SAVANNAH HUB

Our Savannah Hub comprises 520 combined acres of degraded savannah and intensively farmed land under restoration. It features the most diverse tree nursery in the Maasai Mara, with over 42 indigenous tree species represented.

Location:

Elevation range:

Ecosystem:

Average temp:

Average temp:

Massai Mara 

1480 – 2280 meters

Savannah 

25°c

950 mm per year  (range 800-1200 mm)

why the ecosystem is important

Biodiversity

The Maasai Mara is home to a wide variety of plant species, including grasses, shrubs, and trees. These plants form the foundation of the ecosystem, supporting a diverse array of wildlife.

Indigenous tree species like the acacia provide crucial habitats for numerous bird species and insects, and also serve as important food sources for herbivores.

Ecological Functions

Trees and plants play a critical role in soil stabilisation, preventing erosion and maintaining the integrity of the landscape.They contribute to the water cycle by regulating water flow, enhancing groundwater recharge, and reducing the risk of floods and droughts.

 

Habitat and Food Source

The diverse vegetation supports herbivores such as elephants, giraffes, and antelopes, which in turn sustain predators like lions and cheetahs.Specific plant species are crucial for certain animals; for example, the grazing patterns of wildebeests are directly tied to the growth cycles of grasses in the Mara.

 

Carbon Sequestration

The plants and trees in the Maasai Mara act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and helping to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Cultural and Economic Value

The Maasai people, who inhabit the region, rely on the local flora for traditional medicine, building materials, and as a source of fuel.Tourism, driven by the unique landscape and rich biodiversity, provides economic benefits to the local communities and supports conservation efforts.

Objectives

01

To restore Kenya's degraded savanna habitats (woodlands, wetlands and Grasslands)

02

To establish a thematic botanical  garden which aims at preservation of RETs Species, indigenous knowledge, and promote ecotourism

03

To conduct research on savanna ecosystems (woodlands, wetlands and Grasslands) to inform best restoration practices

04

To avail indigenous planting materials for the restoration of savanna ecosystems

05

To engage in partnerships with other organisations

06

To integrate traditional ecological knowledge into scientific research to enhance biocultural restoration

Activities

  • Conducting monitoring at our restoration experimental plots in woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands.
  • Reviewing literature on savanna ecosystems, including woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands.
  • Producing and distributing native planting materials, such as seeds and seedlings.
  • Training the local community on quality seed collection.
  • Establishing partnerships with key stakeholders in the Mara region.
  • Creating a thematic botanical garden.
  • Conducting surveys on traditional ecological knowledge.

Impact

  • Enhanced biodiversity, improved ecosystem services (e.g., water filtration, carbon sequestration), and stabilisation of soil and climate
  • Preservation of rare, endangered, and threatened (RET) species.
  • Documentation and promotion of indigenous knowledge related to native plant species.
  • Development of evidence-based restoration techniques, enhancing the success of restoration projects.
  • Contribution to global scientific understanding of savanna ecosystems and their dynamics.
  • Supports the re-establishment of local flora and fauna, maintaining genetic diversity.
  • Empower local communities, fostering stewardship and sustainable management of restored habitats.