Interpretation of High Value
Ecosystems and Natural Ecosystems
for Kenya
AN INTERPRETATION GUIDE FOR IDENTIFYING HIGH VALUE ECOSYSTEMS (HVE) AND
NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS (NE) IN KENYA
© Red de Agricultura Sostenible
June 2014
Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN):
CEFCA, Cote d’Ivoire · Fundación Interamericana de Investigación Tropical (FIIT), Guatemala · Fundación Natura, Colombia
· ICADE, Honduras · IMAFLORA, Brazil · Pronatura Sur, Mexico · Rainforest Alliance · SalvaNatura, El Salvador · Royal
Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), United Kingdom
Sustainable Agriculture Network
HVE and NE interpretation for Kenya
Table of Contents
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 3
The Sustainable Agriculture Network............................................................................................... 3
Proceedings ..................................................................................................................................... 3
Critical Criterion 2.2 of the SAN Sustainable Agriculture Standard & important terminologies ......... 3
Exception (SAN Policy: Impact of Standard Changes on Certification Status) ................................... 8
Definition of NE and HVE characteristics for Kenya ............................................................................. 9
Activities considered purposeful destruction of HVE and NE areas in the context of critical criterion
2.2: ................................................................................................................................................ 10
Activities not considered purposeful destruction of HVE and NE areas in the context of critical
criterion 2.2: .................................................................................................................................. 11
Defining NE and HVE areas in the tea and coffee growing areas of Kenya.......................................... 11
Indicators for NE and HVE types in Kenya ...................................................................................... 11
Specific HVE areas (incomplete list): .............................................................................................. 12
On Farm Assessment of NE and HVE areas ........................................................................................ 18
Use of secondary and primary data sources.................................................................................... 18
Documents provided by the farm ................................................................................................... 20
Supporting institutions and tools ................................................................................................... 20
Relevant National Legislation ........................................................................................................ 21
International environmental conventions ratified by Kenya............................................................ 21
References ........................................................................................................................................ 23
Annex 1 – Table of IBAs that are HVE within coffee and tea growing areas ........................................ 24
Annex 2 – Map of National Parks, National Reserves and Important Bird Areas in Kenya ................... 29
Annex 3 - Excerpt from the “SAN Policy Impact of Standard Changes on Certification Status October
2009” ................................................................................................................................................ 30
Annex 4 - Picture identification guide ................................................................................................ 31
Examples of HVE and NE Destruction ............................................................................................ 33
Annex 5 – IBAT user guide ................................................................................................................. 36
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Introduction
The Sustainable Agriculture Network
Mission
The Sustainable Agriculture Network promotes efficient agriculture, biodiversity conservation and sustainable
community development by creating social and environmental standards.
The Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN) is a coalition of independent non-profit conservation organizations
that promote the social and environmental sustainability of agricultural activities by developing standards.
Standard and certification policy development and review is coordinated by the SAN secretariat based in San
José, Costa Rica.
Farms and group administrators that comply with SAN standards can apply to use the
Rainforest Alliance Certified™ seal for products grown on their certified farms.
For more information about the Sustainable Agriculture Network, visit our webpage:
www.sanstandards.org.
This document is a complementary document to the SAN Sustainable Agriculture Standard for the specific
aspects of Critical Criterion 2.2 in the context of Kenya. Its definition of High Value Ecosystems (HVE) and Natural
Ecosystems (NE) are binding for any certification processes led by SAN accredited certification bodies on Kenyan
farms. It provides a binding interpretation for High Value Ecosystems and Natural Ecosystems on Kenyan farms
to be in compliance with Critical Criterion 2.2 of the SAN Sustainable Agriculture Standard (version July 2010).
Further on, this document provides a guide how to identify High Value Ecosystems and Natural Ecosystems in
Kenya within the SAN framework of general terms and definitions.
Proceedings
In August 2012, Kenyan stakeholders met for the first time to discuss an initial draft prepared by Nature Kenya
that suggested an interpretation of the HVE and NE concept specific to Kenya. Based on this discussion, an
updated draft was developed and shared with the involved stakeholders. In December 2012, the Kenyan
stakeholders met again to discuss open issues in the HVE and NE interpretation for Kenya. A background
research list was generated from the December workshop and followed up by the Rainforest Alliance
representatives in Kenya. In October 2013, the last workshop was held to finalize the discussion on the
interpretation of HVE and NE in Kenya with the stakeholders. The present document is the final version of the
discussions and outcomes from these three HVE and NE workshops in Kenya.
Critical Criterion 2.2 of the SAN Sustainable Agriculture Standard & important terminologies
SAN’s critical criterion 2.2 states: “From the date of application for certification onwards, the farm must not destroy
any natural ecosystem. Additionally, from November 1, 2005 onwards no high value ecosystems must have been
destroyed by or due to purposeful farm management activities. If any natural ecosystems have been destroyed by or
due to purposeful farm management activities between November 1, 1999 and November 1, 2005, the farm must
implement the following analysis and mitigations:
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a. Conduct an analysis of the ecosystem destruction to document the scope and ecological impact of the
destruction.
b. Develop a mitigation plan with advice from a competent professional that is consistent with applicable
legislation and that compensates for the negative impact.
c. Implement the activities of this mitigation plan, including for example the set aside of a significant percentage of
the farm area for conservation purposes.”
Implications of critical Criterion 2.2 Illustrated on a time line:
Nov 1st, 1999
Nov 1st, 2005
Certification application date
If by or due to purposeful farm management activities destruction of…
…NE (NE including HVE)
occurred,
then the farm must
…HVE occurred,
then the farm must
not be certified
implement mitigation
activities
…NE (NE including HVE)
occurred,
then the farm must
not be certified
Conceptual similarities and differences of High Value Ecosystems and Natural Ecosystems:
All High Value Ecosystems (HVE) will fall under the category of Natural Ecosystems (NE). However,
not every NE will be considered a HVE. Thus HVE are a subset of NE in this context.
NE
HVE
According to the SAN Sustainable Agriculture Standard, the generic definition of High Value Ecosystem is:
“Natural Ecosystem of special importance to environmental conservation such as habitat that enables the
reproduction of endemic and endangered species or hosts viable wild animal or plant populations; provision of
ecosystem service such as water shed protection in serious circumstances; or rare ecosystems. Examples are primary
and secondary forests, bush and grasslands, paramo, streams, rivers, pools lakes, lagoons, swamps, marshes and
bogs.”
The generic definition of Natural Ecosystem in the SAN Sustainable Agriculture Standard is:
“A dynamic complex of plant, animal and micro-organism communities and their non-living environment interacting
as a functional unit (Source: Convention on Biological Diversity). Examples are aquatic ecosystems, such as streams,
rivers, pools, ponds, lakes, lagoons, and other bodies of liquid water that exist naturally; wetlands such as swamps,
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marshes, mangroves or bogs; terrestrial ecosystems, such as primary and secondary forests, bush lands, grass lands
or other advanced natural succession stages without significant human disturbance for minimum 10 years. But then
each SAN representative provides further local interpretation considering local biophysical conditions.”
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Destruction of ecosystems:
“The significant direct or indirect disturbance of an ecosystem caused by a human being. For the case of terrestrial
natural ecosystems this includes tree logging, extraction of non-woody plants, burning, aspersion of herbicides or
other pesticides, partial or complete conversion to agriculture land, urban use, development, or wasteland, as well
as intentional introduction of invasive or exotic species. For the case of aquatic ecosystems, this comprises change of
depth or direction of a watershed or drying of wetlands. Within this definition, also the disturbance by natural
catastrophes, such as floods, tsunamis, earthquakes, hurricanes, storms, tornados and other strong winds, as well
as landslides are covered.”
Mitigation plan:
“A series of actions to compensate the destruction of natural ecosystems including the definition of responsible
persons and specific timelines for each action. Actions include the planting of native plant and tree species, set aside
of areas for natural regeneration, as well as ex-situ measures of conservation authorized by government authorities.”
Scope of farm:
For the purpose of HVE and NE interpretation “scope of farm” is defined in the “SAN Farm and Group
Administrator Certification Policy”.
On-farm assessment:
For the purpose of HVE and NE interpretation, “On-farm assessment” is understood as the physical inspection of
the farm (considering the full scope of farm – see above definition reference to the SAN certification policy) for
risk areas, compliance and potential non-compliances. An on-farm assessment can either be conducted
internally or externally depending on the protocol requirements as well as on the qualification of the personnel
conducting the assessment.
Threatened species:
“Threatened species are any species (including animals, plants, fungi, etc.) which are vulnerable to endangerment in
the near future. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) is the foremost authority on threatened species, and treats
threatened species not as a single category, but as a group of three categories, depending on the degree to which
they are threatened:

