Thomson Falls Sport camp and Hostel,a member of ESOK, Kenya Wetlands Forum and Kenya Youth Hostel Association
hosted this years World Wetlands Day in Kenya at their hostel and camping site.The camp which opened in February last year is involved in promoting sports tourism and conservation in Lake Ol bolo ssat and the surrounding areas.The area enjoy high altitude climate and attracts both local and international athletes for speed building all round the year.It is registered as a sport club by Ministry of culture and sports besides an affliate of Athletic Kenya - Nyandarua.
Lake Ol bolo ssat, a unique high altitude wetland in Kenya is home to many bird species, hippos and plant species.Sports tourism potential remains unexploited todate.
The purpose was to create awareness and sensitize the community on the importance of conserving Lake Ol bolo ssat ecosystem.
World Wetlands Day, an annual global event brings stakeholders to focus on issues affecting conservation of wetlands, its water,animal and plant habitat.
This year’s theme is Wetlands and Poverty Eradication which is timely considering that global poverty levels continue rising day by day.
Focusing on the untapped potential that exist within our wetlands will
enhance poverty reduction initiatives among the local communities. Unfortunately wetlands are in most cases viewed as wastelands.
This perception has to change. The beginning step is aggressively creating community conservation awareness and education.
Taking part were Provincial Administration, Departmental heads, Kenya Wetlands Forum, Kenya Wildlife Services, Schools, NGO/CBOs and local Community members.
A big team from NEMA led by Prof Michieka travelled all from Nairobi to see Lake Ol bolossat and its wetlands.
Thanks to Kenya Wildlife Services and East Africa Wildlife Society through Kenya Wetlands Forum who funded the event, the first of its kind in Nyandarua and Kenya at large.We call upon other conservation well wishers to support initiateves to save the lake from exitinction.
Activities during the day began with a colourful procession along the Nyahururu – Gilgil road led by Elite Schools band, trees were planting at
Kianjata primary school and Thomson Falls Sport Camp., a visit to the wetlands then participants assembled at Thomson Falls Sport camp grounds where school choirs
recited songs and poems on Lake Ol bolo ssat conservation to the delight of the participants. The messages were short and clear :
It is now or never before Lake Ol bolo ssat is gone!
The answer to saving Lake Ol bolo ssat lies in the gazettement
of the eco system to give it the necessary protection with full involvement of the local community and all stakeholders said NEMA Director General Professor Michieka who was the Chief Guest.
Nyandarua County Council supports the establishment of a game reserve said Mr John Ariithi – the County Clerk.
Joseph Mbugua
Eco Warrior Award Winner,2005 - Ecotourism Society of Kenya (ESOK).
Thompsonfalls20@yahoo.co.uk
KENYA YOUTH HOSTELS ASSOCIATION ONLINE GATES http://www.yhak.org
email info@yhak.org
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