A laudable and life-saving initiative by a group of conservationists and nature lovers, including four Italian honorary rangers of KWS, Olga Ercolano, Massimo Vallarin, Annabella Francescon and Elisabetta Levis, wants to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Nairobi National Park in the best possible way.
Together with other fellow adventurers, including botanists, ecologists, restorers and professional horticulturists and with the collaboration of the Kenya Wildlife Service, the group has launched a fundraising effort to create a green barrier between the park and the new bypass, the Southern Bypass, and thereby protect the wildlife and nature of this historic lung and landmark for residents and tourists in the capital.
Here part of the release.
"The park provides a haven for wildlife and an accessible place for Nairobi residents to enjoy nature. Whilst the continued presence of the park is a notable success, in recent years construction projects are impacting the park and its wildlife. We are keen to make sure that the park is secure for the next 75 years and more! Construction of the Southern Bypass unfortunately meant that parts of the previously planted "Greenline", which separated the park from the old road, were cleared. This has resulted in the width of the green barrier reducing in many places and parts of the greenline being completely lost leaving the park immediately meeting the bypass. Our initiative will restore lost portions of the Greenline and enhance plant biodiversity within' remaining sections to provide a thicker barrier between the road and the park. Our team involves scientists, restoration ecologists, conservationists and professional horticulturalists which means our tree planting approach is well-planned and will deliver strong outcomes.
We will only plant tree and shrub species that are native to Nairobi National Park and therefore naturally adapted to this area. Trees 2ft and above have been donated and allocated for sale for this initiative from tree nurseries in and around Nairobi. Planting material is locally sourced, this will benefit local wildlife and ensure that the trees and shrubs planted have a good chance of survival.
We will install an electric fence to protect planted and naturally regenerated plants. The fence will stay for 18 months. We will install a drip irrigation system and water storage tanks to provide regular water supply to the planted and regenerated trees and shrubs for 18 months.
We are initially looking for sponsorship to support three 20x250m section. The cost per section is 1.8m KES and a full budget breakdown is available in request. Additional in the future.
Mpesa . paybill 891300 account 50316 confirmation will read NNP@75 Tree Planting Initiative or go to secure.changa.co.ke.myweb/share/50316
For any further informations: Olga Ercolano 0722521556