Preparing for an excursion
Dr. Melckzedeck K. Osore
Training programs for the environmental conservation
Training DGGC members and the local community on environmental conservation is for the purpose of empowering the people to protect and conserve the environment for prosperity and sustainable use. Training is offered by Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and various NGOs. The training has resulted in:
- Restoration of various mangroves species through reforestation programmes
- Stopping illegal methods of fishing, including use of poison and nets of small mesh size
- Reduction of fishing pressure from Mida Creek
- Sustaining Malindi-Watamu World Biosphere Reserve as part of the Marine Protected Areas of the Kenya coast.
Majority of the community members have accepted the training programs. The community is now collaborating with trainers to create environmental awareness, which is a very important element to achieve the objective of this project.
Visits by students from school, universities and colleges, tour guides on boat rides and bird watching trips have been great ways to help raise awareness about environmental issues.
Using the local Kiswahili language to explain to the community has yield in the faster results.