In its effort to continue conserving the Kaimosi Tropical rainforest, Kaimosi Friends University today commenced a two-day data collection training for the Kaimosi Friends University Citizen Science Project, courtesy of the Centre for Excellence in Climate Action and Research (CECARE).
In his opening remarks, guest speaker Dr. Douglas Bwire, from CIFOR-ICRAF lauded the institution’s unwavering commitment and efforts in conserving the Kaimosi Forest. He commended the community members present for taking the center stage in supporting the university’s conservation activities, that their contributions play a critical role in the ongoing Science project.
Dr. Bwire underscored the importance of the training session stating that it would help intensify the need to analyze the opportunities that come with protecting the remaining tree species.
Dr. Bwire Douglas addressing participating members during the citizen science project data collection training.
In his address, Dr. Manyali stated that KAFU has the sole responsibility for environmental preservation, starting with Kaimosi Forest. He highlighted that the forest is home to significant biodiversity and is a site for cultural rites, such as the ongoing Tiriki Culture initiation practices, and spiritual heritage.
"The Kaimosi Forest is sacred to the Tiriki people and hosts a variety of traditional and religious practices, we need more and deepened documentation of cultural practices, involvement of more Tiriki elders, women and youth in data collection and seeking of collaborative funding and institutional partnerships” he said.
Present in the training also was the Director CECARE, Dr. Mulinya Caroline who spoke about the importance of data collection. She appealed to the attending members to cascade the important information gathered from the training to other members in the community.
“It is only through data collection that we can make evidence based decisions, track environmental changes, be transparent and accountable on matters climate change and mobilize citizens to protect the local ecosystems‘’, she Said.
Director Centre for Excellence in Climate Action and Research (CECARE), Dr. Mulinya Caroline makes her presentation.
The training covered other vital areas such as data collection methods where members were given an in-depth explanation of the tools used in different methods. It also involved practical group activities of monitoring plant health and one on one interactive sessions between the attending community members and KAFU citizen science students. The program continues to signify KAFU’s efforts in maintaining close relationship with its suroundings.
Members pose for a group photo outside the institution’s administration block.