Dorcas Wakio- Coastal Forest Conservation| Women in Conservation

Dorcas Wakio

I am a third-year student at the Technical University of Mombasa Kwale campus, pursuing a Bachelor’s in Marine Resource Management and a climate and environmental conservation activist in Kenya. I am currently based in South Coast, Diani, Kenya.

Pursuing Marine Resource Management has improved my understanding of what marine resources entail. Not only does it consist of ocean waters, but it encompasses several resources that boost our socio-economic status.

During my three-month attachment at WWF Kwale, I participated in various marine conservation-related programs, including the 2019 International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) at Shimoni, beach cleanups, and planting trees and mangroves at Gongoni forest in Buda Complex and Vanga. My involvement enhanced my understanding of marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

Impact

I have since taken to Twitter to champion climate action and environmental conservation. Following the mass tree planting at the Gongoni forest in Buda Complex, my colleagues and I established a tree nursery consisting of 28 different indigenous species, amounting to 3300 trees. The project is still ongoing since we aim to restore our coastal forests to their former status.

Dorcas Wakio

Over the last year, I have planted over 1500 trees in the degraded areas of the coastal forests in Buda Complex. Consequently, I have witnessed the formation of conservation groups such as the Gongoni conservation group.

Target..

Dorcas Wakio

I target anyone and everyone willing to join hands with me in planting trees to increase green spaces around our cities and parks.

Being a woman conservationist

Dorcas Wakio

Being a young woman in marine conservation hasn’t been easy due to gender inequality since it’s believed to be a male-dominated industry. Besides, lack of funds to finance my projects, especially establishing a tree nursery which requires a lot of maintenance, has been a significant setback. I am still a student balancing between my studies and conserving nature!

Nonetheless, I feel obliged to take care of our environment.