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. 

March 2, 2025
Job Title: Program Manager Location: Remote Organization: Ecologists Without Borders Hours: Part-Time (10-20 hrs per week) Term: Through December 31, 2025 (renewal possible, subject to funding) Compensation: Subject to grant funding availability and applicant’s level of experience About Us Ecologists Without Borders (EcoWB) is dedicated to environmental conservation and community-led sustainable development. We work globally to implement impactful projects that address ecological challenges, empower local communities, and promote long-term environmental resilience. Position Summary EcoWB is seeking an organized and proactive Program Manager to oversee ongoing environmental projects, develop new projects in collaboration with environmentally vulnerable communities worldwide and expand partnerships that align with our mission. This is a fully remote position and no travel is anticipated as part of this position. The ideal candidate has nonprofit environmental work experience, strong communication and organizational skills, and a passion for conservation and community development in an international setting. This role provides a hands-on opportunity to expand EcoWB’s project program, both internally and externally through engagement with potential partner organizations and supporting EcoWB Volunteer Project Managers, while contributing meaningfully to EcoWB’s mission. Key Responsibilities Project Program Management: Working with EcoWB Volunteer Project Managers, monitor and support ongoing environmental projects around the world, ensuring successful outcomes. Develop and implement recruitment and training for new EcoWB Volunteer Project Managers, and coordinate assistance to resolve project issues as needed. Actively participate in EcoWB Projects Committee monthly meetings, participate in reviewing and scoring of project proposals, and present recommendations for new projects to the Board for approval. Project Program Development: Identify opportunities for new environmental projects in cooperation with local community partners, design initiatives, and coordinate their launch. Develop and propose project program policies and procedures in coordination with the Project Committee. Outreach & Partnerships: Build relationships with international community organizations, businesses, government agencies, and other stakeholders to expand our programs and reach. Volunteer Engagement: Work with the Volunteer Coordinator to engage and recruit EcoWB volunteers in project activities. Grant & Funding Support: With the support of the Development Director, assist in identifying and applying for grants and funding opportunities to support ongoing projects and program growth. Assist Project Managers with providing project descriptions and success stories to the Marketing and Communications Committee and Development staff to illustrate EcoWB’s story through specific impacts. Monitoring & Reporting: Track Project Program impact through monthly, annual, and grant-specific reports, maintain detailed records, and communicate results. Minimum Qualifications & Skills Passion for environmental conservation and community-led sustainable development. Experience in nonprofit work, environmental initiatives, international development, and/or project coordination. Familiarity with norms and standards for international development. Basic budget management experience (or willingness to learn). Strong organizational and leadership skills. Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote work environment. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), videoconferencing, and basic project management tools. Professional proficiency in written and spoken English. Preferred Additional Qualifications & Skills Familiarity with fundraising or grant writing. Experience with environmentally vulnerable communities. Experience tracking project impacts and reporting outcomes. Experience working with volunteers from a range of backgrounds and community organizations. What We Offer Opportunity to lead and expand meaningful environmental project program. Flexible remote work schedule (with availability during normal U.S. business hours). Opportunity to work with highly motivated volunteers and help communities around the world address environmental challenges. How to Apply Interested candidates should submit a resume and a brief cover letter outlining their experience and interest to HR@ecowb.org . In the cover letter, please include your expected salary or hourly rate for the position. Applications will be accepted through March 21, 2025 and reviewed in the order received until one or more acceptable candidates are found. On the basis of the information submitted, promising applicants will be interviewed by members of EcoWB’s review team. Work is expected to begin early to mid-April.
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
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