A global population of fewer than 500 hirola lies at the center of the proposed LAPSSET corridor which by design bisects the hirola historical range into halves thus causing disruption of the hirola and other wildlife species dispersal area and a critical water resource (Tana River). The project has come at a critical time when hcp is undertaking habitat restoration for the hirola. The project is expected to have a positive increment to the hirola population which are set to reoccupy their historical range.
Despite the negative impact, such projects have the potential of bolstering the socioeconomic status of the local communities within these regions that have long been marginalized. Most of the areas in this region are associated with low human densities, low literacy, poor infrastructure and high levels of poverty with the majority of the inhabitants practicing nomadic pastoral-ism. However, any kind of development ought to be undertaken with caution not to negatively impact the rich natural resources found in such an area. Quite often infrastructure development has been associated with the loss of wildlife and livestock migratory corridors.
hcp is a well recognized and respected grassroot organization with a major aim of saving the world's most endangered antelope through community participation and involvement. As such, through our community outreach programs in this region, we ought to sensitize the community on the impacts of the proposed project and guide all stakeholders to a mutually beneficial decision that benefits the locals while ensuring the sustainability of wildlife and other natural resources in this region.