Vulnerable species

Endangered species

Critically endangered species” (Wikipedia)
Endemism:
“Endemism is the ecological state of being unique to a defined geographic location, such as an island, nation or other
defined zone, or habitat type; organisms that are indigenous to a place are not endemic to it if they are also found
elsewhere. The extreme opposite of endemism is cosmopolitan distribution.” (Wikipedia)
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Native species:
“Species, subspecies, or lower taxon occurring within its current natural range, i.e., the range it occupies without
direct or indirect introduction or care by humans.” (SAN, 2013)
Invasive species:
“An alien species whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human
health. An alien species is any species, subspecies, or lower taxon that is not a native species. However, for the
purpose of this standard, crop and livestock species are not considered alien species.” (SAN, 2013)
More information about the identification of invasive species according to geographic zones is provided through
the IUCN Invasive species specialists group. Their website contains a database with a search function:
http://www.issg.org/database/welcome/
Alliance for Zero Extinction:
“Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE) sites are the last refuges for some of the highest threatened species on the planet.
AZE sites are discrete areas that contain 95% of the known global population of an Endangered (EN) or Critically
Endangered (CR) species or 95% of one life history segment (e.g. breeding or wintering) of an EN or CR species. The
loss of an AZE site would result in the extinction of a species in the wild. These sites are effectively the subset of Key
Biodiversity Areas and Important Bird Areas which are the most immediate priority for conservation action.” (IBAT
website definition)
Important Bird Areas:
“Important Bird Areas (IBA) are sites identified as a conservation priority for bird species based on four criteria:
presence of globally threatened species; significant populations of restricted range species; a representative sample
of biome-restricted species; important congregations of species. This model of site prioritization was pioneered by
BirdLife International and has been used by other organizations to define similarly important sites for other groups
of species, culminating in the development of the KBA concept.” (IBAT website definition)
IUCN Red list:
“The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (also known as the IUCN Red List or Red Data List), founded in 1963, is the
world's most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species. The International Union
for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is the world's main authority on the conservation status of species. A series of
Regional Red Lists are produced by countries or organizations, which assess the risk of extinction to species within a
political management unit.” (Wikipedia)
Key Biodiversity Areas:
“Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) are nationally mapped sites of global significance for biodiversity conservation that
have been selected using globally standard criteria and thresholds. Their identification follows best practice protected
area guidelines developed by IUCN. KBAs are a designation of Conservation International. The KBA network is unique
in that it encompasses a number of other high biodiversity priority areas, including:
• Important Bird Areas (IBA) - see below for further details on IBAs.
• Important Plant Areas (IPA)
• IUCN Important Sites for Freshwater Biodiversity
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• Alliance for Zero Extinction Sites (AZE)
• Ramsar Sites
Based on a framework of vulnerability and irreplaceability widely used in systematic conservation planning, KBAs
could largely be divided into the following categories. Those defined for the presence of:
• Critically Endangered and Endangered species
• Vulnerable species
• Endemic and restricted-range species
• Migratory species and species that form congregations
• Biome-restricted species” (IBAT website definition)
Ramsar Wetlands:
“An international designation recognizing important wetland sites, protected and unprotected. It is based on the
Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat, which was adopted in 1971 in
the town of Ramsar. Originally focused on promoting the protection of wetlands for birds, the convention has since
broadened its scope to include any all aspects of wetland conservation and wise use.” (IBAT website definition)
Exception (SAN Policy: Impact of Standard Changes on Certification Status)
SAN / RA certifications achieved by clients before September 30, 2009 cannot be cancelled, if this situation is a
result of non-compliance with criterion 2.2 – referring to irreversible situations of past land use only. Details are
communicated in: “Policy on the Impact of Standard Changes on the Certification Status of clients”, SAN, 2009
(Annex 3).
However, such farms are still expected to implement the analysis and mitigations a) – c) of critical criterion 2.2.
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Definition of NE and HVE characteristics for Kenya
In general, HVE and NE areas in Kenya are understood to be dynamic complexes of plant, animal and microorganism communities and their non-living environment interacting as a functional unit with minimum
disturbance by man. They are defined more generally including both aquatic and terrestrial ecological systems
in which man has had minimal impacts.
They will be either:
1. Aquatic ecosystems, such as streams, rivers, pools, ponds, lakes, lagoons, and other water bodies that
exist naturally and wetlands such as swamps, marshes, mangroves or bogs;
or
2. Terrestrial ecosystems, such as primary and secondary forests, bush lands, grass lands or other advanced
natural succession stages without significant human disturbance or modification.
Examples of HVE in Kenya
Left: Taita Hills Forest
Right: Mt Kenya National Park (Photos by Paul Muoria)
Left: Elephants in an open grassland ecosystem within Massai Mara Game Reserve.
Center: A Somali Ostrich in a Savannah grassland (West Gate Conservancy in Samburu).
Right: Pelicans in wetland within Amboseli National Park (Photos by Paul Muoria).
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HVE and NE interpretation for Kenya
Man derives many benefits from HVE and NE areas. These so called ecosystem services include:




Provisioning like food, water, fibre, fuel, genetic resources,
Regulating including climate regulation, water and disease,
Cultural: the non-material benefits people obtain from ecosystems through spiritual enrichment,
cognitive development, reflection, recreation, aesthetic and educational experiences,
Supporting: including primary production and soil formation.
General Characteristics of HVE and NE areas are:





