Rehabilitation of Lake Jipe Ecosystem: Lake Jipe Coordination Project (KEN-GEF-04-011)
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Country:
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KENYA
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Grantee:
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East African Wildlife Society - EAWS (Non-government Organization)
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Focal Area:
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International Waters
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Op. Program:
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OP8 - Water body-based Operational Program
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Project Type:
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Full
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Operational Phase:
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Phase 2
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Dates:
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7/2004 - 7/2006
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Grant Amount:
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50 000,00 USD
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Project Status:
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Satisfactorily Completed
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Project Types:
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Demonstration
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Project Details & Results
Situated on the Kenya Tanzania boundary in Taita Taveta district, the 30 sq km Lake Jipe is dying. The lake has lost about 50 % of its water mass within the last 10 years, due to siltation caused by destruction of the water catchment are and farmlands, proliferation of the typha weed, and diversion of fresh water recharge from river Lumi. The lake has increasing salinity, decreasing depth and biodiversity. Hippos and crocodiles have migrated upstream due to salinity. The lake is of global importance and the only place in the world where the fish Oreochromis jipe is found, and which is on the verge of extinction. In a joint effort to salvage the situation, the UNDP GEFSGP and the Biodiversity Conservation Programme (BCP) of the European Union have committed US$416,000 (US$250,000 from the GEFSGP and US$166,000 from the BCP) for the rehabilitation of the lake. The two funds and other partners are working together thorough the local communities for: 1. Site wide baseline data collection and an EIA will preceed implementation of rehabilitation projects. 2. De-siltation and restoration of the original course of river Lumi. 3. Removal of illegal water abstraction canals. 4. Rehabilitation of an existing water project to provide drinking water to the community. 5. Introducing agro-forestry. 6. Fish farming - raising endemic and other fish species in ponds. 7. Capacity building for sustainable fishing including right size of nets. 8. Protection of Njoro Springs 9. Bringing the communities from both sides of the boundary to hold consultations to reduce conflict.
The East African Wildlife Society is facilitating the implementation of the different projects aimed at restoring the Lake as a water body of international importance. Activities: 1. Facilitate the collection of baseline Information on Lake Jipe ecosystem including the river Lumi flood plains 2. Facilitate and organize Lake Jipe Stakeholder Workshop 3. Aid the NGOs and CBOs to revise project proposals according to results of site strategy 4. Facilitate Environmental Impact Assessments for the selected proposed projects and actions 5. Organise and facilitate the second stakeholders workshop 6. Co-ordinate project implementation.
Notable Community Participation
Community members are participating in the different workshops and seminars facilitated by the EAWS
Capacity - Building Component
The different NGOs and CBOs learn during the stakeholder workshops about Lake Jipes' eco-system and the importance of protecting it.
Emphasis on Sustainable Livelihoods
The Initiative contains projects focusing on enhancing the livelihood of the communities through agricultural practices and fish farming.
Gender Focus
The Initiative is targeting both men and women. Women groups will benefit from the availability of clean water and income generating activities like fish farming and agricultural practices.
Significant Participation of Indigenous Peoples
N/A
Promoting Public Awareness of Global Environment
Lake Jipe is transboundary water mass of international importance. The Lake serves an essential environmental function, being a permanent water reservoir for wildlife in two National Parks (Tsavo West in Kenya and Mkomazi Game Reserve in Tanzania). It has been a major source of livelihood as it has been supporting a thriving fishing industry and water transport business enterprises.
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