May 27, 2010 - Private partners sign Mau rehabilitation agreements
Two organizations have signed three-year agreements with the Kenya Forest Service to rehabilitate sections of Mau Forests Complex, while other organizations are finalizing the terms of the agreements intended to be signed shortly. The total area earmarked for rehabilitation through the support of these stakeholders is approx. 85,643 acres. The signing of these agreements followed weeks of preparation led jointly by the Interim Coordinating Secretariat and the Kenya Forest Service.
The agreement predominantly entails the Kenya Forest Service to spearhead the conservation and protection of the Mau Forest Complex in line with provisions of the Forest Act 2005, and to provide technical advice necessary for the implementation of the rehabilitation activities.
The partners coming on board commit to raise funds and resources required for the implementation of the rehabilitation activities, joint responsibility for the overall management of the rehabilitation activities and to work together in good faith during the rehabilitation process.
These organizations that have signed or are finalizing agreements include African Wildlife Foundation (13,500 acres), James Finlay (K) Ltd. (250 acres), Malaika Ecotourism & Coral Cay Conservation UK (375 acres), and Save the Mau Trust Fund (21,518 acres).
The Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of State for Defense are in an advance stage in the consideration of signing an agreement with the Kenya Forest Service to rehabilitate 47,500 and 2,500 acres respectively.