High share of primary productivity,
Generally low levels of interference by man,
High value in terms of ecosystem services,
High species diversity,
High species richness.
Specifically in Kenya, HVE and NE does also include the following characteristics:
 Special use areas including dry season grazing areas,
 Community land under traditional land use systems,
 Primary forests that man extracts some resources,
 Secondary growth forests dominated by indigenous plants which are at least 10 years old,
 Restored Natural Ecosystem in advanced stages of regeneration,
 Most savannah woodlands and grasslands where cultivation is not practiced.
Specific characteristics of HVE areas (being a subset of NEs):
 Areas that harbour any globally or nationally threatened animal or plant species,
 Areas important to sustain man and other biodiversity through provision of water catchment services,
 Sites regarded as important for cultural purposes e.g. sacred grooves,
 Natural aquatic areas such as rivers, lakes, and associated wetlands and riparian zones,
 Ecologically sensitive areas including hills and hillsides,
 Areas that provide important connectivity corridors between core habitats for migratory species, i.e.
wildlife migration corridors,
 Areas that may be protected by any national or international laws and treaties that Kenya is a signatory
to (for example but not limited to: National Parks, National Reserves, Forest Reserves, Wildlife
Sanctuaries, Ramsar sites, Biosphere reserves),
 Areas that are recognised as Important Bird areas, Key Biodiversity areas or by any such international
agreement.
Activities considered purposeful destruction of HVE and NE areas in the context of critical
criterion 2.2:
Kenyan stakeholders agreed, that the purposeful destruction of HVE and NE areas (see the defined activities in
the below bullet list) by previous owners would result in no certification of present owners, if done within the
applicable cut off dates as set by critical criterion 2.2. The stakeholder’s decision is due to the partially unclear
ownership structures of land and therefore the potential linkages of a previous owner to a present owner. The
activities considered purposeful destruction that would lead to the cancelling of a certified farm’s certificate, are:
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







HVE and NE interpretation for Kenya
Loss of NE and HVE areas due to agricultural activities or building of infrastructure,
Depletion of protected forests due to fuel wood demand especially for curing tea in tea factories and for
workers energy needs. This also includes the sourcing of fuel wood from suppliers if such fuel wood was
logged in protected forests – even if logged under a concession,
Introduction of invasive species,
Shortage of fresh water resources due to oversaturation for irrigation or due to pollution or due to
destruction of water catchment areas,
Overgrazing and illegal grazing in formally protected areas,
Cultivation of Eucalyptus species in wetlands or riparian zones (Agriculture Rule 5, 2009),
Activities having negative impact on riparian zones and as listed in the Legal notice No. 171, Water
Resource Management Rules, 2007,
Overfishing, habitat destruction, & pollution in the fresh water and marine environment.
Activities not considered purposeful destruction of HVE and NE areas in the context of critical
criterion 2.2:


Removal of invasive species is not considered destruction of HVE and NE areas. Yet, the removal has not
to impact negatively nearby HVE or NE areas, nor has it to be done by slash & burn practices. In case
agrochemicals are used, the respective criteria of the SAN Sustainable Agriculture Standard apply.
Extreme weather events that cause destruction to NE or HVE areas are NOT considered purposeful
destruction of NE or HVE areas either.
Defining NE and HVE areas in the tea and coffee growing areas of Kenya
Indicators for NE and HVE types in Kenya
The list of HVE and NE areas identified in this document is incomplete, but the HVE identified on the basis of
criteria below is an important first step. The list of sites will be expanded as new information on threatened fauna
and flora becomes available. The application of the list of sites takes into account the precautionary approach.
This means that areas that are NE ecosystems would be utilised bearing in mind some of them could become
HVE. The HVEs are summarised below:
Any listing of areas in this document is a limited list only. On-farm assessment is absolutely mandatory – prior to
a farm becoming certified and during the audit.
With these limitations, the Natural Ecosystems in Kenya could be defined as follows:
1. Open plains and grasslands with high species richness being dominated by indigenous plants and which
are undisturbed for 10 years or more,
2. Secondary growth forests dominated by indigenous plants which are at least 10 years old,
3. Restored ecosystem in advanced stages of regeneration,
4. Most savannah woodlands and grasslands where cultivation is not practiced.
With these limitations, the High Value Ecosystems in Kenya could be defined as follows:
1. All areas that are protected by a Kenyan law or international treaty for which Kenya is a signatory; such
as:
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2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
HVE and NE interpretation for Kenya
i. Areas that are National Parks, National Reserves, Forest Reserves, Sanctuaries, Nature Reserves,
RAMSAR sites, among other sites that fit in this category.
ii. Areas of Biosphere Reserves where the respective zoning does not allow agricultural activities.
Areas defined as Important Bird Areas, Key Biodiversity Areas, Global Biodiversity Hotspots, Endemic
Plant Areas, Endemic Bird Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction Sites (AZEs), Important Plant Areas and all
areas or spots that host species or ecosystems and habitats that are threatened with extinction as by the
IUCN Red list.
Areas that are critical corridors or wildlife migratory zones including river valleys and ripariane vegetation
that provide interchange of genes and materials between areas or ecosystems.
Ecologically sensitive areas including areas that are hilly, hillsides, hill tops, mountain areas, forests and
buffer zones near protected areas. No cultivation is practiced on slopes exceeding 35%. If cultivation is
practiced on slopes between 12% and 35% soil conservation structures have to be in place. (Agriculture
Act/The Agriculture Basic Land Use Rules).
Dams, rivers and water resources including (a) storage dams, barrages and Piers; (b) river diversions and
water transfer between catchments; (c) flood control schemes and other areas that are water sheds or
protect watersheds, fishing area, aquatic areas, water sources and reservoirs and other areas, where
water may need special protection (EMCA 1999).
Riparian zones next to springs, rivers and streams according to “The Water Resource Management Rule”
No. 171/2007.
Areas important for amelioration of climate change impacts or those with cultural and aesthetic values,
as well as actual and potential genetic values.
Areas that contain unique habitats that are not captured by the protected areas networks even when, for
the time being, they do now hold any known threatened flora or fauna as per the IUCN red list.
Specific HVE areas (incomplete list):
The following areas in the tea and coffee cultivation zones are considered HVE in Kenya. Note, that the list of
areas under a) – n) is incomplete and on farm assessment thus is mandatory:
a) Selected Forest Reserves:
Table 1: Forest reserves that are HVEs in Tea and Coffee growing regions in Kenya
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Name
County
HVE and NE interpretation for Kenya
Comments
Marsabit
Sekerr
Kabolet
Lelan
Mount Elgon
Kapkanyar
Marsabit
West pokot
West Pokot
Elgeyo Marakwet
Bungoma & Trans Nzoia
West Pokot
Cheboit
Elgeyo Marakwet
Kapchemutwa
Chemurgoi
Elgeyo Marakwet
Elgeyo Marakwet
Bogotio
Elgeyo Marakwet
Kipteber
Elgeyo Marakwet
Kipkunurr
Elgeyo Marakwet
Kerrer
Elgeyo Marakwet
Bunyala
Kakamega
Nandi North
Nandi South
Ururu
Teresia
Northern
Tinderet
Tinderet
Kakamega
Kakamega
Nandi
Nandi
Nandi
Nandi
Nandi
Chepalungu
Mau Complex
Bomet
Kericho & Bomet
Embobut
Elgeyo Marakwet
Mount
Londiani
Lembus
Kamitok
Ol Arabei
Saimo
Eburu
Aberdares
Kericho
Closed canopy indigenous forest
Indigenous forest
Indigenous forest
Indigenous forest
Indigenous forest
Closed canopy indigenous forest & woody
vegetation
Closed canopy indigenous forest & woody
vegetation
Indigenous forest
Closed canopy indigenous forest & woody
vegetation
Closed canopy indigenous forest & woody
vegetation
Closed canopy indigenous forest & woody
vegetation
Closed canopy indigenous forest & woody
vegetation
Closed canopy indigenous forest & woody
vegetation
Indigenous forest
Closed canopy indigenous forest
Closed canopy indigenous forest
Closed canopy indigenous forest
Closed canopy indigenous forest
Closed canopy indigenous forest
Closed canopy indigenous forest & woody
vegetation
Closed canopy indigenous forest & woody
vegetation
Indigenous forest
Closed canopy indigenous forest; major water tower;
wild life sanctuaries; endemic plants
Closed canopy indigenous forest & woody
vegetation
Closed canopy indigenous forest
Baringo
Baringo
Baringo
Baringo
Nakuru
Nyeri, Muranga, Nyandarua &
Kiambu
Meru, Kirinyaga, Tharaka
Nithi, Embu
Tharaka Nithi
Tharaka Nithi
Nyambene Meru
Indigenous forest
Indigenous forest
Indigenous forest
Indigenous forest
Indigenous forest
Closed canopy indigenous forest & woody
vegetation
Closed canopy indigenous forest & woody
vegetation
Indigenous forest
Indigenous forest
Indigenous forest
Mt Kenya
Kikinjo
Mutejwa
Ngaia
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Neighboring
crop areas
Coffee
Tea
Tea
Tea
Tea
Tea
Tea
Tea
Tea
Tea
Tea
Tea
Tea
Tea
Tea
Tea
Tea
Tea
Tea
Tea
Tea
Tea
Tea
Tea
Tea
Tea
Tea
Tea
Tea
Tea
Tea/coffee
Tea/coffee
Tea
Tea
Tea
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Nyambene
Kotim Range
Ole Lengishu
Mutunyu Hill
Ngong Hills
Karura Forest
Machakos
Forests
Nyambene Meru
Nyambene Isiolo
Nyambene Isiolo
Nyambene Isiolo
Kajiado
Nairobi
Machakos
HVE and NE interpretation for Kenya
Indigenous forest
Indigenous forest
Indigenous forest
Indigenous forest
Indigenous forest
Closed canopy indigenous forest
Indigenous forest
Tea
Tea
Tea
Tea
Coffee
Coffee
Coffee
b) National Parks and Reserves:




