Lamu Safi
Have you noticed that our streets are cleaner these days? Have you noticed that major arteries in Lamu’s old town have been patched leaving a smoother surface for walking? Lamu Safi, a community-based organization, is the impetus for these positive steps. Chonjo extends a hearty thanks to Lamu Safi Group for their initiative.
Lamu seafront rejuvenation
The bustling Lamu seafront is being spruced up: the dilapidated jetty in front of the Lamu Museum is being renovated and the main promenade along the seawall is being paved with cobblestones. The seafront rejuvenation projects are a welcome boost to the town.
The new jetty, a Public Works project, will provide safe and easy passenger access to boats and ferries and paving the seafront promenade provides a cleaner environment for businesses and pedestrians alike. The paved promenade is the initiative of the National Museums of Kenya in partnership with local businesses.
Chonjo welcomes the rejuvenation projects and wants to encourage our local authority to step up and join hands to rejuvenate the town.
Lamu Fort facelift
Lamu Fort, the icon of Arab-Swahili military might of the 19th century, is undergoing a facelift, thanks to funding provided by the U.S. through Ambassador Ranneburger. The fort’s exterior walls eroded by weather are being re-plastered as well as the interior walls of the library—a worthy preservation effort.
Adopt-a-turtle
Did you know that it is possible to adopt your very own endangered sea turtle? The Lamu Marine Conservation Trust (LAMCOT) in Shela can arrange it. On adopting, you will receive your turtle's birth certificate and, as a parent, you will receive updates on the health and whereabouts of your turtle-kid. The cost of becoming a turtle-parent is only Ksh 20,000.
This initiative is one of the many projects LAMCOT organizes to protect turtles found in the Lamu Archipelago. The money they raise helps pay for monitoring turtles and protecting nests.
This year, LAMCOT has counted over 50,000 hatchlings on Manda Island, which are being patrolled by four former turtle-hunters turned turtle-monitors. On Shela Beach, the numbers are less impressive—a mere 2,000 hatchlings were found. Despite recent improvements, there still is a long way to go.
According to LAMCOT’s Famau Shukury, tourism can have a detrimental effect on the turtles. “In Shela,” he says, “tourism has destroyed their natural habitat and nesting places.” That’s why the adopt-a-turtle campaign can make a difference.
For further information about adopting a turtle or giving a donation, contact program coordinator: Atwaa Salim; tel: +254 (0)722 427 152; email: atwaa@lamcot.org
Web: www.lamcot.org
Chonjo Editorial Team
