James Simiren Ole Nampushi
PhD. Student
Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management
Clemson University
263 Lehotsky Hall
Clemson, SC 29634
Phone: 864 653 0345
Recycle Plastic Bags: Enhance Biological Conservation in Maasai Mara
Abstract
Maasai Mara is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World according to ABC News (2006). It’s the planet's
greatest natural habitat worldwide. Recent studies indicate that human population growth and tourism development
contribute significantly to the spread of plastic bags to the environment. The consumption of plastic bags by wildlife
herbivores and livestock accelerates this catastrophic wildlife population decline. This project will establish a
sustainable community program to help reduce the spread of plastic bags through recycling and thus, help minimize
the loss of herbivores due to plastic consumption.
Introduction to the Project
James Simiren Nampushi (Project Leader) is a graduate student currently on a PhD. Program in Parks Recreation
and Tourism Management at Clemson University. He is a Maasai warrior from the Maasai tribe of Kenya, who grew
up in a community that has lived in harmony with wildlife for centuries in the Maasai Mara region.
Maasai Mara ecosystem forms the northern extension of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem that straddles the countries
of Kenya and Tanzania. Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya has been named one of the new Seven Wonders of
the World in a poll of experts conducted by ABC Television's Good Morning America in 2006. The incredible
annual migration of over a million Wildebeest from the Serengeti plains to the Maasai Mara has been described as
one of the most awe inspiring sights on earth.
The sheer spectacle of this event draws visitors from across the globe to witness one of the planet’s largest and most
fascinating natural wildlife habitats to Kenya each year. The Mara is regarded as the planet's greatest natural habitat
worldwide. The remarkable annual migration made Maasai Mara ranked as one of the new Seven Wonders. This is
truly a Wonder of the World, and an incredible display of nature at work. The Mara is one of the most productive
savanna habitats in the world.
According to recent studies, habitat loss due to human population growth, large scale farming, tourism development
and mushrooming of trading centers are a fundamental cause of wildlife decline. Studies conducted by United States
Environmental Protection Agency indicate that 500 billion to one trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide each
year. Therefore, this trend has become a significant source of plastic bags blown by the wind into the habitat, and
thus, increased the catastrophic effects on wildlife herbivores such as elephants, water buffalos, wildebeests, zebras,
antelopes, black rhinos and elands which die after ingesting plastic bags. Despite Kenya National Environment
Management Authority (NEMA) claiming to have banned plastic bags, outlawed the manufacture and import of
plastic bags for damaging the environment, there is little or no studies conducted to provide statistical data showing
the effects of plastics bags on the declining population of herbivores in this area. However, indigenous communities
such as the Maasai people have raised concerns on the effects of plastic bags on their livestock (personal
observation). Therefore, it can be argue that plastic bags can have similar effects on wildlife herbivores.
Goals
This project will establish a sustainable community program to help reduce the spread of plastic bags through
recycling and thus, help minimize the loss of herbivores due to plastic consumption.
Project purpose
To protect herbivores population by reducing the spread of plastics bags in the Maasai Mara ecosystem.
Objectives
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Establish 2 groups of women and youth to work in the project
Develop a mechanism for plastic bags acquisition and recycling
Establish community environmental outreach program in the Mara region
Reduce the spread of the plastic bags in the Mara ecosystem.
Project Implementation Plan
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Recruit women and youth groups from Talek and Sekenani locations. Each location will have (5 members
in their group x 2) = 10 members in total.
Train the women and youth groups on collection, sorting, cleaning and drying of plastic bags
Weighing and purchase of the plastic bags
The project will select a community team to be trained on weaving to produce good quality bags, rugs,
mats and wall hangings from the recycled plastic bags
10 Project team will visit tourist camps and hotels to promote, market and train community on the of
impacts of plastic bags to wildlife during the month of November -December 2012 at Talek
Project management collects, package and send plastic bags that cannot be weaved to plastic companies in
Nairobi for further recycling on a monthly basis in partnership/collaboration with eco-friendly camps in the
area
The finished weaved products will be sold to tourism camps and lodges in the Mara
Revenues from sales of weaved products will be used to purchase more plastic bags
Project outcomes
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Making Maasai Mara a plastic free ecosystem and thus, reduce herbivore losses resulting from plastic
consumption.
Provide economic empowerment for the local youth and women through the sale of products made from
recycled plastic bags.
Project sustainability
The proceeds accrued from the sale of the products will be used to sustain the project as an economic source of
revenue after the end of the funding period.