Status: Important Bird Area
Campaign period: 2009 and Ongoing
Background
The Dakatcha woodland is found near the town of Malindi in the Coastal province of Kenya. Its landscape consists of a series of dry forests, dense thickets with open woodlands. To the south, the site is bordered by the wide Galana-Sabaki River.
Why it is important
Dakatcha Woodland is the only site outside Arabuko-Sokoke forest where Endangered Clarke’s Weaver bird is known to occur. It also holds substantial populations of Sokoke Pipit, and both species may breed at Dakatcha.
The forest of Dakatcha Woodland stores water, protects the soil, shelters unique animals and plants, and provides environmental services and direct benefits to the local people.
Threat
Kenya Jatropha Energy Limited intended to clear the forest of 50,000 ha to grow Jatropha curcas the crop whose seeds produce oil that is used to make bio-diesel.
Concerns
There were concerns that growing of Jatropha would lead to loss of biodiversity as a result of loss woodland habitat. In particular, the destruction of the woodland could mean a near extinction to these birds.
Campaign Strategies
Media and lobbying campaign
Engagement in EIA process
Engagement with the local communities and the government
Reaching out to the international community
Enhancement of conservation Status of site
Campaign outcomes
After intense opposition from Nature Kenya and other organisations, Kenya’s National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) officially rejected a proposal to convert 10,000 hectares of Dakatcha Woodland IBA to grow the biofuel crop jatropha Jatropha curcus.
Implementation of livelihoods projects
Documents
Press
Kenya’s National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) rejects a proposal to convert 10,000 hectares of Dakatcha Woodland IBA to grow the biofuel crop jatropha Jatropha curcus. Read more.
Links
IBA factsheet;
Related posts:
- Kenya’s environment authority advises jatropha is ‘not viable’ in coastal Kenya Hope rise that the planting of the biofuel crop jatropha within the Coast region of...
- Thirst for biofuels still threatening Kenya’s Dakatcha Woodlands – By Andre Farrar (RSPB – BirdLife in the UK) In a move that buys a little time for the Dakatcha Woodlands, Kenya’s National Environment...
- A narrow escape for Nature Kenya staff Nature Kenya (BirdLife Partner) staff, two journalists, and Kenya Wildlife Service rangers escaped death narrowly...
Wed, Jan 25, 2012
Africa