Building local community capacity on Payment for Ecosystem (PES

Building local community capacity on Payment for Ecosystem (PES) services for watershed protection

Mt. Kenya’s ecosystem provides fundamental ecosystem services, which includes water. It is Kenya’s largest “water tower”, feeding two major river basins; Ewaso Nyiro North and Tana River. Its water service, valued at USD 20.4 million/year, provides an opportunity where forest-adjacent community groups (water sellers) can be engaged in watershed protection and rehabilitation with financial support from downstream water users (buyers). Nature Kenya is building the capacity of Community Forest Associations (CFA), comprising forest-adjacent communities legally recognized under Kenyan law. By recognizing Payment for Ecosystem Services as a form of resource mobilization, CFAs mainstream their conservation actions to watershed rehabilitation in partnership with local or national private sectors. Using a site-specific business case approach, CFAs identify and implement conservation programmes at their sites while taking into consideration ecosystem conservation importance. It is envisioned that this approach will lead to enhanced management of water catchment areas and improved water quantity and quality.

This is a model for sustainable business operations in Kenya. This intervention will enable companies to demonstrate commitment to environmental management, build strong relationships with stakeholders who are the water producers and, importantly, replenish the water. Sustaining water flow equates to business sustainability.

Nature Kenya Executive Director Dr. Paul Matiku (second from right) receiving Kenya shilings eight million from Kenya Breweries Ltd to support rehabilitation of degraded Mt. Kenya. (PHOTO: ©J. Mwacharo)