Melako
| Conservancy Facts |
| Location |
Laisamis, Marsabit District |
| Postal address |
C/o Northern Rangelands Trust, Private Bag, Isiolo |
| Ethnicity |
Rendille |
| Population |
6,000 |
| Land ownership |
Trust land |
| Core conservation area |
To be designated |
| Main livelihood |
Livestock-keeping & revenue from game bird hunting |
| Key wildlife species |
Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, Sandgrouse |
| Year of registration |
2004 |
| Current donors |
Brookfield Zoo, Busch Gardens, Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund, The Christensen Fund |
| Staff employed from the community |
15 |
| Annual operating budget |
US $30,000 |
Background of Melako
Recognising the real development opportunities presented by wildlife conservation and tourism in their area, the Rendille community approached the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy for assistance in developing their own wildlife conservation initiative. In September 2004, they formed Melako Conservancy which is considered the pioneering northern frontier of conservation in this part of Kenya and is an integral part of the emerging network of Community Conservancies under the Northern Rangelands Trust.
The overall goal of the Melako Conservancy is to develop a successful community conservation initiative with the aim of conserving and increasing viable populations of Grevy’s zebra and other wildlife, and to enhance the capacity of local Rendille communities in the area to benefit from the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.
Melako Conservancy hosts an estimated population of 200 Grevy’s zebra representing approximately 9% of the global population. This population is relatively unknown and under pressure from poaching and competition with livestock. The Conservancy aims to improve Grevy’s zebra conservation by enhancing species protection and monitoring, raising awareness, and increasing the capacity of its community members to develop an integrated livestock/wildlife management plan. The establishment of the Melako Conservancy has also assisted significantly in providing security for the Rendille communities against livestock theft and historical tribal rivalries.
For many years this area was not viable for tourism due to insecurity, but with the establishment of the Conservancy, security for both wildlife and people has improved. The main activity within Melako is currently game bird hunting which the community manages in conjunction with the Kenya Wildlife Service. The area is famous for its spectacle of Sandgrouse which flock in their thousands around specific water points.
Future of Melako
The Conservancy plans to implement the grazing by-laws drawn up in conjunction with the Samburu community of Sera and to demarcate a core conservation area for wildlife. In Melako there are no permanent structures for tourists, but there are many excellent sites for temporary satellite or “fly” camps. The road networks and airstrips are in good condition and are well maintained; therefore the Conservancy is also planning to improve the tourism opportunities available to its visitors. |
>
