Forest, Creek and People

The coastal people have drawn resources from Arabuko- Sokoke Forest and Mida Creek since time immemorial. However, over a decade ago, resource use by local people was severely restricted. The people therefore felt alienated from the forest. An additional source of bitterness was the damage to local farms caused by forest elephants and baboons. In 1992, more than half of the community wanted the entire forest to be cleared.

Thankfully attitudes are starting to change. People living around the forest are allowed to harvest certain resources sustainably and an extensive environmental education programme is having an impact.

However, many people still regard the forest as a source of problem animals, while receiving little benefit from it. At the same time, due to a rapid increase in population around the forest and creek, there is immense pressure on resources and land. If the forest is to survive, it is essential that local people value it. This can only happen when they benefit from living next to one of the most important ecosystems in Africa.

Kipepeo, a local butterfly farming project, has shown that economic benefits can really change peoples' attitudes towards the forest. Financial benefits are also essential if people are to break away from the poverty which keeps them reliant on the "free" natural resources.