Hydrological Monitoring and Evaluation Initiative in the Lewa-Borana Sanctuary

Habitat loss, land degradation and intensifying climate change are among the greatest challenges facing park managers in sub-Saharan Africa. These issues particularly impact Kenya, a water-poor country due to scarce annual rainfall. As such, access to clean water remains a challenge for wildlife and communities in and around Lewa-Borana Park.

Through the hydrologic monitoring and assessment initiative, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy will be able to assess existing water resources to develop strategies that will ensure water availability in the region in the future. Water resources, threatened by climate change and unsustainable land management practices, are critical to the viability of these lands as sustainable wildlife habitat. The project will implement effective planning and adaptive management of these resources by identifying risks and developing tools to better understand how to preserve them.

The research project will be conducted in the Lewa-Borana Landscape area of northern Kenya. The instruments will be installed in the vicinity of the two hydrological sub-basins on the northern slopes of Mount Kenya covering the Sirikoi, Ewaso Ng'iro and Ngare Ndare rivers in Nanyuki and Isiolo.