Stakeholders
ASSETS works hand in hand with Stakeholders from the local community at every stage of the project and collaborating with many institutions, local projects and local people in the implementation of the project. ASSETS seeks to bring about community development through raising the level of education amongst the local community and encouraging conservation of natural sites.
Arabuko-Sokoke Forest and Mida Creek are managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Forestry Department (FD), Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) and National Museums of Kenya (NMK), which together form the Management Team. In the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Strategic Management Plan for the next 25 years, the Management Team pledged their support for community conservation projects, such as ASSETS.  Indeed, in order to work in partnership with the forest and creek administration, members of the Management Team sit on the ASSETS committee and conversely, the ASSETS Co-ordinator attends the Management Team Tourism and Education Working Group.
KWS Marine have waived park entrance fees for all those visiting the Mida Bird Hide since the proceeds will contribute to the conservation of the site.
Several non-governmental organisations are active in the conservation of Arabuko-Sokoke Forest and Mida Creek. ASSETS works particularly closely with the following organisations:
Kipepeo Butterfly Project |
This community conservation project has doubled the livelihoods of some farmers living around the forest by sustainably harvesting forest butterflies for export. |
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Friends of Arabuko-Sokoke Forest |
FoASF is a support group which raises funds and awareness about the forest. FoASF assists in running the visitor centre at the Gede Forest Station and conducts monthly birdwalks in co-operation with the Forest Guides Association. |
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Forest Adjacent Dwellers Association |
FADA is the voice of the people and has been instrumental in raising awareness about ASSETS to the forest adjacent communities. |
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ASFGA |
The Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Guides Association was started about six years ago and is active in promoting the forest. Negotiations are underway for a percentage of the guide fee from forest visits to be donated to ASSETS. |
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Birdwatching East Africa |
Birdwatching East Africa is a small birding safari company specializing in bird tours. It's run by an avid birder and a naturalist, who is really out on safari with you to share not only his wide birding knowledge but also the East African natural history. |
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NatureKenya |
The BirdLife International partner for Kenya, NatureKenya employs an Eco-tourism Liaison Officer, who is working with ASFGA and KWS to promote eco-tourism, provide guide training and promote ASSETS. |
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Spinetail Safaris |
These highly experienced bird guides are supporting ASSETS as part of the business of Spinetail Safaris. For every tour they take a designated amount is donated to ASSETS, to contribute to the conservation of Arabuko-Sokoke Forest and Mida Creek. |
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Watamu Turtle Watch |
Watamu Turtle Watch is undertaking conservation programmes for the Mida Creek ecosystem, encompassing research, community development and hands-on conservation in conjunction with local communities. |
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Turtle Bay Beach Club |
 Rated “Silver” for its conservation action by Eco-Tourism Kenya, Turtle Bay Beach Club is dedicated to provide an excellent service to its clients while offsetting their impact on the climate, community and the environment at large. For 10 years, Turtle bay has been running a Community and Conservation office through which scores of local children have received support for their education. Since ASSETS was launched in 2001, the hotel has been referring tourists interested in supporting children’s education to ASSETS.
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