Assets: Education and Conservation
Protecting Coastal Treasures Through Education
The stunning Malindi-Watamu coastline, home to the globally significant Arabuko-Sokoke Forest (ASF) and the ecologically rich Mida Creek, faces increasing environmental pressures. Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, the largest remnant of dry coastal forest in East Africa, harbours a remarkable diversity of rare and endemic species, including globally endangered and threatened birds. Mida Creek, with its vital mangrove forests, supports diverse marine life and is crucial for waterbird populations. These ecosystems, designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, are under threat from illegal logging, poaching, overfishing, and land clearance.
Recognising the need to address both environmental and socio-economic challenges, A Rocha Kenya established the Assets programme in 2001. This initiative aims to empower local communities through education, fostering environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
What is Assets?
Assets (Arabuko-Sokoke Schools and Ecotourism Scheme) is a unique programme that provides “eco-bursaries” for secondary school education to students living near Arabuko-Sokoke Forest and Mida Creek.
Beyond financial support, Assets fosters a deep connection to conservation. Beneficiaries actively participate in environmental activities like tree planting, snare removal, and environmental education.
Bridging Education and Conservation
Assets addresses the interconnected economic, social, and environmental needs of communities near two essential ecosystems in Africa. Established in 2001 by A Rocha Kenya with financial backing from the United Nations Development Programme’s Global Environmental Facility, Assets collaborates with the Kenya Wildlife Service, the Kenya Forest Service, Nature Kenya, and the Ministry of Education (in Malindi & Kilifi Districts).
Assets offers “Eco-bursaries” for secondary education to students residing near the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest and Mida Creek who score at least 300 out of 500 on their national primary school exams. These bursaries are connected to environmental stewardship, requiring recipients to engage in conservation efforts such as tree planting and environmental education.
Funding the Future: Sustainable Support
The Assets programme thrives primarily on the generous donations from our national and international supporters, including tourists who recognise the importance of investing in education and conservation. However, to bolster our efforts and ensure the long-term sustainability of the programme, we have developed two key fundraising initiatives:
The Mida Creek Boardwalk
This 260-metre mangrove walkway, established in 2003, attracts over 4,000 visitors annually. Beyond offering an immersive experience into the unique mangrove ecosystem, the boardwalk generates significant revenue that directly supports the Assets bursary programme. It is a vital ecotourism venture that allows visitors to the area to actively contribute to the education of local children.
The Sokoke Forest MTB Challenge
This annual mountain bike challenge, held within the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, brings together cyclists from across the region and beyond. The event not only raises awareness about the forest’s ecological importance but also serves as a crucial fundraising drive for the Assets programme. The challenge creates a unique opportunity for people to enjoy the beauty of the forest while simultaneously supporting the education of the children who live nearby.
In addition to these important initiatives, funding for the Eco-bursaries comes from a variety of other sources, including contributions from the local tourism industry (hotels and travel agents like Turtle Bay Beach Club).
These sustainable income-generating initiatives, alongside the invaluable support of individual and institutional donors, are essential for the continued success of the Assets programme, enabling us to educate more students and protect the precious ecosystems of Arabuko-Sokoke Forest and Mida Creek.
Expanding Opportunities: Impact and Reach
Currently, Assets supports students in up to ten different schools, including some of the top national institutions, helping beneficiaries graduate and secure employment in diverse fields such as teaching, hospitality, law enforcement, and IT.
In addition to bursaries, Assets promotes sustainable income generation within communities. The “Mureva wa Assets” programme trains parents and guardians in managing tree nurseries, fostering local expertise in seedling production and forest regeneration. We also support kitchen gardening initiatives, empowering families to grow their own nutritious food, reducing reliance on external resources and promoting food security.
Furthermore, we facilitate the production and distribution of fireless jikos, energy-efficient stoves that reduce firewood consumption, lessening pressure on the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest and improving household health. These initiatives not only generate income but also contribute to environmental conservation and community resilience. We also train local tourist guides, giving them the knowledge and skills to provide informative tours to visitors and generate income for their families.
A Vision for the Future: Transforming Perspectives
A Rocha believes that when communities reap benefits from their environment, they are more inclined to protect it. The film “ASSETS – a story of hope” illustrates this comprehensive approach to forest conservation. One student, Stanley, shared how his involvement with Assets motivated him to pursue birdwatching and conservation.
Assets aims to assist more students annually. By increasing the number of families that directly benefit from these ecosystems, Assets aspires to change local perspectives on conservation, fostering care and concern instead of hostility.
Continued Support: Your Contribution Matters
Assets is transforming lives and protecting precious ecosystems, but we need your help to continue this vital work. Your generous donation can provide life-changing education for children near Arabuko-Sokoke Forest and Mida Creek, while directly supporting our conservation efforts. Just $52/€46/£39 a month sponsors a child’s secondary education. Join us in making a real difference. Learn more about Assets or donate today through Global Giving!