Lake Bogoria landscape covers 107 km2 within a catchment basin that forms the arid and semi-arid areas of northern Kenya. The lake forms an important stopover site for migratory birds flying from parts of Europe, Asia and South Africa. It is part of a global network of important bird area, migratory flyways and wetlands of global significance. The site has been declared as Important Bird Areas (IBAs) and is also declared Ramsar site, constituting wetlands of international importance. The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) phase six has identified the Lake Bogoria Landscape as a priority area to invest in communities to support conservation of biodiversity in the region.
Lake Bogoria landscape being one of the most saline region, Emsos River and its catchments has been the most important fresh water river and heart of the biodiversity within the landscape.
The river benefits about three hundred households and about one thousand both land and aquatic wild animals including the unique greater Kudu. Migratory birds from other parts of the world get a better place to settle within Lake Bogoria along Emsos River hence it is good habitat for birds. The river is the centre of most economical activities including faming and eco-tourism. It is also good for recreational activities as its surrounding is cool with unique breeze from Lake Bogoria.
Problem Statement
The river and its catchment face a greater danger of human activities which may lead to drying up in the future, if not conserved. The human activities include overstocking, logging, charcoal burning, farming and human encroachment near the water source. New containers used for fetching water by the community contain oil which gets into the water while washing, killing aquatic life such as fish, frogs and insects. Due to growing population, there is greater waste deposit along the river and the source leading to suffocation of bio-organisms. If, in future this river dries up, there will be a huge loss of biodiversity and livelihoods as most people surrounding the southern part of the Lake will be rendered poor, most wild animals and including livestock will be at risk due to scarcities in water and pastures and hence starvation. There is a greater need to conserve the river and biodiversity, and thereby strengthening community economic wellbeing and support ecosystem services to the residents.

To conserve this river and its catchments, the following projects are proposed; Water source and adjacent areas along the river to be fenced in order to prevent destruction from human and animal activities such as waste disposal, water pollution, logging around the source, farming activities along the river. This will also curb degradation of the riparian vegetation by livestock that occurs during watering.
To plant water supportive trees within the catchment areas and along the river, to help improve vegetation cover within the river riparian area and its catchments. Vegetation will also provide good habitat for different species of birds, animals and insects.
To pipe water to the nearby households, construction of water kiosks to prevent human activities and encroachment near the water sources. This will reduce human-wildlife conflict and waste disposals into the river.