Assessing Management of Biodiversity in the Maasai Mau Forest Ecosystem

Abstract

Biodiversity conservation and management are key to sustainable forest ecosystems, which play an important role in the well-being of world economies and societies. This study examined how biodiversity-related programs and activities are integrated into the Maasai Mau Forest Ecosystem Conservation Plan 2021 - 2031 in Kenya. The study assessed the extent to which biodiversity is integrated at three levels; species diversity, ecosystem diversity and genetic variation and whether the integration was direct or indirect. The study also assessed the focus of organisations operating in the Maasai Mau forest in relation to projects related to biodiversity conservation and management. The review included an analysis of forest planning documents and in-depth interviews with key informants from various stakeholders involved in the conservation efforts within the Maasai Mau forest ecosystem. The study found that many organisations' programs focused on community livelihood empowerment and forest restoration activities including rehabilitation of indigenous trees, enrichment planting, protection of forest and wildlife and research and monitoring of biodiversity. However, the study found that the biodiversity conservation component was not adequately integrated into the planning processes for the Maasai Mau forest, hence a limited focus that ensures adequate representation of representative species and ecosystems in the conservation systems. The report recommends intensifying efforts to mainstream biodiversity goals across government decision-making processes and programmes including the Participatory Forest Management Plans and utilizing international processes for the sustainable use of forest and biodiversity conservation.