International Crane Foundation

We are committed to fostering sustainable livelihoods in the Rugezi catchment area, Rwanda through the strategic distribution of avocado trees. Recently, alongside Burera district authorities, we successfully planted 15,000 trees in the Ruhunde sector, which included 10,000 avocado trees, 1,500 passion fruit trees, and 3,500 tree tomato trees. This initiative is a proud contribution to Rwanda's national efforts launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), aimed at promoting fruit tree planting to improve food security and significantly enhance soil health. The initiative encourages every household to plant at least three fruit trees, fostering a culture of sustainability and environmental stewardship. Our efforts to green the villages around Rugezi align perfectly with government strategies to enhance agricultural productivity and promote resilience in local communities. ?? Maurice Ngiramahoro / International Crane Foundation / Endangered Wildlife Trust

Strengthening Wetland Conservation Policies! At the 5th Uganda National Crane Festival, the Isingiro District Chairman (LCV)—standing in for the Chief Guest, Hon. Lt. Col (Rtd) Dr. Rwamirama Bright, Minister of Animal Industry and Fisheries—announced that the Government is working to strengthen policy frameworks to: ? Enhance protection of critical wetland habitats ? Support community-based conservation initiatives ? Integrate conservation priorities into district development plans ? Strengthen enforcement of environmental regulations Held at Isingiro District Local Government Headquarters, Isozi cell, Rwekubo Ward on 25th February, the festival, under the theme "Investing in wetland conservation for the benefit of people, cranes, and other biodiversity," was made possible with support from the International Crane Foundation, Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, and Isingiro District Local Government. Together, we are ensuring a sustainable future for wetlands, cranes, and communities! ?? Isingiro District Chairman, Mr. Alone Turahi representing the Minister of Animal Industry and Fisheries, Hon. Lt. Col (Rtd) Dr. Rwamirama Bright watering a plant during a tree planting session/ International Crane Foundation / Endangered Wildlife Trust

Strengthening Wetland Conservation Policies! At the 5th Uganda National Crane Festival, the Isingiro District Chairman (LCV)—standing in for the Chief Guest, Hon. Lt. Col (Rtd) Dr. Rwamirama Bright, Minister of Animal Industry and Fisheries—announced that the Government is working to strengthen policy frameworks to: ? Enhance protection of critical wetland habitats ? Support community-based conservation initiatives ? Integrate conservation priorities into district development plans ? Strengthen enforcement of environmental regulations Held at Isingiro District Local Government Headquarters, Isozi cell, Rwekubo Ward on 25th February, the festival, under the theme "Investing in wetland conservation for the benefit of people, cranes, and other biodiversity," was made possible with support from the International Crane Foundation, Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, and Isingiro District Local Government. Together, we are ensuring a sustainable future for wetlands, cranes, and communities! ?? Isingiro District Chairman, Hon. Lt. Col (Rtd) Dr. Rwamirama Bright watering a plant during a tree planting session/ International Crane Foundation / Endangered Wildlife Trust

We are thrilled to announce the successful installation of rainwater harvesting systems in four schools located in crane hotspots across Homa Bay County, Kenya! With clean water now accessible at Kendu Muslim, Olare, Rangw’ena, and Kisamba primary schools, 1,971 learners—from kindergarten to junior secondary—will no longer have to fetch water from wetlands, reducing disruptions in learning and disturbances to endangered cranes in their natural habitats. This project is more than just water provision; it’s an entry point to community engagement. Next, we’ll work with learners to sensitize them on crane and wetland conservation, ensuring they grow up with a deep understanding of their environment and the importance of preserving it. Together, we can create a future where both communities and wildlife thrive! ?? Damaris Kisha / International Crane Foundation / Endangered Wildlife Trust

Exciting news from Rwanda! One of our groups in the Rugezi catchment, composed of 31 members from Ruhunde sector in Burera district, has launched a business-oriented tree nursery project, focusing on fruit and agroforestry species such as Hass avocado, Tamarillo, and Leucaena. With the International Crane Foundation's support through technical skills and training, this will be the first large-scale nursery in the province, capable of producing 100,000 trees annually. The initiative will significantly contribute to the conservation of Rugezi and serve as an educational resource for surrounding communities. The project will not only promote environmental protection but also boost local livelihoods. ?? Maurice Ngiramahoro/ International Crane Foundation/ Endangered Wildlife Trust

