Watersheds critical to water security in Nairobi and surrounding communities are set for restoration through an investment of USD1.65 million by the Coca-Cola system.
The project in the Upper-Tana and Mid-Galana basins of Kenya encompasses agroforestry systems designed to benefit the supply of key water reservoirs for Nairobi and rainwater harvesting in groundwater recharge areas for Mzima Springs.
In collaboration with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and local community-based organisations, this initiative aims to replenish water supplies as well as plant thousands of indigenous trees along riparian zones to enhance water quality.
Furthermore, the aim is to contribute to the transformation of degraded farmlands and rangelands through sustainable land management practices, with hundreds of farm ponds installed, and fruit orchards planted to improve food security and offer potential alternative livelihoods for local communities.
The project forms part of the Coca-Cola system’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative that was announced last year by the Africa Operating Unit of the Coca-Cola organisation and its authorised bottlers, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company (ECCBC) and Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (HBC).
It includes a nearly USD25 million investment to help address critical water-related challenges in local communities in 20 African countries by 2030.
The work will be led by the Global Water Challenge (GWC) and implemented by a consortium of partners, including The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
“As we face increasing water insecurity worldwide, with demand surpassing supply in many regions including Africa, Coca-Cola is actively working to help accelerate efforts to address water stress, protect local water resources, and build community climate resilience,” said Alfred Olajide, the Vice President-Franchise Operations, East and Central Africa at Coca-Cola Central, East and West Africa Limited.
“Recognising that partnerships are critical to support this work, Coca-Cola and its authorised bottlers are collaborating with governments, businesses, and civil society organisations to design and implement strategic interventions,” concluded Olajide.
On his part, the General Manager of Coca-Cola Beverages Kenya (CCBK), James Bowmaker said his firm, as part of Coca-Cola beverages Africa, has a responsibility to assist those who face water scarcity and to help protect local water resources where they operate, especially in places with the biggest challenges.
“The Coca-Cola system’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative aims to help protect and enhance the health of important watersheds and to help improve access to water and sanitation services in local communities,” he said.
Ruth Masha, Kenya Country Director at the Nature Conservancy stated that they were proud to be one of the implementing partners for the project, aimed at protecting and restoring local watersheds through nature-based solutions and improving water security for millions across the African continent.
“We are collaborating with local communities and our grassroots partners – the Upper Tana-Nairobi Water Fund Trust, Green Generation Initiative and Jumuiya Water Fund – as we work towards a sustainable future for people and nature in Africa,” Masha added.