Conservation
Project
Natural
Waterholes Restoration Project
The
Maasai Association is the driving force behind the Waterholes
Restoration Project in Merrueshi Group Ranch, southeastern Kenya.
This is a Rangeland Management and conservation project aimed
at renovating and restoring natural waterholes for the benefit
of wildlife and local people. The waterholes were originally
made by elephants and have been shared by wildlife, livestock,
and people for decades. These essential water sources are in
desperate need of restoration.
Why
are Waterholes Disappearing in the Savanna?
Most
natural waterholes in southeastern Kenya have eroded completely,
while some of the few remaining ones are disappearing every
year. From the Maasai elders' perspective, the erosion of waterholes
in the savanna has been caused by climate change, and the shortage
of rainfall that has become common in Africa.
When
a waterhole disappears, the number of wildlife in that area
will also be reduced and eventually disappear. Many of the animals
migrate to a different location, which could be 50 miles away,
where water is available. When that happens, the animals become
overcrowded and in turn overuse the waterhole. The increased
animal populations also overgraze the area and increase the
possibility of droughts. "Much wildlife and local people
suffer greatly as a result of the degradation of the environment",
said Surungai, a Maasai elder from Ilkelunyeti.
The
Maasai people have witnessed that hundreds of animals perish
every year as a result of water shortage at crowded waterholes.
The renovation of waterholes will, without doubt, provide wildlife
with a choice to continue roaming and graze freely without overusing
and overgrazing a specific area. The project will also help
to improve grazing patterns, giving pastureland more time for
vegetation. Carrying capacity is a critical matter of concern
in the savanna, and availability of water can lessened the problem.
Natural
Waterholes Restoration Project Requirements
- A
rented bulldozer
- Tree
planting
The
project will require local people to plant drought-tolerant plants
and trees around the waterholes. These plants will serve as a
natural and effective means for preventing future soil erosion.
Existing terraces that channeled the water into waterholes will
also be renovated. Renovating waterholes in the savanna would
bring about conservation for wildlife, preserving the local ways
of life, and restore the savanna biome. Adequate water supply
is essential to all living things. You can adopt a waterhole in
one Click.
Any
assistance you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Please
contact us for any questions regarding this and other projects
in our organization.
