Revised report

Site selection report Aberdares for

BioCarbon & AFD Watershed project to be implemented by the Green Belt Movement

July 21, 2006

Title:
Site selection report Aberdares Ecosystem, Green Belt Movement BioCarbon Project/AFD
Project

Compiled by:
Kepha Mwaura Wamichwe, Head Management Information Systems (MIS) Branch, Forest
Department
Fredrick Njau, Green Belt Movement, Biocarbon project
Philip Wamahiu, Green Belt Movement, AFD project
CONTENTS
1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY........................................................................................................... 4
2 METHODOLOGY....................................................................................................................... 5
3 SITE DESCRIPTION .................................................................................................................. 6
3.0 Njabini.......................................................................................................................................... 7
3.1 Ndunyu Ruthi Hill ............................................................................................................... 8
3.2 Kipipiri Hill ........................................................................................................................... 9
3.3 Geta forest station site........................................................................................................ 10
3.3 Muridjo site ......................................................................................................................... 10
3.5 Ragia site 2........................................................................................................................... 12
3.6 Kamae (compartment 9) .................................................................................................... 13
3.7 Kamae compartment 8....................................................................................................... 14
3.8 Kieni...................................................................................................................................... 15
3.9 Kimakia (comp 5F&6) ........................................................................................................ 16
3.10 Gatare (comp 5&6).............................................................................................................. 17
4 FOREST DEPARTMENT STAFF CONTACTED ON THE GROUND .......................... 18
5 GPS COORDINATES............................................................................................................... 19
1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Experts from the Forest Department and the Green Belt Movement conducted a site
reconnaissance survey at the proposed sites between may 29th and June 10th 2006 to
identify sites for the Green Belt Movement to implement the AFD Watershed
Management Project and the BioCarbon Project.
The AFD Watershed Management project aims to reforest 2,000ha for watershed
protection within the Aberdares. The BioCarbon project aims to reforest 4,000ha in
the Aberdares and Mt. Kenya. However, 2,000ha have been earmarked in the Mt.
Kenya region already (see BioCarbon project site selection report Mt. Kenya
compiled by the forest department and the Green Belt Movement).
Both projects have distinct objectives, however considering that the BioCarbon
project is not viable by itself the purpose of the site visit was also to investigate if
areas with high watershed protection priority are also eligible for BioCarbon
sequestration.
The main site selection criteria the AFD watershed management project were to
identify areas within the Sasumua Dam catchment area (main water supply for
Nairobi) that are sensitive with regards to siltation into the water reservoir, water
retention during peak flows and low seasons flows. For the BioCarbon project the
main site selection criteria was to identify sites that were non-forest since 1.1.1990,
have low biomass stock and a good tree growth potential. Finally, for both projects a
pre-condition for successful project implementation is that GBM networks can be
mobilized within a short period of time.
During the site visit twelve sites, covering an area of nearly 3,600 ha, were assessed.
Four sites, with a total area of about 1,890 ha, were considered to be suitable for both
AFD watershed project and for BioCarbon project (see Table 1 below). Sites that are
only suitable for the watershed management project or the BioCarbon project are
presented in table 2.

Tab. 1: Sites selected in Aberdares for the AFD/BioCarbon project.

N NAME AREA WATERSHED CDM TREE GBM NETWORK
O in ha PROTECTION ELIGIBILITY GROWING MOBILIZATION
PRIORITY POTENTIAL POTENTIAL
STATUS
1 Kipipiri 700 ++ (To be + +
hill confirmed)
2 Near 50 ++ Yes ++ ++
forest
stn
3 Ragia 500 ++ Yes ++ ++
4 Kamae 300 ++ Yes ++ ++
Comp. 9
7 Kihuyo 340 ++ Yes + ++
Total 1,890
Legend: ++ very high, + high, - low, -- very low
In summary, sites of about 1,890ha have been identified that have a high watershed
protection status and should be reforested with indigenous tree species. These areas
are also eligible for the BioCarbon project.
Note: The area figures still have to be verified by the GIS expert of the Forest
Department and during a site baseline survey.

2 METHODOLOGY
Remote sensing technology based on Landsat images from the years 1987 and 2000
have been used to identify sites for reforestation activities at the Aberdares (see
Kandji, 2006).
The main site selection criteria for the AFD Watershed Management Project were to
identify areas within the Sasumua Dam catchment area (main water supply for
Nairobi) that are sensitive with regard to:
• Siltation into the water reservoir,
• Water retention during peak flows and low season flows.
• For the BioCarbon Project the main site selection criteria was to identify sites that
are:
• Non-forested since 1.1.1990,
• Have a low biomass stock and
• A good tree growth potential.
Finally, for both projects a pre-condition for successful project implementation is that
GBM networks can be mobilized within a short period of time.

A ground survey was conducted between May 29th and June 10th 2006 by:
• Mr. Kepha Mwaura Wamichwe, Head Management Information Systems (MIS)
Branch, Forest Department
• Mr Njau, GBM officer in charge of the BioCarbon Fund project and
• Mr. Philip Wamahiu, GBM officer in charge of the AFD project
• During this ground survey the following information was collected:
• GPS coordinates of proposed sites
• Verification of land eligible for watershed management.
• Verification of land eligibility for CDM AR projects
• Assessment of land suitability for tree planting and carbon sequestration
• Land-use description
• Socio-economic situation including GBM network mobilisation potential
Note: Not all areas identified by the GBM to be suitable were visited due to time
restrictions.
 3 SITE DESCRIPTION
In this chapter more detailed site information is provided, in particular for the sites
selected for the AFD/Biocarbon projects. In Table 2 an overview on all sites is
presented.
Tab. 2:: Sites assessed during the site visit to Mt Kenya.
FOREST SITE AREA AFD CDM BIOMAS TREE POTENTIA
STATION NAME IN ha WATER ELIGIBILIT S GROWING L TO
-SHED Y BASELIN POTENTIA MOBILIZE
SUITA E L GBM
BI-LITY NETWORK
S

South Njabini 500 + yes low -- ++

Kinangop
Geta Ndunyu 60 + no low + ++
Ruthi hill
Geta Kipipiri 700 ++ ? + + +
hill
Geta Geta 100 ++ ? low + ++
Ndaragwa Muridjo 100 - yes low -- +
(murichu
Ragia Near 50 ++ yes low ++ ++
forest stn
Ragia Ragia 500 ++ yes low ++ ++
Kamae Kamae 300 ++ yes low ++ ++
comp 9
Kamae Kamae 100 ++ no low ++ ++
comp 8
Kieni Kieni 500 ++ no low ++ ++
Kimakia Wanyaga 150 ++ no high ++ ++
Gatare Gatare 200 ++ no low ++ ++
Kihuju 340 ++ yes low + ++
Total 3,600
Legend: ++ very high, + high, - low, -- very low
3.0 Njabini

PARAMETER SITE DESCRIPTION

Location Nyandarua district, 30 km east of Naivasha town and to
Njabini Town.
Plantable area in ha 500ha.
Altitude m a.s.l. 2,522m.
General topography Slightly sloping area.
Existing vegetation The tree planting area is nearly 100% grass covered with a
few scattered trees. The estimated tree canopy cover is <2%.
There are a few mature Acacia mearnsii (wattle tree) and
Eucalyptus trees. The area is delineated outside the normal
forest boundary and has never been planted with tree
before. It appeared the site to have an underground rock
outcrop and this could make tree planting a challenge.
Land Uses This area has never been planted with trees before and is
mainly used for extensive grazing by the locals. No payment
charged for the livestock grazing. No cultivation that had
occurred in this place. This site slopes to Sasumua river that
feeds to Sasumua Dam.
Prevailing forest The FD Forester and the GBM Forester on the ground are
management working together with the local communities in doing
procedures enrichment planting within the catchment areas. There is a
close cooperation between GBM networks and the FD.
Watershed protection The area is close to Sasumua river and could offer much
priority needed soil stability.
CDM eligibility The area was deforested before 1990, but is not suitable
because of high grazing intensity and proximity to human
interference/activity.
3.1 Ndunyu Ruthi Hill
PARAMETER SITE DESCRIPTION
Location Nyandarua district, 35km north of Naivasha town
Eligible area for tree 60ha
planting in ha
Altitude m a.s.l. 2479m
General topography Gently sloping area
Existing vegetation The tree planting area is nearly 100% grass covered. The
estimated tree canopy cover is <2%. There are hardly any
trees but previously occupied by pine plantation before
clearing of 1990. The planting area borders a natural forest
mainly dominated by Juniperus species. The site runs along
Kahuria river that emerge from Kipipiri hill. Trees could be
planted along this river.
Land uses After the forest was harvested in 1990 the non-residential
cultivation was practiced but not for a long time. Since that
time the area was used for extensive livestock grazing
Prevailing forest The FD and GBM have teamed up together to reforest this
management area with the community. GBM community members have
procedures already replanted about 5ha of Prunus africana this June.
The community with the help of FD forester and GBM
forester have formed an association to control grazing on
planted sites and now doing natural fencing. Planting was
well-coordinated and all silvicultural procedure applied.
The relation between the forester and communities based on
work done was good.
Watershed protection The site is catchment for Kahuria river.
priority
CDM eligibility Does not qualify for CDM on basis of time tree harvesting
was done.
3.2 Kipipiri Hill
PARAMETER SITE DESCRIPTION
Location Nyandarua district, 1 km north of Ndunyu Ruthi hill.
Eligible area for tree 700 ha.
planting in ha
Altitude m a.s.l.
General topography Slightly sloping area.
Existing vegetation Based on report from FD forester, Mr. Kidogo the area is
dominated by bush and grass. This area lies in 1980s
degraded natural forest sites. Juniperus and Hagenia species
dominate the existing part of the forest.
Land uses The current land use could not be verified from afar
although grazing could not be disapproved.
Prevailing forest The FD and GBM are organizing communities in this area
management with aim of reforestation. The relation between the forester
procedures and communities based on work done was good.
Watershed protection This area is a clear catchment with sign of rivers at the base
priority of the hill.
CDM eligibility Based on information given by the FD forester the area
qualifies but more information is required.
3.3 Geta forest station site
PARAMETER SITE DESCRIPTION
Location A stretch near Geta Forest station.
Eligible area for tree Approx. 100ha.
planting in ha
Altitude m a.s.l.
General topography Slightly sloping area.
Existing vegetation The area is dominated by grass.
To be confirmed when the area was cleared.

Land uses The place is used for grazing.

Prevailing forest No management activities are taking place.
management
procedures
Watershed protection The area is suitable for watershed management.
priority
CDM eligibility Has to be confirmed.

3.4 Muridjo site

PARAMETER SITE DESCRIPTION
Location 30 km south of Nyahururu town.
Eligible area for tree 100ha.
planting in ha
Altitude m a.s.l.
General topography Slightly sloping area.
Existing vegetation This area could be termed as a marginal area, with dominant
species being Dodonea equisetifolia, euclea species and
some eucalyptus species in the periphery.
The ground is covered by grass 90%.
This site was cleared in 1980s and shamba system took over.
Land uses The soils are shallow and poor though shamba system used
to be practiced here up to 2000.
Grazing and fire appear to be prevalent.
Prevailing forest Attempt have been made to reforest the area with pine but
management failed due to poor soil and erratic rains.
procedures
Watershed protection No visible source of river hence cannot be prioritised for
priority watershed management.
CDM eligibility The area was deforested before 1990 but could not be
selected because of high rate of grazing, fire and low growth
potential.
3.5 Ragia near forest station

PARAMETER SITE DESCRIPTION

Location Kiambu district, 30 km south of Flyover close to Sasumua
dam.
Eligible area for tree 50ha
planting in ha
Altitude m a.s.l.
General topography Gently sloping.
Existing vegetation The area was deforested in the early 80s and inhabited by
people until evicted in 1988. On the grassland there are a
few scattered shrubs. The area is surrounded by bamboo
forest remnants on either side. Juniperus is the dominant
tree species and Pine plantations occur.
Land uses Grazing is prevalent.
Prevailing forest No activity was taking place.
management
procedures
Watershed protection From the presence of bamboo remnants and short proximity
priority to Sasumua dam the site is highly suitable for catchment.
CDM eligibility This area qualifies for CDM and its small size could be
considered together with neighbouring Ragia site.

Fig. Ragia forest station sites with bamboo forest and plantations along the river
line.
3.5 Ragia site 2

PARAMETER SITE DESCRIPTION

Location Kiambu district, 40 km south of flyover close to Sasumua
dam
Eligible area for tree 500ha
planting in ha
Altitude m a.s.l.
General topography Slightly sloping area
Existing vegetation This area was deforested in the 1980s and afterwards the
shamba system was introduced until farmers were evicted
in the year 2000. The grassland area is surrounded by
bamboo forest especially close to the riverline. Pine and
cypress plantations occur on one side.
Land uses Grazing is prevalent in this site
Prevailing forest No notable management activity was taking place.
management
procedures
Watershed protection The site has a high watershed protection priority as
priority indicated by the presence of remnants of bamboo forest.
CDM eligibility This area qualifies for CDM, has low biomass and with good
soil to allow fast tree growth rate.

Fig. Ragia site 2, with bamboo bushes on the river line

3.6 Kamae (compartment 9)

PARAMETER SITE DESCRIPTION

Location Kiambu district, 20 km from Flyover
Eligible area for tree 300ha
planting in ha
Altitude m a.s.l.
General topography Slightly sloping area
Existing vegetation Grassland with remnants of bamboo forest, pine and cypress
plantations on one side. This area was opened in the 1980s
and the shamba system was introduced until farmers were
evicted in the year 2000.
Land uses Grazing is the main activity.
Prevailing forest There was no notable management activity taking place.
management
procedures
Watershed protection The site has a high watershed protection priority as
priority indicated by the presence of remnants of bamboo forest.
CDM eligibility This area qualifies for CDM, has low biomass and with good
soil to allow fast tree growth rate.

Fig. Kamae site compartment 9, bamboo forest at the river line

3.7 Kamae compartment 8

PARAMETER SITE DESCRIPTION

Location Kiambu district, 20 km from Flyover
Eligible area for tree 100ha
planting in ha
Altitude m a.s.l.
General topography Slightly sloping area.
Existing vegetation Occupied by grass and some eagle fern could be seen from a
far (seen from a distance). Bamboo remnant still prominent
The site was occupied by indigenous species and clear cut in
1990s.
Land uses No grazing practiced in this region.
Prevailing forest There was no notable management activity taking place.
management
procedures
Watershed protection The presence of bamboo forest remnants and proximity to
priority Sasumua dam indicates the high watershed protection
priority.
CDM eligibility This area does not qualify for CDM on basis of when it was
cleared.

Fig. Kamae compartment 8 site, surrounded by pine and cypress plantations with
bamboo forest remnants on the river line
3.8 Kieni

PARAMETER SITE DESCRIPTION

Location 30km west of Thika town
Eligible area for tree 500ha
planting in ha
Altitude m a.s.l.
General topography Slightly sloping area
Existing vegetation Mostly occupied by grass and eagle fern.
The area was opened between 1992-98 and then occupied by
shamba system.
Land uses Mostly the site is used for grass cutting for sale by the forest
department
Prevailing forest There was no notable management activity taking place.
management
procedures
Watershed protection The site has high watershed priority, because bamboo forest
priority remnants occurred in the area.
CDM eligibility This area does not qualify for CDM on basis of when it was
cleared.

