understanding of conservation, wildlife, and the environment among the youth in our community. The project has made significant strides over the past year, and this report outlines our achievements, challenges faced, and future aspirations.Insert intro here

Susan Chege Reuben

Susan Chege Reuben

A wildlife scientist, focusing mainly in primates conservation  & research, Community-based conservation and ecosystems management.

Groups

The primary objectives of this initiative were:

  1. To educate students about environmental conservation and its importance.
  2. To engage students in hands-on activities related to tree planting and care.
  3. To enhance biodiversity by increasing green cover around the school.

Achievements

  1. Tree Planting Success: We successfully planted over 200 trees on school grounds, including indigenous species that are vital for local ecosystems. These trees have not only beautified the campus but also provided shade and habitat for local wildlife.
  2. Educational Workshops: We conducted several workshops focusing on topics such as biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable practices. These sessions were well-attended by students and facilitated discussions that encouraged critical thinking about environmental issues.
  3. Growth Monitoring: Regular monitoring of the planted trees has shown that approximately 70% of them are thriving despite some challenges with dryness in the area.

 

Challenges Faced

While we achieved many successes, we also encountered several challenges:

  1. Dryness: The region’s dry climate posed a significant threat to young saplings, leading to a mortality rate of about 30%. We are exploring solutions such as mulching and rainwater harvesting to mitigate this issue in future plantings.
  2. Resource Limitations: Limited funding restricted our ability to expand educational materials, seedlings and resources for workshops. We aim to seek additional grants or partnerships to enhance our offerings.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, we plan to:

  1. Expand our tree planting efforts by collaborating with other schools in the district.
  2. Develop a more comprehensive curriculum that includes practical conservation techniques.

Conclusion

The Conservation outreach Initiative has laid a strong foundation for ongoing engagement with environmental issues among young people in Mwanga District. As we move forward, we remain committed to nurturing both our trees and our students’ understanding of their role in conservation efforts. With continued support from our community and stakeholders, we can inspire future generations to become stewards of their environment.

Thank you for your support as we strive towards a greener future!

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