Ruko Community
Background
The Ruko Community Wildlife Trust is situated on 19,000 acres on the eastern shore of Lake Baringo, an area of semi-desert in the northern Rift Valley. The freshwater lake is an oasis the arid landscape and is home to large populations of hippo, crocodile and over 400 species of bird. The Trust was formed to unite the two tribes of Rugus and Komolion area, the Njemps and Pokot, to bring peace and prosperity to their environment and communities.
Ruko is the eastern most conservancy of the Northern Rangelands Trust. It is unique from the others in that its foundation for wildlife conservation is peace keeping.
Conflict Resolution
Historically conflict has existed between the Njemps and Pokot people over grazing rights and access to water for their livestock. By ensuring equal participation from both communities in the Trust it is believed that areas of conflict between the two tribes will be resolved allowing them both to benefit from the region and create a sustainable future for their people, livestock, environment and wildlife.
Although the Trust has only recently been set up, a conservation area has been established and members from the Njemps and Pokot tribes are undergoing security training so that they can safeguard the Conservancy. Plans are also underway to reintroduce Baringo giraffe (Rothschild giraffe) to the conservancy. In time the project hopes to translocate black rhino, oryx, eland and gerenuk back into the area as well. In order for the communities to benefit from the presence of wildlife on their land, the project is going to build two community-run eco lodges on the conservancy. Equal distribution of income from the lodges and other planned income generating activities will ensure the standard of living for both communities is greatly improved.
Tusk Trust Support
Tusk has already secured funding for this fledgling initiative with grants to employ and project community officer and translocate Rothschild giraffe to the region. Tusk is now seeking further funding to purchase a Sesse canoe and outboard engine for the project which will be used by the newly appointed game guards and community liaison officer. £2,500 has already been raised for the canoe through Tusk’s 2007 Safaricom Marathon.
Donate Now!
Latest News
PRINCE WILLIAM GIVES HIS NAME TO TOP AFRICAN CONSERVATION AWARD. Prince William is to give his name to a new lifetime achievement award, which will recognise the outstanding work of a t... More ...
HRH THE PRINCE OF WALES AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFRA, WILL HOST A CONFERENCE ON 21ST MAY TO CALL FOR ACTION TO STOP ILLEGAL TRADE IN WILDLIFE. In recent months, poaching of elephants and rhinos has reached epidemic levels. Wildlife experts indicate the losses hav... More ...
Upcoming Tusk Events
About Tusk
