Conservation of threatened tree species in the forests of Taita Hills, Kenya (Phase II)

Consolidating long-term conservation efforts for threatened tree species in the Eastern Arc Mountains forests of Taita Hills, Kenya (Phase II)

Partner: Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI)
Years: 2024-2027

This project continues and expands the ongoing conservation efforts funded by Fondation Franklinia since 2020 in the Taita Hills, Kenya. The overall goal of this project is to promote long-term in-situ conservation of fifteen threatened endemic tree species in the Eastern Arc Mountains forests of the Taita Hills. The conservation of these target species will be undertaken through participatory actions with local communities and other stakeholders involved in the conservation of Taita Hills forests.

Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) is a government research institute anchored in the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry. The Taita Hills forests form part of the Eastern Arc Mountains; they are characterized by high species diversity and endemism, but also high rates of deforestation, degradation and fragmentation. Consequently, fifteen species with narrow distribution ranges are highly threatened with extinction. For this reason, the Taita Hills is considered a priority site for action by the Kenya Threatened Trees Consortium.
This project builds on the accomplishments of a first project that was supported by Fondation Franklinia, and whose overall goal was to enable, enhance and promote long-term in situ conservation of two threatened endemic tree species (Coffea fadenii and Afrocarpus usambarensis).
This phase II project aims at promoting long-term in situ conservation of fifteen threatened endemic tree species. The expected outcomes will be enhanced protection of threatened trees through (i) increased population in natural range, (ii) improved ecological integrity of Taita Hills landscape, (iii) increased integration of threatened trees in national tree planting initiatives; (iv) improved livelihoods; (v) climate benefits through increased carbon capture and (vi) increased awareness on the conservation of threatened species among the stakeholders including local communities for sustainable conservation efforts.