Communities map their environment to find new ways of sustainable resource use in Tharaka, Kenya

The Kathita River in Central Kenya has its source in the area of Mount Kenya and provides vital water to the surrounding areas. For the local communities the river has not only great ecological significance, it also plays an important role in their culture. Due to exploitation of forests in the area of the Kathita river basin, the ecosystem has changed drastically – the forests are no longer there to save water and protect the soils from erosion. The local communities and their traditional way of life are threatened by these effects. Biovision supports the Kenyan Institute for Culture and Ecology (ICE) to find new ways for local groups to use their resources sustainably by reviving their traditional ecological knowledge. The regeneration of degraded forests in the area of the Kathita river basin and the protection of culturally significant locations were designated as priority activities by the groups.

In a workshop, 8 village communities in the Tharaka district are developing a kind of ‘eco-cultural map‘ with pens and paper. The map visualises the communities‘ knowledge of cultural materials and traditional rules governing use of resources. Elders get the opportunity to document their knowledge of the past. Recording the present encompasses all generations and develops a collective impression of the future and how conflicts arising around resources can be resolved by reviving traditional rules of use.