International Crane Foundation Leads Efforts to Protect Wetlands Amid Declining Grey Crowned Crane Population

 

 By Wasike Elvis

The International Crane Foundation, in collaboration with Crane International Foundation and Endangered World Trust, is spearheading a large-scale conservation effort aimed at protecting Kenya’s wetlands and reversing the rapid decline of the Grey Crowned Crane population.

Once a common sight in East Africa, the Grey Crowned Crane is now one of the most threatened crane species in the world. The species has seen an alarming decline in its population over the last 35 years, with numbers dropping from over 35,000 in 1986 to just 10,000 today. Experts attribute this drastic drop to habitat destruction, climate change, illegal wildlife trade, and poisoning by farmers who view the birds as a threat to their crops.

A Species Under Threat

According to Mwangi Joseph, Kenya National Manager for Crane International Foundation, the threats facing the Grey Crowned Crane are both intentional and unintentional.

“In the last three and a half decades, we have witnessed a significant decline in the population of Grey Crowned Cranes. Some of the biggest challenges include habitat loss due to wetland encroachment, increased use of pesticides and chemicals in farming, and illegal poaching for the pet trade,” Joseph explained.

Wetlands, the primary breeding grounds for cranes, have been disappearing at an alarming rate due to agricultural expansion, land reclamation, and erratic weather patterns driven by climate change. Farmers seeking more land for cultivation have drained wetlands, destroyed natural vegetation, and introduced chemicals that pollute the water, making it unsuitable for crane breeding.

Additionally, some farmers view the cranes as pests, believing they damage crops. In retaliation, the birds have been poisoned in large numbers, further accelerating their population decline.

“There is a common misconception that cranes cause damage to farms, leading to cases of intentional poisoning and persecution. As a result, we have seen a sharp drop in their numbers,” Joseph added.

 

Despite these challenges, efforts to protect the Grey Crowned Crane have gained momentum through a combination of conservation programs, community engagement, and sustainable farming initiatives.

Integrating Conservation with Community Livelihoods

The International Crane Foundation and its partners are implementing a multi-faceted approach to conservation, one that combines environmental protection with sustainable livelihoods for communities living near wetlands. Their goal is to create solutions that benefit both people and wildlife.

A key component of this strategy is the introduction of enriched buffer zones—areas where farmers plant indigenous trees, fruit-bearing plants, and crops that serve both ecological and economic purposes. These buffer zones act as barriers, preventing livestock and human activities from encroaching on wetlands while simultaneously providing farmers with alternative sources of income.

Vivian Kitui from the International Crane Foundation described the benefits of this initiative:

“These enriched buffer zones include indigenous trees, Napier grass, fruit trees, and even beehives. The presence of these elements not only protects the wetlands but also provides food for both people and livestock. This means that farmers have less reason to interfere with crane habitats,” Kitui explained.

The organization has also introduced spring protection programs in Nandi and Trans Nzoia counties, ensuring that communities have access to clean water. This initiative serves as an incentive for locals to participate in conservation efforts.

Farmers Leading the Conservation Effort

Local farmers have played a crucial role in conservation efforts, with many embracing sustainable farming techniques that reduce their dependence on wetlands.

Benard Kemei, a farmer from Kapsisiwa in Nandi County, is one of the beneficiaries of the Crane Foundation’s initiatives. He credits the organization with providing resources and training that have helped him and his community protect wetlands.

“The foundation has given us indigenous trees, beehives, and avocado plants, which have helped us maintain the wetlands while also improving our income. They have also awarded scholarships to our children, ensuring that the next generation is aware of the importance of conservation,” Kemei said.

He emphasized the need for continued community engagement, urging other farmers to support conservation efforts.

 

“It is important that we continue protecting the Grey Crowned Cranes. The foundation has taught us new farming techniques that allow us to farm without encroaching on wetland areas. We must take care of our environment for future generations,” he added.

Another beneficiary, Emmaculate Lagat, spoke about the importance of organic farming in conservation efforts.

“We were taught how to grow vegetables without using harmful chemicals. Now, we create organic seedbeds and use natural repellent flowers to prevent pests instead of chemical pesticides. This has not only protected the wetlands but also improved our health and food security,” Lagat explained.

Hope for the Future

Despite the severe threats facing the Grey Crowned Crane, conservation efforts are starting to yield results. Recent population censuses conducted between 2019 and 2023 indicate a stabilization in crane numbers, suggesting that community-based interventions are making a difference.

Joseph remains optimistic about the future of crane conservation in Kenya but acknowledges that there is still a long way to go.

 

“Protecting the cranes is not just about saving a species—it’s about preserving our wetlands, securing clean water sources, and ensuring that farmers can sustain their livelihoods without harming the environment. This fight requires the collective efforts of conservationists, government agencies, and the community,” he said.

The International Crane Foundation continues to call on policymakers, environmental organizations, and the public to support wetland conservation efforts. With continued investment in education, sustainable agriculture, and habitat restoration, there is hope that the Grey Crowned Crane will once again thrive in its natural habitat.

As conservationists and communities rally together, the message is clear: protecting wetlands is not just about saving cranes—it’s about safeguarding the future of biodiversity and ensuring sustainable development for generations to come.

February 10, 2025