Aberdare,
Mount Kenya,
Mount Elgon, and
Kilimambogo National Park
c) Biosphere Reserves (refers to those areas within Biosphere Reserves where agricultural activities are not
allowed):

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

Amboseli,
Kiunga,
Malindi-Watamu,
Mount Elgon,
Mount Kenya, and
Mount Kulal.
d) Key conservation areas that can be affected indirectly by tea and coffee growing sectors include private
and community conservancies in:
 Laikipia,
 Samburu, and
 Isiolo counties.
(all within the Ewaso Nyiro Basin)
Some of the sites qualify as HVEs due to multiple reasons. For example in the case of Mount Kenya, the upper
parts are protected as a National Park, the lower slopes as Forest reserve. The site is also recognized as an IBA,
an Endemic Bird Area, a Biosphere Reserve and an AZE site.
All sites that are protected as national monuments due to their cultural or historical values are HVEs. Examples
of sites on tea and coffee farms include sites with religious or sacred trees or forests.
e) Selection of IBAs within or adjacent to the coffee and tea growing areas include:

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


Aberdare Mountain,
Kikuyu Escarpment forest,
Mount Kenya,
Taita Hills Forests,
Cherengani Hills,
Mau Forest Complex,
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 North Nandi Forest,
 South Nandi,
 Kianyaga,
 Mukurweini,
 North Nandi Forest,
 South Nandi Forest,
 Kakamega Forest, and
 Elgon.
Also see Annex 1 with a table of IBAs within coffee and tea growing areas.
f)
Selection of water bodies within coffee and tea growing areas:






Tana River Forests,
Tana Delta,
Athi River,
Masinga Dam,
Rift Valley Lakes, and
Lake Victoria.
g) Riparian zones according to legal notice 171 of the “Water Resources Management Rule” 2007:
i.
Riparian land on each side of the water course of minimum 6m or equal to the full width of the
watercourse up to a maximum of 30m,
ii.
Riparian land next to the eve of a spring of minimum 3m radius up to a 15m radius – measured from
the edge of the spring,
iii.
Riparian land next to a lake, reservoir of stagnant water body of minimum 2m vertical height or 30m
horizontal distance – whichever is less – from the highest recorded water table.
h) Some of the IBA/KBAs found along river basins within the tea and coffee growing areas:



i)
AZE sites in Kenya include:





j)
Isiolo/Buffalo Springs and also Shaba National Reserve in the Ewaso Nyiro Basin,
Sambaki River mouth in the Athi River basin,
Masinga Dam, Tana River Forests and Tana Delta along the Tana River.
Lower Tana River,
Mount Elgon,
Mount Kenya,
Shimba Hills, and
Taita Hills.
Key biodiversity and water tower ecosystems that occur within tea and coffee growing areas include:

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

Mt Kenya,
Aberdare’s,
Kikuyu Escarpment Forests,
Mau Forest Complex,
South and North Nandi Forests,
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Sustainable Agriculture Network



HVE and NE interpretation for Kenya
Kakamega Forests,
Cherengani Hills Forests, and
Mt Elgon.
k) Kenya has 348 globally threatened animal and plant species:

l)
Any habitat hosting any of these species qualify as HVE.
Areas considered under the Wildlife Bill2013:
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HVE and NE interpretation for Kenya
Table 3: Ecosystems within tea and coffee growing areas and recognized by the Wildlife Bill 2013
Mara
Critically Endangered
Type of threats from
tea and coffee
Indirect
Lake Nakuru
Endangered Ecosystems
Indirect
Lake Elementaita
Endangered Ecosystems
Indirect
Lake Turkana Ecosystem
Endangered Ecosystems
Indirect
Tana Delta
Endangered Ecosystems
Indirect
Mau Ecosystem
Areas of Environmental Significance
Direct and indirect
Baringo Ecosystem
Areas of Environmental Significance
Indirect
Mt Elgon Ecosystem
Areas of Environmental Significance
Direct and indirect
Mt Kenya Ecosystem
Areas of Environmental Significance
Direct and indirect
Marsabit Ecosystem
Areas of Environmental Significance
Direct and indirect
Lake Naivasha Ecosystem
Areas of Environmental Significance
Indirect
Aberdare Ecosystem
Areas of Environmental Significance
Direct and indirect
Name of Ecosystem
Category
(Indirect threats include pollution and water abstraction whereas direct threats include encroachment into the ecosystems or destructive
consumptive utilisation.)
m) River systems providing extensive ecosystem linkages/wildlife corridors that originate from the Kenya five
water “towers” namely:





