Utonga Nature Conservancy
Summary
The Utonga Peninsula of Lake Victoria that measures approximately 1200 acres is one of the last regions of Kenya’s Lake Victoria with pristine indigenous forest and a gem for conservation & preservation. UTONGA NATURE CONSERVANCY is part of a 400 acre estate within the peninsula. It has rare indigenous flora that host a unique biodiversity which justifies conservation. The conservancy acts a bench mark and reference for bird, lake and wildlife conservation engaging with local communities particularly learning institutions. It acts as a catalyst and promoter of the lake ecosystem conservation, agro-forestry, eco-tourism & other social enterprises that support its work.
Goals and Objectives
- Preserve the pristine indigenous forest of Utonga peninsula and its biodiversity and expand conservation designated land beyond the current nucleus.
- Create a centre for research & protection of the lake, flora, bird & wildlife and provide a sanctuary for endangered species such as the Sitatunga Wetlands Antelope
- To develop & implement conservation initiatives that will mitigate this deteriorating environmental situation and provide forum to promote community conservation awareness/education, restoration & protection of the lake ecosystem
- Engage in & promote agro-forestry enterprises & alternative tourism related income streams that boost community social economic prosperity
- Establish a profitable luxury eco-tourism & hospitality enterprise that generates sufficient resources to promote environmental conservation of the Utonga Peninsula.
- Establish partnership with local authorities, interest groups, donors & climate action stakeholders to champion the campaign & fund programs developed by UNC
Expected Outcomes
Through successful implementation of conservation & tourism programs by Utonga Nature Conservancy, the Utonga Peninsula becomes the most recognized, respected and preferred address on Kenya’s Lake Victoria in reference to indigenous tree reforestation, bird & wildlife protection & conservation, luxury eco-tourism, & agroforestry enterprise that ultimately positively transforms the lives of local communities’ esp. the youth demographic and sustains a profitable long-term investment for Utonga investors.
Current stats
Operational infrastructure – Tree Nursery, Nature Trails/Hike, Designated conservation/tree growing areas, Agroforestry section, Educational Tours, University Research groups, Day excursions, Boat rides, Snack Kiosk.
Wildlife
30-small animals have been registered within the peninsula ranging from; leopard, hyena, crocodile, hippo, reed buck, various antelopes including sitatunga, duiker, monkeys, mongoose, aqua rodents, wild cats, civet, badgers, hares, bats, additionally various reptiles (snakes, lizards, amphibians) and unique insects. A good number of mammals are nocturnal. The indigenous flora is a key attraction with 65 species of trees & bushes documented.
Birds
Birdlife is the primary day wildlife attraction with endemic and endangered birds documented. About 250 bird varieties so far identified in the peninsula ecosystem.