Ibencho Hills boasts of a near perfect microclimate, being part of the Mara ecosystem. This sanctuary is home to over 200 species of birds and a reasonable population of resident animals.
Ibencho Hills Sanctuary came into existence in 2017 with the realization that an alarming decline among animal populations like the Spotted Hyenas, Leopards, Olive Baboons, Vervet Monkeys and antelopes was being recorded. Massive indigenous trees that were a source of alternative medicine and also made Ibencho Hills a rain catchment were also being fell by the hour, to clear land for human settlement and farming.
Animals were quickly losing their homes, the Olive Baboons were all gone, and birds came home to find their nests gone. So sad. Something had to be done. This destruction motivated the championing for responsible land use and community based tourism. This approach, involves the inclusion of the community in conservation initiatives, and coming up with alternative approaches to sustainable livelihoods.
This decision is not easy; this is because the Ibencho Hills communities live in abject poverty and their main source of livelihood is peasant farming, fetching firewood for sale and charcoal burning. It takes a lot effort for community empowerment towards alternative sources of livelihood and to conserve this ecosystem, so that animals, birds, trees and humans coexist in harmony. We need your help.
