Today was the grand opening of this new conservation project at Gazi Bay and the Colobus Trust had been invited to send some representatives.

We arrived at Gazi Bay at around 09:30 which was the published time for registration. However we caused a great uproar because by Kenyan time we are at least an hour early!! So to while away the time we are taken to have sodas at the Kenyan Fisheries HQ before heading back to Gazi village and down a track to Mwahore Beach in time for the start of proceedings.

We are honoured to find ourselves seated amongst the guests of honour under an awning at the edge of the beach with the most beautiful views in front of us. The entire local community seems to have turned out for the day in a colourful display of costumes along with many school children who keep the crowd entertained with songs before the start of the speeches. Understandably this is a very special day for them all as 100% of the profits made from the project will be used by the Gazi community to improve healthcare and education.

There are several speeches from various dignitaries - The KWS area Chief, the Director and Chairman of KMFRI, the Chief conservator of forests, a representative from Overljse (a Belgian company who have donated a substantial sum of money to the project) and the District Commissioner. The final part of the day is to take a walk along the boardwalk, an impressive 300m walkway through the Mangrove forest

All in all we had a fantastic day and despite starting a bit late it was well organised and have to mention the amazingly good PA system considering it was on a beach with no electricity for miles around!

We wish the Gazi Womens group every success with their new project!

George, Christine, Jane, Lynne and Ben - Colobologists

Share This