Mau Forest Overview

What is the Mau forest? Largest remaining block of montane forest in Eastern Africa—an areaLargest remaining block of montane forest in Eastern Africa—an area > 400,000 ha. > 400,000 ha. 21 Forests, 1 of which (Maasai Mau) is managed by local government (Narok County Council)21 Forests, 1 of which (Maasai Mau) is managed by local government (Narok County Council) One of 5 ‘water towers’ of Kenya; covers upper catchments of the Nzoia, Yala, Nyando, Sondu, Mara and Ewaso Ng’iro rivers  E. Africa lakes and wetlands; i.e., Victoria, Baringo, Natron, Turkana, Nakuru and NaivashaOne of 5 ‘water towers’ of Kenya; covers upper catchments of the Nzoia, Yala, Nyando, Sondu, Mara and Ewaso Ng’iro rivers  E. Africa lakes and wetlands; i.e., Victoria, Baringo, Natron, Turkana, Nakuru and Naivasha

Importance of the Mau The Mau complex nourishes Kenya’s two largest foreign exchange earners—tea and tourism—in addition to many smallholder livelihoods (cattle, crops, forest products)The Mau complex nourishes Kenya’s two largest foreign exchange earners—tea and tourism—in addition to many smallholder livelihoods (cattle, crops, forest products) A significant portion of Kenya’s—as well as Tanzania’s—key wildlife populations depend on the Mau complex for waterA significant portion of Kenya’s—as well as Tanzania’s—key wildlife populations depend on the Mau complex for water

Biodiversity values Contribution to priority wildlife conservation areasContribution to priority wildlife conservation areas Freshwater biodiversityFreshwater biodiversity Indigenous forestIndigenous forest Important Bird Areas (#5)Important Bird Areas (#5) Farms & agrobiodiversityFarms & agrobiodiversity

LTPR dynamics Reserve forests (government owned)Reserve forests (government owned) Maasai group ranches increasingly fragmentedMaasai group ranches increasingly fragmented Ogiek territoryOgiek territory Titled landTitled land –Legitimate –Non-legitimate –??? Refugee campsRefugee camps

LTPR dynamics Indigenous people

Direct conflict drivers ExcisionsExcisions RemovalsRemovals Unsustainable and inequitable forest managementUnsustainable and inequitable forest management

Underlying dynamics: demand for land and water Population pressure and immigrationPopulation pressure and immigration Uncontrolled water useUncontrolled water use

Underlying dynamics: power struggles and patronage Corruption and ethnically- manipulated land concessions combined with drought led to violence and population displacementCorruption and ethnically- manipulated land concessions combined with drought led to violence and population displacement Lack of opportunity for youthLack of opportunity for youth Proliferation of management units, no coherence; struggling over jurisdiction and benefitProliferation of management units, no coherence; struggling over jurisdiction and benefit Marginalization and “developmental distance”Marginalization and “developmental distance”

PROMARA interventions Community centerCommunity center Information and legal advice on land rights targeted at vulnerable populationsInformation and legal advice on land rights targeted at vulnerable populations Alternatives to land alienation and evictionsAlternatives to land alienation and evictions Integrated governance and co- management of natural resources providing livelihood and ecosystem service benefitsIntegrated governance and co- management of natural resources providing livelihood and ecosystem service benefits