The Mau Complex (Rivers Mara, Ewaso Nyiro, Yala, Sondu, Njoro, Molo, Migori, Nyando, Kerio, Nderit,
Makalia, Naishi and Nzoia rivers),
Mt. Kenya (Rivers Tana and Ewaso Nyiro North rivers),
Aberdare Range (Rivers Thika, Malewa abd Athi Rivers),
Mt. Elgon (Rivers Nzoia, Kuywa, Kimilili, and Malakisi rivers),
Cherangani Hills (Rivers Nzoia river system, Moiben, Kerio, Muruny, Wei wei, Chesera & Turkwel rivers).
n) Areas that are hilly, hill sides, hill tops, mountain areas, forests and buffer zones considered as ecologically
sensitive areas under the Environment Coordination Act (EMCA 1999):
 Kenyan five water “towers”,
 Hilly, hill sides, hill tops and mountainous, for example, found in places that include Kilimambogo,
Machakos, Mbooni, Nzaui and Taita.
o) Rivers dams and water resources including (a) storage dams, barrages and Piers; (b) river diversions and
water transfer between catchments; (c) flood control schemes and other areas that are water sheds or
protect watersheds, fishing area, aquatic areas, water sources and reservoirs and other areas, where water
may need special protection (EMCA 1999).
Aquatic systems that can be referred to as HVEs in this context and found in the coffee and tea growing areas
include:


Rift valley lakes (lakes Turkana, Elementaita, Nakuru, Naivasha, Bogoria, Baringo) and Lake Victoria
which are fed by rivers with origin in tea and coffee growing regions.
Man-made reservoirs used for electricity generation, irrigation or for supply of water to urban centres
(Sasumwa and Ndakaini Dams).
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HVE and NE interpretation for Kenya
Figure 1: Kenya’s tea growing areas and the five “water towers” (Source: UNEP, Tea Board of Kenya, 2003)
On Farm Assessment of NE and HVE areas
Use of secondary and primary data sources
None of the ecosystem lists provided in this document can list all existing HVE and NE areas in Kenya. Thus
producers, trainers, group administrators and auditors are responsible to establish for each farm an individual
and site-specific assessment of the HVE and NE areas encountered.
This site-specific assessment is not only required to comply with critical criterion 2.2, but also to comply with
critical criterion 2.1. This section has the objective to provide guidance about how field practitioners can acquire
the required information, and thus come up with a site-specific assessment.
Overall, any secondary data / information will require verification with primary data / information. For example,
boundary lines of areas may not always be documented accurately in maps. Additionally, where non-compliance
is suspected, triangulation of information (observation, interviews and documentation) is mandatory to provide
sufficient evidence of non-compliance.
Figure 2 presents a schematic overview of the different data sources that practitioners can use to evaluate HVE
and NE areas on farms in Kenya.
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HVE and NE interpretation for Kenya
Spatial Images (Maps; Aerial
Photos; GIS maps)
Secondary Data
Historical Data (Land deeds; lease
agreements; survey plans;
gazetted areas; history of public
complains and legal cases)
National & International
databases (IBAT; IUCN red list;
UNESCO WHS; Ramsar;)
Publications (Published papers &
articles; previous audit reports;
unpublished reports submitted to
regulatory agencies)
Visual Images (Photos and videos
of farm, the nearby boundaries
and potential HVE/NE
destruction)
Data
Field inspections (Physical
inspection of farm boundary;
encroachments; tree felling;
burning; alteration; pollution;
removal of soil etc.)
Primary Data
Interview and consultation (with
local communities; protected area
managers; farm managers;
environmental and social
NGOs/CBOs)
Biodiversity surveys/inventories
(site specific fauna and flora
inventories to identify threatened
species and their habitats)
Figure 2
SAN-G-40-1
Overview of the different data sources for Identification of HVE and NE
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Sustainable Agriculture Network
HVE and NE interpretation for Kenya
Documents provided by the farm
Farms and group management provide auditors and trainers with the following documents:
 Legal or equivalent farm ownership documents,
 Historical land use and ownership,
 Map showing the farm/group of farms clearly indicating locations of any water bodies including rivers,
dams, and/or associated wetlands; any forested areas; cultivated area,
 Any planned land use change or subdivision,
 In the case of tea, details on the source of fuel wood and the amounts used,
 For tea and coffee factories associated with the farm (whether on farm or away from farm), certificate
for effluent discharge and compliance with the water protection related criteria in the standard,
 For any major development including but not limited to establishment of factories that took place after
2003, an approved initial Environmental Impact Assessment report and annual audit report (according to
legal notice 101: “The Environmental Impact and Audit Regulations, 2003” under the first schedule of the
“Environmental Management and Coordination Act, 1999”),
 Water abstraction permits and water use records,
 Types and quantities of farm inputs particularly agrochemicals.
Supporting institutions and tools
Some of the institutions that auditors, trainers or group administrators may consult to support the identification
of HVE and NE areas on farm include:
 Local National Environmental Management Authority office. This can provide information as to
whether the farm especially if it has an associated factory, has the approved Environmental Impact
assessment permits and whether it conducts the mandatory annual environmental audits.
 The local land Office (under the Ministry of Land, Housing and Urban Development) to confirm if the
land use is appropriate.
 Local community CBOs (registered under the Ministry of Sports Culture and the Arts) particularly those
dealing with local empowerment and environmental conservation.
 Local Water Office (under the Ministry of Environment, Water and Natural Resource) to provide
information on levels of water abstraction and if a farm has the necessary permits.
 Biodiversity on farm and in the surrounding areas. Information on bird diversity in different areas can be
obtained from Ornithology Section of National Museum of Kenya (NMK) and Nature Kenya.
Information on importance of any area for general biodiversity can also be sourced from different
stakeholders including
o Other NMK research departments/sections
o Kenya Wildlife Service
o Research institutions including Kenya Forest Research Institute, Local universities or from
individual researchers
o Local community may possess indigenous knowledge on the importance of a site for religious
purposes
 The IBAT tool (https://www.ibat-alliance.org/ibat-conservation/login) provides valuable information to
prepare for an oncoming on-farm assessment. It contains digital maps and indicates some of the nearbyprotected areas. The map information is not sufficiently detailed to make a final judgement on
compliance, yet can provide first orientation in the context of preparing on-farm assessments and
identifying potential risk areas. More information on how to use the tool, is provided in Annex 5.
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HVE and NE interpretation for Kenya
Relevant National Legislation
Auditors, trainers, group administrators and other stakeholders need to be familiar with the National legislation
governing Environmental management, including but not limited to:
 The Kenyan Constitution
 Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) 1999
 Environmental Management and Co-ordination (Waste Management) regulations, 2006. These
regulations deal with all categories of wastes. The regulations deal with the responsibilities of the waste
generator, waste disposal and audit requirements.
 Environmental Impact Assessment and Audit (EIA\EA) regulations of 2003, updated in 2010. These
regulations ensure that a critical examination of the effects of proposed projects on the environment is
conducted and that periodic environmental audits are carried out after the project is commissioned.
 Water Quality Regulations, 2006 provide for the protection of lakes, rivers, streams, springs, wells and
other water sources. The objective of the regulations is to protect human health and the environment.
The regulations also provide guidelines and standards for the discharge of wastes into the aquatic
environment.
 The Wildlife (Conservation and Management) Act, Cap 376. This act of parliament guides the protection,
conservation, and management of wildlife in Kenya and related matters. The Wildlife Act is executed by
a Government Agency – Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
 The Wildlife Bill, 2013 (http://www.forestryandwildlife.go.ke), has significant implications in the
management of wildlife in Kenya.
 The Forest Act, 2005, governs the establishment, development and sustainable management, including
conservation and rational utilisation of forest resources for the socio-economic development of the
country: Most of the forest lands adjacent and within the tea and coffee growing areas are managed by
Kenyan Forest Service as governed by the act. Management of these forests is important, because it
affects biodiversity and provides ecosystem services for man both in the tea/coffee growing areas and in
areas further away.
 Water Act, 2002, provides for the management, conservation, use and control of water resources and for
the acquisition and regulation of rights to use water; to provide for the regulations and management of
water supply and sewage services. It provides for the regulation of riverine forests, catchment forests,
and protection of wells and springs in the forest and supports the user-pays-principle for water benefits
and therefore opens opportunities for catchment forest management and conservation by forest
communities and revenue generation through payments for ecosystem services. The Coffee and Tea
Acts (Caps 333 and 343, respectively), Laws of Kenya provides for the regulation of coffee and coffee
industries and the control of production, marketing and export of the crops respectively.
International environmental conventions ratified by Kenya
Auditors and other stakeholders need to be aware of the following international conventions and treaties that
Kenya has ratified:





Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), Bonn, 1979
Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat, Ramsar, 1971
(Ramsar Convention)
Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, Paris, 1972
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Sustainable Agriculture Network

HVE and NE interpretation for Kenya
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), Washington,
1973. Any site hosting any animal or plant species in Appendix 1 of CITES needs to be protected.
Auditors need to confirm whether sites protected under national or international legislations and conventions
either on farm, adjacent to the farm or in ecosystems connected to the farm through corridors are not affected
negatively by farm activities.
The picture guide in Annex 4 provides further orientation.
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HVE and NE interpretation for Kenya
References
Anderson, S. (2002) Identifying Important Plant Areas. Plantlife International
Plantlife International (2004) Identifying and Protecting the World’s Most Important Plant Areas: A Guide to
Implementing Target 5 of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation. Salisbury, UK: Plantlife International.
van Swaay, C. A. M. and Warren, M. S. (2003) Prime Butterfly Areas in Europe: Priority Sites for Conservation.
Wageningen, Netherlands: National Reference Center for Agriculture, Nature and Fisheries; Ministry of
Agriculture, Nature Management and Fisheries.
Olschewski, R., T. Tscharntke, P. C. Benítez, S. Schwarze, and A. Klein. 2006. Economic evaluation of pollination
services comparing coffee landscapes in Ecuador and Indonesia. Ecology and Society 11(1): 7.:
http://www.ecologyandsociety.org/vol11/iss1/art7/
Linzey AV. 2002. Important Mammal Areas: A US pilot project. Page A80 in Society for Conservation Biology.
16th Annual Meeting: Programme and Abstracts. Canterbury (United Kingdom): Durrell Institute of
Conservation and Ecology.
CEPF, 2005. Co‐ordination of Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund Investment in the Eastern Arc/Coastal Forest
hotspot. Annual Analysis of the Project Portfolio
Ministry of Agriculture (2006). Farm management handbook of KenyaVol. ii – Natural Conditions and Farm
Management Information – 2nd Edition (http://www2.gtz.de/dokumente/bib/07-1284.pdf)
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HVE and NE interpretation for Kenya
Annex 1 – Table of IBAs that are HVE within coffee and tea growing areas
Sites likely to be affected either directly or indirectly by tea and coffee production are included. See figure 5 for
location of sites.
(D=direct, I = Indirect, Ha = hectares , NP = national park, FR = forest reserve, IBA ID number = IBA identification number)
Important
Bird area
(IBA) name
IBA
ID
No.
Comments on
protection
status
Aberdare
Mountains
Kianyaga
Valleys
Kikuyu
Escarpment
Forest
Mukurweini
Valleys
Kinangop
Grasslands
Mt Kenya
Taita Hills
Forests
Tana River
Delta
SAN-G-40-1
Effect
(D=Direct
I=Indirect)
Globallythreatened Bird
Species
Other
Globally
threatened
species
Area (Ha)
County
1
Includes
Forest reserve
and National
Park
179,900
NP – 76,600
FR – 108,400
Murang'a,
Nyandaru,
Kiambu and
Nyeri
D
2
Private
12,000
Kirinyaga
D
3
Forest Reserve
37,600
Kiambu
D
Abbott's Starling
6
Private
20,000
Nyeri
D
Hinde's Babbler
D
Pallid Harrier,
Sharpe's
Longclaw,
Aberdare Cisticola,
Jackson's
Widowbird
2 Frog species
and HKenyan
Horned viper
D
Lesser Kestrel,
Sharpe's
Longclaw,
Abbott's Starling,
Jackson's
Widowbird
Leopards,
Lions,
Elephants,
Bongo, Giant
Forest Hog
4
5
Private
Forest reserve
and National
Park
21
Forest reserve
22
Community
Land
77,0002
Nyandarua
271,000
NP – 71,500
FR – 199,500
Embu,
Kirinyaga,
Nyeri,
Laikipia,
Meru,
TharakaNithi,
400
130,000
TaitaTaveta
Tana River
D
I
Sharpe's
Longclaw,
Aberdare Cisticola,
Abbott's Starling,
Jackson's
Widowbird
Hinde's Babbler
can be seen in
numbers
Southern Banded
Snake Eagle, Taita
Falcon and
Abbott's Starling
as well as the 3
globallyendangered
endemic species;
Taita Thrush, Taita
White-eye and
Taita Apalis
Southern Banded
Snake Eagle,
Malindi Pipit and
Black Rhino,
Elephants,
Bongo, Giant
Forest Hog,
lion
Elephants and
three butterfly
species
Endemic rearfanged snake,
toad, and two
frogs, 3
butterfly
species and
nine plant
species
Sub-species of
topi,
Hippopotamu
24
Sustainable Agriculture Network
Important
Bird area
(IBA) name
IBA
ID
No.
Comments on
protection
status
Area (Ha)
HVE and NE interpretation for Kenya
County
Effect
(D=Direct
I=Indirect)
23
National
Reserve and
communal
land
60,000
(Forests =
3,700)
Tana River
I
Masinga
Reservoir
30
State owned
but
surrounded by
private land
16,000
Embu
I
Meru
National
Park
31
National Park
87,000
Meru
I
Mwea
National
Reserve
32
National
Reserve
4,200
Embu
D
Tana River
Forests
SAN-G-40-1
Globallythreatened Bird
Species
Basra Reed
Warbler. Also
hosts
internationally
important levels of
Gull-billed Tern,
Caspian Tern,
Lesser Crested
Tern Saunders's
Tern, Pink-backed
Pelican, Yellowbilled Egret, Great
Egret, Open-billed
Stork, Yellowbilled Stork,
African Spoonbill,
Lesser Sandplover,
Little Stint and
Marsh Sandpiper
Southern Banded
Snake Eagle,
Fischer's Turaco,
Malindi Pipit, East
Coast Akalat,
White-winged
Apalis, Tana River
Cisticola, Basra
Reed Warbler and
Plain-backed
Sunbird
Hinde's Babbler
also hosts
congregations of
White-winged
Tern and Great
Cormorant
The regionallythreatened
Saddle-billed Stork
is known to breed
in the area
Madagascar
Squacco Heron
and Hinde's
Babbler (NB this is
the only protected
area in which
Other
Globally
threatened
species
s, Nile
crocodiles,
Dugong
Tana River red
colobus and
crested
mangbey
Hippopotamu
s, Nile
crocodiles,
Elephants,
Grevy’s zebra,
Lions
Elephants,
Nile
crocodiles,
25
Sustainable Agriculture Network
Important
Bird area
(IBA) name
IBA
ID
No.
Comments on
protection
status
Area (Ha)
HVE and NE interpretation for Kenya
County
Effect
(D=Direct
I=Indirect)
Globallythreatened Bird
Species
Other
Globally
threatened
species
