The Gambella Wetland Revival Initiative
The Gambella Wetland in Meru County, Kenya, is experiencing a remarkable revival, thanks to the collective efforts of CETRAD, Wyss Academy for Nature, local authorities, and a highly engaged community. The restoration project aims to address the adverse impacts of human activity on the wetland through re-afforestation and strategic infrastructure development. The dual approach includes planting trees and constructing water troughs to minimize disruptive human and animal movements into the wetland.
Tree planting of native species in the riparian zone of Gambella wetland has been at the heart of the restoration effort, with CETRAD leading the charge. In three phases, over 5,600 trees have been planted. The first phase, conducted in November 2023, saw over 400 trees planted to kickstart the project. This first effort laid the groundwork for a more extensive planting phase in December, during which 1,200 native trees were introduced. The latest phase, completed in May 2024, added an impressive 4,000 trees to the area.
This large-scale re-afforestation effort is part of a broader strategy to restore biodiversity in the wetland. By focusing on native tree species, CETRAD aims to revive the wetland’s natural ecosystem, providing habitat for local wildlife and promoting ecological resilience. Importantly, CETRAD’s approach goes beyond simple tree planting, emphasizing the need to nurture these trees to ensure their survival.
Strong community engagement has driven the project's success. CETRAD organized a session in Gambella to listen to stories from the community elders about the native trees that once flourished in the area. These insights were invaluable in guiding the restoration effort, allowing the project team to understand the land's history and the significance of certain tree species. Representatives from key stakeholders, including NEMA, WRA, and WRUA, also joined the discussions, exploring strategies for conservation, preservation, and rehabilitation.
While the shallow well—a 1.3-meter diameter, 20-meter deep well—has already been excavated, plans are underway to establish a comprehensive water supply system that will serve both domestic and livestock needs within a 1.4 km radius of the wetland. The next phase of the project involves installing a solar-powered pump to extract water from the well. This water will then be pumped to a 100 cubic meter elevated steel tank, which will be constructed to store and distribute water efficiently across the community.
Community Member Participates in Tree-Growing Exercise. Photo: Nyatichi Beverline
The water from the tank will be channeled through a planned reticulation system consisting of pipelines that will connect to three water kiosks. Each kiosk will feature a 10 cubic meter storage tank, ensuring a steady water supply. Additionally, dedicated animal watering troughs will be built at each kiosk to support livestock, including camels, cattle, donkeys, goats, and sheep.
Mike Apanda Mti. Photo: Nyatichi Beverline
By nurturing the planted trees and collaborating closely with the community, the project is not just planting trees but truly growing a future for the wetland. This collaborative and sustainable approach is a model for similar projects across the region, proving the power of community engagement and shared responsibility in environmental restoration.
This upcoming system is designed to provide a reliable and sustainable water source outside the wetland’s sensitive areas, reducing the need for human and animal activity within the wetland itself. By addressing the community's water needs sustainably, the project aims to protect the wetland while supporting local livelihoods.
Beyond reforestation, the Gambella Wetland Water Supply Project is crucial in enhancing water accessibility for domestic and livestock uses within a 1.4 km radius of the wetland, where pastoralism is the primary livelihood. Central to this effort is establishing a shallow well a 1.3-meter diameter, 20-meter-deep excavation designed to tap into the region's groundwater reserves. The well, once excavated, will be carefully lined and protected to prevent contamination.