Nairobi Reservoir Rehabilitation Project Photo Essay
November 1, 2021

In September 2021, Patrick Odhiambo and Ben Buhl of Ecologists Without Borders (EcoWB) toured the Nairobi Reservoir and Dam in Nairobi, the world-class capital of the Republic of Kenya in Africa. What Patrick, a seasoned environmental remediation specialist, and Ben, a widely traveled and accomplished photojournalist, observed was disturbing; trash including discarded plastic and other solid waste was being transported by wind and water to the reservoir where it has engulfed large areas adjacent to the surrounding informal settlement of Kibera. Home to over 350,000 people, Kibera is one of the largest such settlements in the world. With no land to spare, people have built homes and planted gardens around the entire perimeter of Nairobi Reservoir, trusting that they won’t be washed away by periodic flooding of the Nairobi River and its tributaries. 

  

Severely polluted and overgrown by the pernicious and seemingly un-eradicable water hyacinth, a non-native aquatic weed originally found in the Amazon Basin, Nairobi Reservoir poses serious health risks to nearby residents. It is no longer suitable for agricultural, domestic, or recreational use. Left untreated, the ongoing inputs of municipal and industrial waste risk bringing disease, and further environmental degradation to the Kibera community. Something must be done soon to avoid further environmental and societal impacts to the residents of Kibera.

 

EcoWB is working with Empower the Community (ETCO), a youth-focused Community Based Organization (CBO), founded and headquartered in Kibera, and has reached out to other CBOs) and governmental entities to launch a large-scale project to restore the environmental integrity and associated beneficial uses of the of Nairobi Reservoir to their former condition. 


During their visit in September 2021, Ben and Patrick, escorted by ETCO founder and Chairman Collince Onyango, met with officials at the Nairobi West Prison, located near the dam, and later, with the Kounkuey Design Initiative (KDI) and New Nairobi Dam Community group (NNDC), both long-active and influential CBOs based in Kibera. Together with ETCO, EcoWB has begun to formulate a vision and plan to engage sponsors and residents of Kibera in the rehabilitation of Nairobi Reservoir. Our first planned activity is modest but very symbolic; EcoWB and ETCO are partnering on a series of one-day community clean-up events. With the goal of removing trash, planting trees, and restoring the natural features of sections of reservoir and tributary shorelines, this initial partnership aims to engage local residents and instill civic pride through the restoration of clean and usable open spaces and associated environmental amenities. 


So that you may help us address the many challenges faced by the Kibera community, we invite you to join us as a financial sponsor of the Nairobi Reservoir Restoration Project (NRRP). To familiarize yourself with the conditions that currently exist, and to help us develop a strategic plan to restore the reservoir to a semblance of its former state, please take time to view the following photo and video essay. We believe that by bearing witness to the problem, you will feel compelled to support this critical effort. If you would like to be notified of future volunteer opportunities related to this project, please register as a volunteer on our website at  https://www.ecowb.org/ecowb-volunteers . 

 

To support the project with a financial contribution, please visit our donation page  and select “Project: Nairobi Reservoir Rehabilitation Project” from the drop-down menu. We appreciate your support. 

Outlet from the earthen dam with flow to nearby Mbagathi River.

Dense growth of vegetation in what was previously open water of the Nairobi Reservoir. 

With over 250,000 residents, Kibera is the largest slum in Africa, and the fourth largest in the world. Large quantities of waste, including discarded trash, human feces and other hazardous substances, are conveyed via ditches and natural waterways into Nairobi Reservoir.

EcoWB’s Patrick Odhiambo and ETCO’s Collince Onyango survey a section of the Motoine/Ngong River that flows through Kibera. This river segment lies approximately 200 meters west of Nairobi Reservoir, and is the site of a future clean-up event being planned by EcoWB, Nairobi Metropolitan Services, ETCO, and other local organizations. 