Job Advertisement Title: Restoration Ecologist Location: Zambia JOB DESCRIPTION The International Crane Foundation (ICF) works worldwide to protect cranes and the places cranes dance! ICF has entered into a 20-year collaborative management partnership agreement with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) and WWF Zambia. The objective of the agreement is to restore and manage the Kafue Flats as a model for balancing ecological conservation, ecosystem services and human wellbeing in a protected area floodplain system. The theme of the agreement is “A Thriving Wetland for all”. This partnership works across sub-Saharan Africa to maintain stable or growing wild populations of the four threatened crane species: Wattled, Blue, Grey Crowned, and Black Crowned Cranes. We achieve this through conservation actions that effectively reduce threats to the species and their habitats, and through working closely with local communities and key local, national, and global stakeholders. We provide tools and support to empower individuals, community groups, and local partner organizations to manage catchments for the benefit of both people and cranes, ensuring that conservation is mainstreamed into local decision-making and practices for sustainable species and habitat conservation impacts. The ICF Partnership currently has three regional hubs across Africa, located in South Africa, Zambia, and Uganda, and will be expanding into West / Central Africa. We are looking for an experienced, dynamic, committed and detail-orientated person to fill the position of Restoration Ecologist. Access full advert- https://lnkd.in/gH7G2Y2b

ASSESSMENT OF GREY CROWNED CRANE’S BREEDING ACTIVITIES IN KENYA Our latest Grey Crowned Cranes monitoring in western Kenya sheds light on their recruitment rates in Uasin Gishu and Trans Nzoia counties. These iconic birds, estimated at 8,500-10,000 individuals countrywide, are a vital part of Kenya’s biodiversity. Uasin Gishu County (c.13 km stretch – Kipsigak to Tuigoin) ?Six families with a total of 12 juveniles recorded ? A distant flock of 60 cranes (assumed to be all adults) observed ?Thus total cranes recorded 84 ? Juvenile-adult ratio: 14.3% indicating a healthy recruitment rate (acceptable range 10-15% for a healthy crane population) Trans Nzoia County (c.10 km stretch – ADC Olkadongo to Kobos Centre) ? Five families with 11 juveniles recorded ? A flock of 186 cranes (180 adults, 1 sub-adult, 5 juveniles) recorded ?Thus total cranes recorded 207 ? Juvenile-adult ratio: 7.7% (Needs further monitoring in the general area) Why This Matters: Recruitment rates indicate the breeding success and long-term viability of crane populations. The presence of juveniles in floater flocks ensures they acquire essential survival skills like foraging, navigation, and social bonding. More surveys are needed to monitor post-fledging recruitment trends and support conservation efforts! ?? Wanyoike Wamiti/ International Crane Foundation/ Endangered Wildlife Trust

Community Engagement for Sustainable Farming! The Kenya Crane and Wetland Conservation Program recently hosted two open field days around Kingwal Wetland, engaging communities from Chetika and Kapsisiywa farmer field schools. Highlights: · 49 students, training as Trainers of Trainers (ToTs), showcased innovative farming techniques. · Reached 280 community groups, sharing sustainable practices and knowledge! Topics Covered: . Composting – Turning waste into nutrient-rich soil. · Raised Beds – Maximizing space for better yields. · Biopesticides & Biofertilizers – Natural solutions for healthier crops. · Kitchen Gardens – Growing fresh produce at home. · Control Plot – Exploring the benefits over traditional methods. Together, we’re cultivating sustainable solutions for food security and wetland conservation! ?? Neema Obiero/ International Crane Foundation/ Endangered Wildlife Trust

Exciting Progress in the Kafue Flats, Zambia! In September 2024, the International Crane Foundation brock ground for the construction of an office block in Blue Lagoon National Park. The work has progressed well and is now at roof level. With invaluable support from Belt Trust, the International Crane Foundation is making strides in creating a state-of-the-art facility tailored to the needs of the park’s dedicated management team. Once completed, this office will be handed over to Blue Lagoon Park Area Management Unit under Department of National Parks and Wildlife. Why this matters: ? Strategically located to support park management and law enforcement efforts. ? Designed to enhance the efficiency of conservation work. ? A step forward in protecting the incredible wildlife and habitats unique to Blue Lagoon. Together, we’re building a brighter future for conservation in the Kafue Flats. Stay tuned for more updates ?? Nasson Banda/ International Crane Foundation/ Endangered Wildlife Trust

This week, a crucial step toward sustainable conservation in Zambia! The Department of National Parks and Wildlife, supported by the International Crane Foundation and World Wildlife Fund Zambia, is hosting a validation workshop for the General Management Plan (GMP) of the Kafue Flats ecosystem. This plan will guide the restoration and management of this critical landscape, which includes Lochinvar National Park, Blue Lagoon National Park, and the Kafue Flats Game Management Area. Over 160 stakeholders—from traditional leaders and NGOs to government officials and media—have come together at Golden Pillow in Monze District to review and validate this essential document. Their collaboration ensures a shared vision for preserving this unique ecosystem. ?? Barbara Hamoonga/ International Crane Foundation/ Endangered Wildlife Trust