Implementing Agency:
Department For International Development (DFIDEA)

Managing Institute:
NRI (Natural Resources Institute)

Project Code: 031-502-005	Start Date: 01/01/1990	End Date: 01/12/1991
Commitment: £265 500	Status: Completed	Type of Funding: Bilateral - TC

Project Background:
The project will directly support DFID activities in two separate development programmes. Firstly it provides the basis of essential environmental support to the Molo-Olengurone, Bomet-Litein and Olengurone-Silibwat road projects. Secondly it will form the first phase of the DFID support to the World Bank IV programme with respect to the management and conservation of the natural forest. DFID intends to co-finance this component of the World Bank Programme. Both projects are regarded as high priority by the Government of Kenya and the degradation of the Mau Reserves, in particular, has given much concern.

Project Objectives:
This project is centred on three forest reserves within the Mau Escarpment of Rift Valley Province, Kenya. Total project area is 159,000 ha. The project is concerned with the inventory of the three reserves of South-western Mau. Trans Mara and Ol Pusimoru and also the preparation of management plans. The project is a sister project to two further projects, which have been proposed as a consequence of the intended up-grading of roads in the area of the Mau. In addition the project is regarded as the first phase of a national forest inventory. The immediate objectives of the project were: To prepare a base map at a convenient scale between 1:50,000 and 1:100,000 of the South-western Mau. Trans Mara and Ol Pusimoru reserves from suitable satellite imagery (Landsat TM, SPOT MS/panchromatic) delineating undisturbed forest, secondary forest, agriculture, settlement and any other relevant classes. Utilise the above with the existing 1:50,000 scale Survey of Kenya topographic maps to produce a preliminary classification of areas for conservation or protection. On obtaining new aerial photography taken for the World Bank IV Forest Sub Sector Development Project, carry out a detailed forest typing exercise and modify the initial base maps accordingly. Carry out a forest inventory of the timber production areas in order to provide an estimate of total standing volume in excess of 20 cm dbh to an accuracy of 10 percent at the 95 percent confidence level: and provide stock tables by 10 cm classes. Carry out a low level reconnaisance survey of the conservation blocks in order to confirm their suitability for this purpose, and to provide base line data of their composition and level of regeneration. Estimate the standing volume to an accuracy of 25 percent at the 95 percent confidence level and provide stock tables by 10cm classes. From the fore-mentioned studies provide management plans for the three reserves. Establish a series of permanent sample plots both within the timber production areas and the protected forest. As a preliminary research exercise, carry out a comparison of different satellite imagery and investigate the most suitable technqiues of enhancement of the image for stratification of the forest. Provide necessary training for the inventory teams and to establish a procedure for the completion of the inventory of the whole of the natural forest.

Intended Outputs:
A base map at a convenient scale between 1:50,000 and 1:100,000 of the south-western Mau, Trans Mara and OI Pusimoru reserves from suitable satellite imagery (Landsat TM, SPOT MS/ panchromatic); delineating "undisturbed" forest, secondary forest, agriculture, settlement and any other relevant classes.

A preliminary classification of areas for conservation or protection.

A detailed forest typing exercise and modify the initial base maps accordingly.

Forest inventory of the timber production areas in order to provide an estimate of total standing volume in excess of 20 cm dbh to an accuracy of +10% at the 95% confidence level: and provide stock tables by 10 cm classes.

A low level reconnaissance survey of the conservation blocks in order to confirm their suitability for this purpose, and to provide baseline data of their composition and level of regeneration.

Management plans for the three reserves.

A series of permanent sample plots both within the timber production areas and the protected forest.

A comparison of different satellite imagery and investigate the most suitable techniques of enhancement of the image for stratification of the forest.

Training for the inventory teams and to establish a procedure for the completion of the inventory of the whole of the natural forest.