Part 2
Building on the foundation laid in Part 1, GLFx Nairobi has continued its mission to contribute to the restoration of the Oloolua Forest ecosystem, empower local communities, and foster meaningful collaborations among stakeholders. With steadfast commitment, the project has achieved significant milestones highlighting the power of community-driven restoration efforts and partnerships.
Faith-Based Collaboration in Conservation
Faith communities have been pivotal in advancing restoration efforts in Oloolua Forest. In collaboration with WWF UK’s Beliefs and Values Programme, a two-day workshop united faith leaders from Christian, Muslim, and Baha’i communities to explore the intersection of faith and environmental stewardship.
The workshop led to the formation of the Oloolua Forest Faith and Restoration Network, bringing together 33 committed members dedicated to integrating conservation principles into their spiritual missions. This network has since become a hub for knowledge exchange, community mobilization, and faith-driven action, empowering religious groups to actively engage in restoration while inspiring their congregations to care for the environment.
“Learning to connect scripture with environmental stewardship and adopting practices like ‘Farming God’s Way’ highlighted the powerful role faith can play in conservation.”
– Christopher Mureithi, a representative of the Oloolua Forest ecotourism user group
Multi-Stakeholder Forum: Oloolua Stakeholders Open day
To strengthen partnerships and address conservation challenges, the Oloolua Forest Ecotourism User Group organised a stakeholder open day in collaboration with GLFx Nairobi and Friends of Oloolua Forest. This landmark forum convened government representatives, NGOs, private sector leaders, and Oloolua Forest communities to explore collaborative solutions for forest restoration.
Key outcomes from the forum included:
- The formation of new partnerships to support restoration efforts.
- Formal pledges from stakeholders committing to restoration initiatives.
- Actionable strategies for sustainable forest management, including fencing and eco-tourism development.
Capacity Building: Enhancing Skills and Tools for Restoration
Recognizing the importance of sustainable livelihoods in restoration, GLFx Nairobi spearheaded capacity-building sessions for 11 forest user groups. These training sessions provided participants with critical skills in resource mobilization, communication, and forest value chain development, ensuring they could effectively communicate their conservation work, secure funding, and market forest-based products. The value chain training introduced practical skills like tree nursery management, grafting, and beekeeping enterprise development, ensuring forest user groups are well-prepared to sustain restoration efforts and expand their impact.
“The training has transformed our approach—now we know how to choose quality seeds, keep detailed records, and sustain productive nurseries, making both our community and environment healthier and happier.”
– Bether Maina, Tree nursery user group member
In response to community requests for effective monitoring tools, GLFx Nairobi, provided training on the Regreening Africa App. The training sessions guided participants using the app’s modules to monitor tree planting activities, document their activities and record information about their tree nurseries. This tool allows communities to track progress, improve accountability, and enhance decision-making in their restoration efforts.
Looking Ahead
As GLFx Nairobi continues to drive restoration, the focus remains on collaboration, community capacity-building, and policy advocacy. Two key upcoming initiatives will further this mission:
📌 Urban Greenprints: Policy and Action for Urban Forestry in Kenya An upcoming policy workshop will bring together policymakers, urban planners, conservationists, and local communities to develop a roadmap for greener cities. The goal is to co-create a comprehensive urban forestry policy that bridges existing gaps and lays the foundation for long-term, sustainable urban conservation efforts.
📌 Oloolua Forest Conservation Awareness Campaign A dynamic social media campaign will soon launch to raise awareness about Oloolua Forest’s ecological importance, conservation challenges, and restoration opportunities. By leveraging digital platforms, this campaign aims to inspire action, engage stakeholders, and build momentum for forest conservation.
Stay tuned as we continue this inspiring journey of restoration and advocacy!
