About CCI-Kenya
Introduction
The CommunityConservation Initiative ”Linking Projects in Partnership” - Kenya (otherwise known as CCI-Kenya) is a small non-profit making initiative providing project support & facilitation on a volunteer, self-funding basis to a small number of local, indigenous community-led sustainable resource management groups in Kenya.
CCI-Kenya is operating under the auspices of The Albufera Initiative for Biodiversity Ltd (TAIB), a private company limited by guarantee (Company No. 2856255) which was fully registered in Scotland, UK during June 2006 The aims & objectives of TAIB itself are to provide an holistic approach to the promotion of biodiversity conservation through environmental & ecological consultancy, research, practical advice, training, support & facilitation of community-led sustainable resource management initiatives, & other allied activities.
Apart from CCI-Kenya’s work in East Africa, TAIB’s other main geographical area of work is currently the Mediterranean, North Africa & the Middle East.
Background
The CCI-Kenya initiative was set up & organised in March 2006 by Elizabeth Riddiford, a freelance Project Facilitator from UK, in a direct response to the genuine needs, requests & comments expressed by a range of local, indigenous community-led groups & supporting organisations & agencies during her time as an independent eco-volunteer in Kenya between 2003 & 2006. Many thanks are extended for the useful assistance and advice that has been kindly provided by a number of experienced & respected national organisations & agencies in Kenya, all of which are actively involved with community site-support throughout the country & with whom we will continue to work in close collaboration.
The remote, & often marginalised, community groups receiving practical project support from CCI-Kenya are themselves situated in a range of diverse & endangered environments — from the lush Kakamega rain forest in the Western Highlands, to the dry coastal Arabuko Sokoke forest in North Coast province, the harsh, remote semi-arid Maasai homelands of Western Mukogodo in Laikipia, the grasslands of Kinangop Plateau overlooking the Aberdares and now, more recently, the urban slum areas of Mathare Valley and Kibera in Nairobi.Despite the apparent differences between these community groups in terms of traditional language, cultural & natural environment, they actually have a good deal in common. There is, therefore, much that can be both shared & understood….
These community-led self-help projects (including women’s and youth groups) have been set up & organised by local Indigenous people who wish to improve the social, health and economic well-being of their communities, & who understand & respect the need to live in harmony with their natural environment as well as the importance of safeguarding their natural & cultural heritage for future generations. Some of these community–led groups already have the support of a variety of interested organisations & individuals, others are recently formed. All are looking to exchange ideas & share the benefit of each others’ experiences, whilst seeking the necessary additional funding & outside practical support & collaboration to help them overcome & wide range of issues & achieve their common goals, including -
· Environmental education, conservation & management,
· Training & capacity-building,
· The setting up of sustainable income-generating activities,
· Development & use of energy-saving devices,
· Improved water harvesting & water catchment facilities
· Improved health-care & HIV/AIDS education,
· Education of the girl-child, & other gender-related issues,
· Conservation of traditional local languages, aural narrative & cultural heritage.
Despite the additional needs and challenges now being faced by communities in Kenya following the post-electoral violence in January 2008, there exists a strong willingness and desire across the country to unite and heal and help the country and local communities to move forward in a positive way for the future. It is very important that everyone continues to help, support and encourage them along the way. CCI-Kenya will continue to do so as best it can.
Thank you.
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