Lake Sonfon: Empowering communities for sustainable forest and wetland management

Background and short history

In the search for the endemic Emerald starling bird, CSSL discovered that Lake Sonfon holds the largest population of the Emerald starling species in the region (survey conducted 2013 by CSSL). This species was monitored in subsequently years with support from the Africa Bird Club (ABC) and the Royal Society for the protection of Birds (RSPB). This monitoring discovered the important of the sites in terms of biodiversity and reviled the illegal activities at the site.

With support from Bread for the World (BftW) in 2016 with the pilot phase of the project, CSSL was able to build up community structures to terminate mining at Lake Sonfon. These community structures were empowered to advocate for themselves and benefited from the livelihood programs. With the intervention of CSSL gold mining was terminated at the NPAA/CSSL’s demarcated boundaries of Lake Sonfon. Following the arrest of 13 Chines nationals at the Makoni village working with the Dojo mining company which raise the profile and visibility of CSSL in the district, national and internationally. The project is still ongoing hoping for more activities for the communities.

Situation we are facing

There is currently ongoing mining activities outside the boudaries of the lake that affect the lake and local people. Government is paying less attention for the protection of the Lake and some local authorities support the mining sector to consertion activities. The road network is bad and rate of illetracy is high.

Our Goals

Safe Lake Sonfon through community development. By 2025 at least 50% of Diang people where able to pay school fees for their family and 30 boys and 20 girls will be graduated from tartiary institutions.

Our approach

CSSL’s approach is advocacy, establish community structures and social mobilization to increase knowledge among key actors in the communities.

Our activities

1. Biodiversity monitoring, Trainings/workshops, Gender Model family training, alternative livelihood supports through Climate Smart Agriculture
2. Outreach media engagements: community engagements, radio and TV programs, production and distribution of IEC materials during public engagements, etc.

Outcomes we want to reach

1. Increased environmental monitoring, advocacy, citizen mobilization and social mediation.
2. Increased government commitment to reduce hazards on environmental disasters and biodiversity loss.
3. Increased public awareness on the effect of gold mining on water catchment areas.