Dunga Wetland Conservation Project

The Dunga Wetland Conservation Project focuses on wetland protection, biodiversity conservation, community empowerment, and sustainable ecotourism along Lake Victoria. The project works closely with local communities to:

• Protect wetlands, papyrus ecosystems, and aquatic biodiversity
• Address plastic pollution, waste management, and water hyacinth invasion
• Promote environmental education and awareness
• Support sustainable livelihoods through ecotourism, crafts, and green innovation
• Encourage youth and community participation in conservation

Volunteers support conservation and community activities alongside local partners, youth groups, and environmental leaders.

Core Responsibilities:

• Participate in beach clean-ups and waste management initiatives
• Support water quality monitoring and simple ecological surveys
• Participate in birding activities and protection of aquatic and indigenous species
• Assist in managing invasive species such as water hyacinth
• Support community outreach and environmental education programs
• Help run school visits and conservation awareness sessions
• Design or assist with educational materials on wetland conservation
• Support youth and women groups in sustainable livelihood activities
• Assist interns and students with data collection and basic analysis

Daily Schedule (Typical):

• 3–6 hours per day
• Mix of outdoor fieldwork, community engagement, and education activities

Supervision & Teamwork:

• Volunteers work closely with:

• Dunga Ecotourism & Environment Group
• Local community leaders
• Youth and women’s groups

• Emphasis on capacity building, not replacing local labor

• Minimum age: 18 years and above
• Language: Ability to communicate in basic English
• Physical demands:

• • Comfortable with outdoor work
  • Able to participate in clean-ups and wetland activities

• Comfortable working with:

• • Children
  • Youth
  • Elderly community members

• Willingness to respect cultural practices, beliefs, and community leadership

No formal academic qualifications required, but interest or background in environment, conservation, development, or community work is an advantage.

Community & Environmental Impact:

• Improved living standards through ecotourism (boat rides, tour guiding, boardwalk entry fees)
• Income generation from environmental education and school programs
• Strong community engagement and youth mobilization
• Reduced plastic pollution through clean-ups and waste points
• Increased awareness of proper waste management and disposal
• Promotion of biodiversity conservation and avitourism
• Increased research interest and funding opportunities for wetland protection

Conservation Achievements:

• Establishment of a boardwalk attracting local and international visitors
• Pilot use of bio-digesters using invasive water hyacinth to produce:

• Cooking gas
• Organic manure for community use

• • Ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and outreach programs

Kenya – Kisumu County (Dunga Beach, Lake Victoria)

The project is centered at Dunga Beach Wetland Pedagogical Centre, near Osienala Radio Station, off Ring Road, Dunga Beach, Nyalenda B Sub-location, West Kolwa Location, Kisumu Central Sub-County, Kisumu County, Kenya.