The project has for the past two years been focused on conserving birds and wetlands that sustain Moroeroe river in Tlokoeng Valley, in the Botha-Bothe district, Lesotho. Specific focus has been on community-based conservation of the Southern Bald Ibis (Geronticus calvus), which is confined to Lesotho, the eastern parts of South Africa and the western parts of Swaziland. Below are achievements of the current project with respect to the social survey that was conducted to establish Tlokoeng valley community?s prior knowledge with respect to birds and wetlands, the state of the birds in the valley in terms of the scientific survey,
Social survey establishing peoples prior knowledge
The findings of this study informed subsequent environmental education activities focused on awareness of all bird species found in the valley and their role in the ecosystem, education about the ecological and global significance of the Southern Bald Ibis, appreciation of the ecological function of wetlands, as well as the need for the valley communities to adopt more environmentally sustainable practices and lifestyles.
Scientific investigation into the status of birds and wetlands in the valley
A total of 138 bird species were recorded in the study area of which 62.3% were classified as residents, with the rest being visitors, i.e. species which normally visit the study area only during part of the day or night. Almost half of the 138 species (47.1%) are known to breed or are at least suspected of breeding in Tlokoeng Valley. This includes two permanent resident species which are currently on the Red Data List, namely the Southern Bald Ibis Geronticus calvus and the Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus. Three other Red Data species have also been recorded in Tlokoeng Valley, but none of them are breeding there, being infrequent aseasonal visitors (Black Stork Ciconia nigra; Secretarybird Sagittarius serpentarius), or rare seasonal visitors (Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni). The data were analyzed in relation to human impacts, including positive and negative aspects.
Community Empowerment to Conserve Bald Ibis, other Birds and Wetlands
Schools teachers and learners have been particularly difficult to reach due to lack of response to invitations extended to them. Further strategies of engagement of the formal education sector will be explored in future.

Construction of Nature Trails
There are three trail routes that have been mapped out, that offer opportunities to learn about birds using the project purchased equipment, to learn about the formation of the valley landscape, the lifestyles of the communities in the valley, as well as environmental issues faced by the community. The proposed project is intended to develop a trail and campsites leading and around Owls and Southern Bald Ibis nesting/roosting sites.
Project?s Main Objective
The goals and objectives of the project are as follows:
GOAL 1: To develop a trail leading to the Owls and Southern Bald Ibis sites, for enhancement of the ecotourism and environmental education activities/services.
Objective: To engage the labour of the community and the technical advice of three environmentalists to develop a nature trail leading the identified sites.

GOAL 2: To develop two identified campsites for enhancement of the ecotourism and environmental education activities/services.
Objective: To engage the labour of the community and the technical of three environmentalists to develop two campsites.