The former quarry of the Bamburi cement Ltd., which has been restored as a nature reserve over the last thirty years, has become a refuge for biodiversity.

Objective

To transform a former quarry into an indigenous coastal forest able to support extensive biodiversity, and at the same time economically selfsustaining.

Context

The former quarry of the Bamburi cement plant near Mombasa was mined for twenty years. In the early 1970s, a rehabilitation program was started to rehabilitate the site as a nature reserve. The beauty of its scenery, the ecological integration, the number of visitors it attracts and its economic benefits (timber, tourism, aquaculture, livestock, and other economic activities) have made the project a success.

Solution

After a phase of soil formation from the leaf litter of the pioneer trees, a large number of tree and other plant species typical of the indigenous coastal forests were introduced. The results were carefully observed in order to select those species suitable for planting on a larger scale to eventually replace the pioneer trees. In addition to trees of potential economic value (Iroko and other indigenous hardwood, timber and carving wood trees), endangered species and those that provide habitat or food for indigenous wildlife have been planted and are closely monitored.

Results

To date, 422 indigenous plant species have been introduced into the newly created ecosystems of forests, wetlands and grasslands in Bamburi’s former quarries; 364 of the introduced species have survived, including 30 that are on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

In April 2002, Bamburi signed a partnership agreement with WWF East Africa, and identified Forest Landscape Restoration as one of the priority partnership activities. To establish a biodiversity monitoring system in partnership with WWF in order to define guidelines for ecological quarry rehabilitation.

In 2004, the quarry has been recogniezd by the Kenyan Ministry of the Environment for the excellence of its environmental practices and efforts.

In 2006, employees and volunteers received the international award of the Wildlife Habitat Council. Cost Economically self-sustaining. Location Bamburi Cement Limited, Mombasa