Hinde's Babbler
occurs)
Shaba
National
Reserve
Lake
Turkana
Samburu
and Buffalo
Springs
National
Reserves
Cherangani
Hills
34
28
33
National
Reserve
National
Park/water
body
National
Reserve
23,900
756,000
29,500
Turkana
Isiolo and
Samburu
Elgeyo
Marakwet
and West
Pokot
I
Lesser Kestrel and
Williams's Lark
I
Lesser Flamingo. It
is also notable
because over 10%
of the East
African/South East
Asian wintering
population of Little
Stint are found
here
47 fish species,
nile crocodiles
Taita Falcon and
Lesser Kestrel
Wild dog,
Grevy’s zebra,
Elephants,
Reticulated
Girrafee
I
43
Forest reserve
44
National
Reserve and
Unprotected
land
28,400
Baringo
I
Lake
Bogoria
National
Reserve
43
 National
Reserve
 World
Heritage Site
10,700
Baringo
I
Lake
Elementaita
46
 Part
unprotected,
6,300
Nakuru
I
Lake
Baringo
SAN-G-40-1
95,600
Isiolo
Wild dog,
Grevy’s zebra,
Elephants,
Reticulated
Girrafee
D
No globallythreatened species
but this area is
home to one of the
last breeding
populations of
Lammergeier in
Kenya
Madagascar
Squacco Heron,
Lesser Flamingo,
Pallid Harrier,
Lesser Kestrel
Lesser Flamingo
(this is an
important feeding
area and hosts
large
congregations).
Also hosts large
numbers of
Greater Flamingo
and Black-necked
Grebe
Greater Spotted
Eagle, Lesser
Kestrel, Lesser
Bongo,
Butterflies and
2 endemic
plants
Nile
crocodiles,
hippopotamus
, Lake baringo
Snake
Greater
Kundu
Rhothchilds
giraffe and
26
Sustainable Agriculture Network
Important
Bird area
(IBA) name
IBA
ID
No.
Comments on
protection
status
Area (Ha)
HVE and NE interpretation for Kenya
County
Effect
(D=Direct
I=Indirect)
 Private
wildlife
sanctuary
 World
Heritage Site
Lake
Naivasha
Lake Nakuru
National
Park
Maasai Mara
SAN-G-40-1
48
49
50
 Ramsar Site
 Surrounded
by private
land
 National
Park
 World
Heritage Site
Game Reserve
23,600
18,800
664,000
NR 181,200
Nakuru
Nakuru
Narok
I
I
I
Globallythreatened Bird
Species
Flamingo, Greycrested Helmetshrike, Jackson's
Widowbird. Also
hosts large
congregations of
Black-necked
Grebe, Great
White Pelican,
African Spoonbill,
Greater Flamingo,
Pied Avocet
Grey-crested
Helmet-shrike,
Basra Reed
Warbler, Lesser
Flamingo. Also has
large
congregations of
Red-knobbed
Coot, African
Spoonbill and
Little Grebe
Madagascar
Squacco Heron,
Lesser Flamingo,
Pallid Harrier,
Greater Spotted
Eagle, Greycrested Helmetshrike. Also hosts
large
congregations of
Greater Flamingo,
Black-necked
Grebe, Little
Grebe, Great
White Pelican,
Yellow-billed
Stork, African
Spoonbill, Blackwinged Stilt, Greyheaded Gull and
Gull-billed Tern
Madagascar
Squacco Heron,
Lesser Kestrel,
Pallid Harrier,
Other
Globally
threatened
species
many large
mammals
Hippopotomu
s,
Kenya Horned
Viper
Black Rhino,
White Rhino,
Rothchild’s
giraffe, lions,
leopards,
Large
Congregations
of large
mammals,
27
Sustainable Agriculture Network
Important
Bird area
(IBA) name
IBA
ID
No.
Comments on
protection
status
Area (Ha)
HVE and NE interpretation for Kenya
County
Effect
(D=Direct
I=Indirect)
Dispersal
area 482,800
Mau Forest
Complex
Mau
Narok/Molo
Grasslands
51
52
Forest Reserve
Private
270,300 –
46,000 not
gazetted
Nakuru,
Kericho,
Narok and
Bomet
40,000
Nakuru and
Narok
D
D
Globallythreatened Bird
Species
Corncrake, Greycrested Helmetshrike, Redthroated Tit,
Jackson's
Widowbird
No globallythreatened species
but the area is
home to the Greywinged Robin and
the Purplethroated Cuckooshrike
Lesser Kestrel,
Pallid Harrier,
Great Snipe,
Sharpe's
Longclaw,
Aberdare Cisticola,
Jackson's
Widowbird
North Nandi
Forest
53
Forest Reserve
10,500
Nandi
D
Chapin's
Flycatcher
South Nandi
Forest
55
Forest
Reserve
18,000
(13,000 is
forest)
Nandi
D
Turner's
Eremomela
Kakamega
D
Chapin's
Flycatcher,
Turner's
eremomela
Kakamega
Forest
58
Forest Reserve
18,300
(Forest is
12,000)
Mt Elgon
59
Forest reserve
and National
Park
129,000
Mt Elgon/
Trans-Nzoia
D
Sharpe's Longclaw
Machakos
valleys
29
Private –
unprotected
5,000
Macahakos
D
Turdoides hindei
SAN-G-40-1
Other
Globally
threatened
species
Migration od
Wildebeest
and zebras.
Lions, black
rhino,
Elephants,
Bongo,
African
Golden cat,
edemic
butterfly
species
2 near
endemic
frogs, Kenya
horned viper
Poto ,
AAfrican palm
civet, West
African
chameleon.
Leopard,
giant forest
Hog
High diversity
of butterflies,
primates,
snakes ,
amphibians
and trees.
African
golden cat,
Bongo,
leopard and
elephant
28
Sustainable Agriculture Network
HVE and NE interpretation for Kenya
Annex 2 – Map of National Parks, National Reserves and Important Bird Areas in
Kenya
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Sustainable Agriculture Network
HVE and NE interpretation for Kenya
Annex 3 - Excerpt from the “SAN Policy Impact of Standard Changes on
Certification Status October 2009”
I. BACKGROUND
Considering that:
• The SAN Addendum (Additional SAN Criteria) was published as of April 1, 2009 and includes generic criteria
which will apply to all crops authorized by the SAN.
• As agreed by SAN’s International Standards Committee on April 27, 2009, the SAN Secretariat via Sustainable
Farm Certification, Intl. and inspection bodies, must send the following communication to all certified
clients and to those in the process of certification:
i. The SAN Addendum (version April 2009) – along with the Sustainable Agriculture Standard – will be
binding for certification audit processes without exception as of January 2, 2011.
II. AGREEMENT ON THE IMPACT OF THE CHANGES OF STANDARDS’ CONTENTS
The Sustainable Agriculture Network’s Board of Directors agrees that significant changes to the Sustainable
Agriculture Standard as a product of SAN standards and policy documents’ revision processes should not affect
a client’s certification status, if the following conditions are met:
• The SAN standards and policy documents’ changes refer to irreversible situations. This rule does not apply to
criteria that CAN be implemented by clients, since they refer to reversible situations.
• The SAN standards and policy documents’ changes refer to the time period before the date of communication