EcoWB’s Ian Hendy Helps Capture the Hidden Beauty of Kelp Forests

February 13, 2025
EcoWB’s Technical Advisor, Dr. Ian Hendy, has helped bring the mysteries of the UK’s underwater forests to life in a stunning new documentary, Forests Beneath the Waves. Commissioned by Natural England and produced by a team of filmmakers led by Dr. Hendy from the University of Portsmouth’s Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS), the film offers a rare and breathtaking look at the kelp forests surrounding the Isle of Wight, Devon, and Cornwall.  Kelp forests are some of the most productive habitats on the planet, supporting a vast array of marine life and playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change. The documentary, now available on YouTube, highlights the importance of these ecosystems and the threats they face. “When Natural England approached me to make this exciting film, I was thrilled. I immediately realized the significance and impact this could have for policy, protection, and outreach,” said Dr. Hendy. “We encountered everything from beautiful sharks, stunning juvenile rays, mesmerizing cuttlefish, and even tuna fish! The vibrant life in our UK kelp forests rivals that of tropical coral reefs.” The film captures a hidden world beneath the waves, showing undulate rays and gobies sheltering from predators, a nursehound shark securing her egg, and a seal hunting for food. These forests provide essential nursery grounds and shelter for marine species, while also buffering coastlines from storms, increasing oxygen levels, and absorbing carbon dioxide. Despite their resilience, kelp forests are under serious threat from warming oceans, pollution, coastal development, and overfishing. Their decline is already being observed in the UK, making conservation efforts—and awareness—more urgent than ever. “Climate change is a big factor,” said Marina Rees, Marine Higher Officer at Natural England. “I have witnessed the increase of bleached kelp during heat waves, and escalating storms destroying entire parts of kelp forests. In the film, we even captured the crystal jellyfish—normally found in the Pacific—now appearing in UK waters due to rising temperatures.” With its stunning visuals and powerful message, Forests Beneath the Waves showcases why protecting these ecosystems matters—not just for marine life, but for the planet as a whole. Watch the full documentary here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iOQSjtVsLs

A Game-Changer for EcoWB: $150k Grant Strengthens Our Future

November 25, 2024
We are thrilled to announce that the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation has awarded Ecologists Without Borders (EcoWB) a $150,000 capacity-building grant to be distributed over the next two years. This incredible support follows a $50,000 grant from the Foundation last year, which helped us make significant strides in strengthening our organization. This renewed and increased commitment is more than just financial backing—it’s a profound vote of confidence in the work we do. It shows that the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation believes in the impact EcoWB has made so far and sees the potential for us to grow and evolve. While volunteers will always be at the heart of everything we do, this grant helps us build the dedicated team of staff we need to meet the growing demands for our work and make an even greater impact. What Does This Grant Mean for EcoWB? This funding will help us build a strong foundation for EcoWB’s future, allowing us to plan thoughtfully and grow in a sustainable, meaningful way. Here’s how: • Laying a Solid Foundation The grant will enable us to build strength behind the scenes, refining the systems and securing the expertise needed to keep EcoWB running smoothly. By bolstering our internal capacity, we can deliver more for the communities that rely on us. • Answering the Call With the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation’s support, we can respond faster and more effectively to urgent environmental challenges. From fundraising and coordinating volunteers to managing complex projects, this funding will ensure we’re ready to act when we’re needed most. • Growing Sustainably This investment isn’t just about today—it’s about tomorrow. By focusing on long-term growth, we’re ensuring EcoWB remains a trusted, reliable partner for communities working to protect their environment for generations to come. Reflecting on Last Year’s Success The $50,000 grant we received last year laid the groundwork for the exciting progress we’re making today. With the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation’s support, we were able to bring on a Development Director, who helped shape a clear strategy for fundraising, introduced systems to better manage our relationships with donors and volunteers, and launched our first-ever year-end fundraising campaign. We also worked to refine EcoWB’s public profile, updating our messaging and website to better reflect the impact of our work and connect with our growing community. This progress would not have been possible without the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation’s belief in our potential, and their continued support builds on the success of their initial grant, allowing us to achieve even greater impact. A Bright Future Ahead The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation grant signals an exciting new phase for EcoWB. It demonstrates not only the Foundation’s belief in our work but also the value of collaborative, community-driven approaches to environmental challenges. As we look to the future, we see a stronger, more connected EcoWB—one that can rise to meet the growing ecological needs of communities around the world. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation for their generosity and trust. Together, we’re proving that when communities and ecologists come together, we can create solutions that truly make a difference. Stay tuned for updates on how this transformative funding shapes EcoWB’s next chapter!
Share by: