Motivation towards Conserving a Rich Forest Biodiversity Lessons learned from Communities neighbouring the sacred Kaya Forests, Kwale County, Kenya

Abstract

This research study interrogated the benefits that accrued to the Kaya Forest-neighbouring communities as the key motivator in the sustainable conservation of forests. While forests are threatened by deforestation and degradation worldwide due to the overemphasis of their direct economic benefits, socio-cultural considerations have in some cases, protected this rich ecosystem. A case study carried out in Kaya Forests of the Kwale County, Kenya has shown that intangible benefits, not considered in the direct harvest of forests, could be used to reverse the trend in the loss of forests. Data collected questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions and observations has shown this to be the case. The findings of the study were such that sacred forests offered more benefits than the other forms of forests, and that there was equity in the sharing of these benefits among community members in this category. The study however, revealed that for sustainable conservation efforts, it was prudent to consider both the economic and social benefits of this resource as a whole. Consequently, the study is recommending the need to identify and repackage such benefits and to sensitize the community on the benefits that accrue from such arrangement.