The Save the Mau Forest Initiative is a community-based organization (CBO) dedicated to the conservation and restoration of the Mau Forest, Kenya’s largest water catchment area and one of the most important forest ecosystems in East Africa. This initiative primarily aims to combat deforestation, preserve biodiversity, and ensure sustainable livelihoods for the surrounding communities.
The organization emphasizes community empowerment by supporting sustainable livelihoods that reduce dependence on the forest. Collaboration with stakeholders is essential, alongside maintaining transparency and integrity in all operations.
WARREN DAVID, CEO & CO-FOUNDER
When the duty calls, I join the winning team, team Save Mau Forest Initiative
David is Environmental award winner – Millenial hummingbird award, a Youth leader from indigenous People of Kenya (Ogiek) , Climate change champion against activities driving carbon gases and environmental activist safeguarding the interest of Mau forest restoration and it’s rivers and freelance journalist basing his arguments on the need to conserve Biodiversity.
David is also the CEO and CO – FOUNDER of Save Mau Forest Initiative, Communications Director at Nessuit Ward Climate Change Planning Committee (Nakuru
city and County 2022‑2027) , Ogiek media platforms Director, member of Friday For Future, Kenya Climate Change Working Group (KCCWG)
Marginalized Thematic Group, Ogiek Youth Council (Vice – Chairperson), Hummingbird Environmental award winner 2022, a member of River Njoro NEESEL project (2021‑2024) steering committee by World Wide for Nature
(WWF). Being the leader of above platforms, he has direct partnership with several Government institutions i.e Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Forest Research Institute (KEFRI), County Government of Nakuru and National Government through Chiefs and local leadership which has made the environmental work successful.
He worked at a community radio station from 2019 to 2020 when it collapsed due lack of funding caused by Covid 19. He was taking environment lessons to the community every evening for five days a week and visiting them physically.
He advocated on Soil health and Sustainable Development Goal 6 that go beyond drinking water, sanitation and hygiene to also address the quality and sustainability of water resources at the Indigenous community level.
Clear track record on mobilising Indigenous and Marginalized community (Ogiek) to practice eco-friendly agriculture with less use of chemicals which has safeguarded the environment, soil and water at the Mau forest areas.
Through this work, he was invited by UN FAO to present his work at UN Global Indigenous Youth Forum (15th to 20th October 2023) at Rome, Italy FAO HQ and also to represent the community as youth to VCA stakeholder meeting at Nehtherlands 2024.