Fig. Kieni site. with bamboo forest remnants on the right picture
3.9 Kimakia (comp 5F&6)

PARAMETER SITE DESCRIPTION

Location Wanyaga, 20km NW of Thika town
Eligible area for tree 160ha
planting in ha
Altitude m a.s.l.
General topography Slightly sloping area
Existing vegetation Grass is dominant with patches of eagle fern and remnant of
bamboo
The site was cleared in 1990s
Land uses Grazing is restricted in this area and only grass cutting is
allowed. If no human intervention area could be left for
natural regeneration.
Prevailing forest The area is being left for natural regeneration though human
management intervention is required. This site lies in a catchment area
procedures and feeds river Thika and river Kayuyu
Watershed protection From the presence of bamboo remnants, source of Thika and
priority Kayuyu rivers and its short proximity to Ndakaini dam
(major water supply for Nairobi, the site is highly suitable
for catchment
CDM eligibility This area does not qualify for CDM on basis of when it was
cleared.

Fig. Kimakia site with substantial shrub vegetation, right photo community doing
spot weeding in a planted site
3.10 Gatare (comp 5&6)

PARAMETER SITE DESCRIPTION

Location 40km NW of Thika town
Eligible area for tree 187ha
planting in ha
Altitude m a.s.l.
General topography Slightly sloping area
Existing vegetation Site occupied by grass and eagle fern bushes. A few
scattered remnant of pine and cypress visible. The area was
clear cut in 1992
Land uses GBM groups in collaboration with FD have attempted
planting on this site
Prevailing forest The greater part of Gatare is to be left for indigenous
management planting due to it importance as a watershed area
procedures
Watershed protection From the presence of bamboo remnants and short proximity
priority to Ndakaini dam the site is highly suitable for catchment
CDM eligibility This area does not qualify for CDM on basis of when it was
cleared.

Fig. Gatare site with dense eagle fern cover

3.11 Kihuyo
PARAMETER SITE DESCRIPTION
Location Njeri district
Eligible area for tree 340ha
planting in ha
Altitude m a.s.l.
General topography Slightly sloping area
Existing vegetation The area was deforested before 1990.
Land uses The grassland is intensively grazed
Prevailing forest
management
procedures
Watershed protection High watershed protection priority
priority
CDM eligibility Eligible for CDM

4 FOREST DEPARTMENT STAFF CONTACTED ON THE GROUND

During the site visit the following Forest Department staff was contacted and local
experiences were gathered regarding the implementation of the AFD and BioCarbon
projects.
Tab. 3: Forester consulted during the site selection visit
PERSON POSITION DISTRICT
LOCATION
Elgi W. Imbuga Forester south Kinangop Nyandarua
John Kidogo Forester Geta forest station Nyandarua
Simon K. Guchu Head of inventory, Ol kalau Nyandarua
O. N. Kinyua Forester Ndaragwa forest station Nyandarua
J.M Mburu District Forest Officer, Nyeri Nyeri
Peter N. Nduati DFO, Maragua Maragua
Wainaina Forester, Gatare forest station Maragua
Ndambiri DFO, Kiambu Kiambu
James Thairu Forester Ragia forest station Kiambu
Mwaura Forester Kamae forest station Kiambu
Mutua Corporal in charge, Kieni Thika
Konzolo Forester Kimakia forest station Thika
5 GPS COORDINATES
To be confirmed on the ground
SITE NAME GPS COORDINATES LOCATION OF AREA IN ha
COORDINATES

Njabini 238085 9919419 500

238143 9919369
Ndunyu Ruthi hill 227025 9944273 60
227027 9944267
226865 9944222
Kipipiri hill Opposite Ndunyu 700
Ruthi
Geta 234117 9948153 100
234131 9948146
Muridjo (murichu) 225032 9992730 100
221336 9997531
221285 9996589
221325 9996591
221330 9996589
Ragia forest 241482 9912105 50
station 241693 9912005
241996 9912003
239367 9910868
239333 9910800
Ragia 236578 9909429 500
236581 9909425
236577 9909429
Kamae comp 9 236022 9903696 300
238298 9903980
238115 9903977
237995 9903909
Kamae comp 8 237904 9903871 100
Kieni 237197 9906274 500
242796 9905420
Kimakia Wanyaga 250687 9915878 150
250665 9915884
250611 9915951
250556 9915971
249762 9916090
249757 9916093
Gatare 252250 9918511 200
252252 9918537
 252256 9918490
252859 9919435
252876 9919445
Kihuyo 340