about new or modified SAN standards and policy documents.
III. SPECIFICATIONS ON THEAPPLICATION OF THE SAN ADDENDUM
Specifically, in the case of the SAN Addendum implementation for all crops, the SAN Board of Directors agrees
that:
a.
Rainforest Alliance CertifiedTM certifications achieved by clients before September 30, 2009 cannot be
cancelled, if this situation is a result of non-compliance with criterion 2.2 – referring to irreversible
situations of past land use only.
b. New clients that apply for certification audits as of October 1, 2009 will be evaluated against the
Standard for Sustainable Agriculture, version April 2009 and critical criterion 2.2 of the Addendum.
IV.IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE OF NEW STANDARD DOCUMENTS
In general, the following implementation timelines for new SAN standards and policy documents apply:
a.
b.
c.
SAN standards and policy documents that imply significant changes of contents are subject to a
maximum 18-months transition period as defined by the SAN secretariat.
Changes of structural nature or that imply other formal issues only are subject to a maximum 6-months
transition period as defined by the SAN secretariat.
These periods start as of the date of publication of new or modified SAN standards and policy
documents and the respective communication to clients.
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Annex 4 - Picture identification guide
Examples of HVE and NE areas in Kenya
HVE Forest next to tea plantations
examples of a good tea farm showing tea
growing areas, Natural forest areas,
forested river valleys.
HVE Forest next to tea plantations
examples of a good tea farm showing tea
growing areas, Natural forest areas,
forested river valleys.
HVE – Mt. Elgon National Park
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HVE – Lake Nakuru National Park
HVE – Tana River Forest
HVE – Mt. Kenya National Park
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Examples of HVE and NE Destruction
Destruction of an HVE forest
This picture shows encroachment in a protected
natural forest.
Burning of HVE forest area
Destruction of aquatic ecosystem through
waste and agrochemicals
This picture shows solid waste – including
agrochemical containers – being deposited into
a river. Certified farms into or near to aquatic
ecosystems. Trainers and auditors need to pay
special attention that agrochemical waste is
deposited appropriately.
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Destruction of riparian zones
This picture shows how cultivation along river
banks is leading to the alteration of water flow
and soil erosion.
Destruction of terrestrial natural ecosystem
through the introduction of invasive species
This picture shows how Lantana camara (a
highly invasive species, in the foreground of this
picture) is invading the understory of a dry
rainforest. Certified farms must not introduce
invasive species into their farms and/or the
surrounding ecosystems. Auditors do evaluate
the purposeful introduction of invasive species
as an HVE/NE destruction.
Invasive species: Cuctus (Opuntia vulgaris) –
picture by Kenya Wildlife Service
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Invasive species: Mathenga (Prosopis Juliflora)
– picture by Kenya Wildlife Service
Invasive species: Sodom apple (Solanum
incunum) – picture by Kenya Wildlife Service
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Annex 5 – IBAT user guide
Step 1: Register on the below website. It is for free to research and conservation organisations. Registration and
user access is almost instantly.
https://www.ibat-alliance.org/ibat-conservation/signup.php
Step 2: Enter with your access details (usually the email address with which you registered).
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Step 3: After entering your details successfully the following screen will pop up; allowing you to choose in the left
part of the screen between accessing the Map Tool or the Country/Territory Profile.
Step 4: Map Tool – this allows you to zoom into a particular area or country with your curser. For this the “+”
button in the panel right of the map field needs to be selected. To zoom out you need to select the below ““button first.
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Step 5: The box right of the map allows you to select different layers like important areas for Biodiversity,
Internationally recognised Sites, and Nationally designated Sites. After you made your selection those areas will
be shown on the map. For example for the below screen shot I selected KBAs, AZEs and HBWAs. You can further
zoom into the map as described in step 4. The right screen “Layers box” also provides a “Legend menu” which
defines colours used to highlight selected areas.
Step 6: As explained in Step 3 you could also choose to search for the Country/Territory Profile. The screen then
looks as below here. You will be asked to choose a country from the drop down menu (e.g. Ghana in this
example).
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Step 7: After pressing “go” a summary page opens up, highlighting conservation information on species, areas
etc. Under each category (“IUCN Red List Species Information”, “Key Biodiversity Area Overview”, “Protection
Overview”)you can choose to search for more detailed information by pressing the green text “Search for more
information”.
Step 8: For example, if you search for more information under “IUCN Red List Species Information”, the
following window will open then.
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Step 9: If you want to have the complete IUCN Red list for a specific country (in this example Ghana) do not enter
anything into the open fields but only press “Find”. The complete IUCN Red list will appear then for the country
(or area) you selected.
These are only some of the functions of the IBAT tool. This guide is intended to help you getting started.
Eventually you will discover many more useful functions.
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