A Day at Ondiri: Connecting Local Conservation with Global Expertise

By David Wakogy
FOWK Founder & Coordinator.
Mar 26, 2026

Yesterday we had an important engagement when we hosted Prof. Mugwima Njuguna (JKUAT) and Prof. Saija Hollmén (Aalto University, Finland) during their visit to Ondiri Wetland.

The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the progress we have made as a community in conserving this unique peatland ecosystem and to discuss future collaboration in research, planning, and community-led wetland management. The professors expressed strong appreciation for the stewardship model that Friends of Ondiri Wetland has built and acknowledged Ondiri’s significance within the Nairobi River basin and the wider climate resilience agenda.

Following our discussions, we are now exploring a prospective partnership between Friends of Ondiri Wetland, JKUAT, and Aalto University under the Water and Urbanisation (WiT) Programme 2026. The proposed collaboration would involve international researchers and students undertaking fieldwork at Ondiri in October 2026 and working with us to develop practical and sustainable strategies for the conservation of semi-urban wetlands.

As the Coordinator, I believe this presents a valuable opportunity to strengthen our conservation work, elevate Ondiri’s global profile, and ensure that community voices remain central in shaping future wetland management solutions.

I will continue to keep you informed as these discussions progress and as opportunities arise for member participation.

Thank you all for your continued dedication to protecting Ondiri Wetland.