Who are we l Community projects l Our team l Awards
Sabaki River Youth Group
|
SABAKI RIVER ESTUARY YOUTH GROUP |
|
| Executive Summary | The project targets to improve the conservation status of the Sabaki River Estuary by the local community. A local youth group will spearhead the implementation of the project for and on behalf of the entire community. The estuary is non-protected Important Bird Area that is faced with threats from human and natural causes which the project target to control or eradicate, and at the same time improve the livelihood of the local community by optimizing the benefits of sustainable resource use. Key activities of the project include Eco-Tourism, conservation of the estuary biodiversity and habitat improvement. It also target to establish an eco-resource centre which will act as a hub for information on eco-tourism activites of the Sabaki – River estuary youth group. |
| Background Location And Size | The Sabaki River Estuary is the point where the river empty to the India Ocean. It is the region of convergence of the fresh waters of Sabaki River and the marine waters. The Sabaki River is the second largest river in Kenya. The site is 5 Km north of Malindi town and lies between the Sabaki Bridge and the ocean in Malindi District. The state and size of the estuary varies seasonally depending on river flows. To the north and south are sand dunes that conceal permanent and / or temporary fresh water pools. |
| Conservation Status | Sabaki River Mouth has been identified as one of the over sixty important bird areas (IBA). The estuary isnot under the proection of any authority. It is therefore exposed to degradation as a result of unregulated natural resource exploitation and abuse. Through there is little physical disturbance on the wildlife, the dependence on the estuary by the local people especially a source of fish is a great risk to the natural ecosystem. Soil erosion in the rivers catchments is increasing silt loads deposits on the estuary resulting to unknown effects on the ecology of the estuary. Growth of corals is known to be inhibited by siltation and murky water in the sea as a result of siltation. |
| Natural Resources At Sabaki River Mouth | Due to the semi saline waters in the estuary, especialized species of animals inhabits the area. Of great importance are the birds which made the estuary to be declared an IBA. Flocks of Madagascar Pratincole roost and feed there in thousands. Sooty gulls, Sauders Terns, Lesser Crested Tern, Flamingoes, Ibises, African skimmers, Malindi pipit, Scaly bubler, Stocks and Harriers are some of the species that frequent the estuary.Fishes, crocodiles and hippos are found in the estuary among the mangrove bushes and reeds. |
| The Conservation Group | Sabaki River Estuary Youth Group (sreyg) is Community based organization registered with the ministry of Gender, Sports, Culture and Social Services. The group was established in February 2006 with a vision to improve the living standards of the local community thorugh sustainable natural resource use. The group was established with an initial membership of fifteen, two of whom are older men while the rest are youth. The group was established with the help from a Canadian couple who were moved by the beauty of the estuary and the need to conserve the estuary and exploit its tourist potential. |
| Goal And Objective | The overall goal of the project is to empower the local youth into eco-tourism and enhance natural resources use. Specific objective is to provide information and better interpretation of environment to the visitors. |
| Activities | Bird Watching, Scenic Viewing, Nature Walks, Fishing and Cultural Dances. |
| Visiting Time | 7.30 am-8.00 am 8.00 am-11.00 am 2.30 pm-5.30 pm |
| Gate Charges | 5 Dollars per person |
| Guiding Charges | 10 Dollars per Group of 4 persons. |
| Camping Charges | 10 Dollars per person per day |
| What To Bring | Camping equipments, Tent, Pullover, jacket and light clothes |
| Contact Person | JOSEPH MANGI |
| Telephone | + 254 728 572 700 |
| sabaki.skimmers@yahoo.com | |
| Address | P. O. BOX 659 |
| Code | 80200 |
| Town | MALINDI - KENYA |
| Booking / Reservations | Mlilo Community Tours and Safaris |
| info@mliloecotravel.com | |
| Website | www.mliloecotravel.com |