Harmonizing multi-stakeholder interests to improve forest conservation in Southern Kenya

The cloud forests of the Taita Hills are valuable refuges for numerous endemic and rare animal and plant species. They also provide various ecosystem services that support subsistence farming. Due to the large-scale destruction and conversion of these species-rich natural forests into subsistence agriculture and plantations of exotic tree species, most of the natural cloud forest habitats have disappeared and ecosystem services have been significantly diminished. Despite numerous conservation initiatives, the destruction of the Taita Hills forest ecosystem continues, which also lowers livelihood quality of the local people. During a workshop with representatives of GOs, NGOs, researchers and representatives of the local community we identified potential factors which are essential to reverse this negative trend. We found that governance structures urgently need to be strengthened, and that the traditional conservation system needs to get transformed and revitalised. The basic prerequisite is a vital communication among generations, especially between the youth and the elders, as well as and improved communication of scientific knowledge to policy makers and the society. Furthermore, it is essential to harmonize stakeholders’ mandates, policies and actions to efficiently restore this unique forest biodiversity hotspot, and to secure livelihood needs for the local people.