The Kasigau Corridor REDD+ project is a pioneering conservation initiative protecting wildlife movement between Tsavo East and Tsavo West national parks. The project represents one of Africa's first forest carbon credit programs and demonstrates an approach to integrating conservation with community economic development.
Project Background
The Kasigau Corridor project was established to protect critical habitat and wildlife corridors in the Kasigau area and surrounding lowlands. The project recognized that wildlife populations depend on movement between Tsavo East and Tsavo West parks, and that protecting corridors improves long-term conservation prospects.
Carbon Credit Mechanism
The project generates revenue through the sale of carbon credits. By protecting forests from deforestation and degradation, the project prevents the release of carbon dioxide and generates tradeable carbon credits. Carbon credit buyers include companies seeking to offset emissions and countries meeting climate commitments.
Conservation Activities
The project restricts logging, charcoal production, and other land uses that degrade forest habitat. Forest monitoring activities track forest condition and detect violations. Community rangers are employed to patrol forests and prevent illegal activities.
Community Involvement
The Kasigau Corridor project is designed to involve and benefit local communities. Some carbon revenue is allocated to community development projects selected by communities. Community members are employed as rangers and in other project activities. The project aims to provide economic incentives for conservation aligned with community interests.
Wildlife Benefits
The protection of forest habitat and wildlife corridors enables continued wildlife movement and supports populations of elephants, lions, and other species. The corridor helps maintain genetic connectivity between Tsavo East and West elephant populations.
Economic Model
The carbon credit model provides ongoing revenue for conservation and community development. Unlike traditional conservation approaches that restrict local land use without compensation, the carbon credit model generates local economic benefits from conservation.
Challenges and Outcomes
The project has faced challenges including fluctuating carbon credit prices, difficulties in community engagement, and monitoring challenges. However, the project has demonstrated proof-of-concept for REDD+ mechanisms in East Africa and has inspired similar projects.
See Also
Sources
- Kasigau Corridor REDD+ Project. "Project Description and Activities". Kenya Wildlife Service and The Nature Conservancy, 2013. https://kasigauredplus.org/
- Stern, Nicolas. "The Economics of Climate Change". Report to the UK Government and the Treasury, 2006. https://www.lse.ac.uk/Grantham/
- Kenya Wildlife Service. "Tsavo East and West National Parks Management Plan 2014-2024". Government of Kenya, 2014. https://www.kws.go.ke/