Basecamp Explorer Foundation
Reforestation – Sustainability Report May 2018
Changing weather patterns and extreme weather conditions are some of the effects of climate change felt in Masai Mara and across the globe. To combat additional environmental conditions such as degradation of the riverine, soil erosion and land degradation, Basecamp Explorer established the only typical forest along the Talek River in the Masai Mara region in Kenya. The trees planted in the Basecamp plantation have helped establish a conserved forest which now serves as a home to over 300 identified bird species and other small wildlife.
The Basecamp tree plantation holds over 100,000 indigenous trees which have greatly improved the climatic conditions in the Talek region. From a bare and drought stricken region, the tree plantation has created a micro climatic region with increased rainfall and birdlife. Additionally, Basecamp has established the only nursery in the western region of Masai Mara which includes unique indigenous trees whose species would otherwise be lost.
From 2017 onwards, BCEK will plant 250,000 trees in the next 3 years and scale that up to 500,000 trees in five years. With an aim to be an exemplary organization in conservation, Basecamp has secured over 400 acres of land to set up a nature forest with activities such as bird watching, cycling and jogging. Additional financial support will enable Basecamp acquire more land and put up a better electric fence to protect the trees from destruction from wildlife.
BCEK is currently operating at a Carbon positive level. We absorb more than we emit and our aim is to be Carbon positive inclusive of all guest travel with us by end of 2019.
Monitoring and Evaluation of the project
Aim
Revive the Talek river ecosystem and address deforestation and ground erosion
Input
Seedlings
Equipment
Personnel
Activities
Planting and maintaining the trees to maturity
Indicators
Number of indigenous trees planted
Output
Establish forest area holding up to 500,000 trees in 5 years
Outcome
Established microclimate
Increase in rainfall, birds, and wildlife
Impact
Climate change mitigation, adaptation, and prevention of soil erosion
Figures for the project
Figures as at end of 2017 (Since project inception)
Over 100,000 trees
2017 only
15,000 trees
2018 Projection
100,000 trees
Qualitative milestones for 2018
Restore local plant species which will attract more birds and wildlife species
Improve microclimate through restoration and increase in carbon storage within the plantation
Increase tree cover and reduce encroachment of protected area from the market center
Project Needs for 2018 (USD)
USD 50,000