Muhaka, Kenya
Our 2021-2023 project will support the community in Muhaka, a village in the southern coastal region of Kenya.
A few kilometres inland from the world-famous Diani Beach, this area was once covered in ancient forest. Now only 10% of it remains in small, disconnected patches of sacred forest known as kayas. Deforestation threatens both the livelihoods of the local Mijikenda people and the survival of endangered endemic wildlife.
The significance of the kayas is globally recognised because:
- The Mijikenda Sacred Forests are a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- The Coastal Forests of Eastern Africa are one of 36 global biodiversity hotspots.
Education, conservation and eco-tourism will deliver long term economic benefits to the community.
Your impact on Kaya Muhaka
Volunteers will be involved with activities that help fulfil the following aims:
Phase 1: Set up an indigenous tree nursery to provide the local community with the means to replant the kaya following illegal logging and give them an income from selling the saplings
Phase 2: Convert a building into a dedicated education centre for local children and international tourists to learn about local culture and wildlife whilst providing the community a sustainable business
Phase 3: Build a canopy level platform to provide visitors with a unique perspective of the forest and its wildlife and promote its importance to the Mijikenda people
Phase 4: Create wildlife corridors to enable forest animals to safely travel between kayas which will strengthen their gene pool and reduce human-wildlife conflict.
Volunteer Testimonial
“I felt very humbled and privileged to be part of the team and to be able to help and make a difference to the lives of the children in Kenya.
I enjoyed every aspect of the trip – even mixing cement by hand and carrying bricks. The hard work becomes worth it when you see the impact and progress you make each day. It was a fantastic experience with some amazing people. I feel truly honoured to be part of something so inspiring.”
James Nash