About Us

Welcome to The Kulal Biosphere

Mt Kulal forest is an important source of water for the communities living around it. There are at least 12 springs on the mountain. The forest is a main source of wood and non-timber forest products such as herbal medicine, soup plants (mainly used by moran) and plants used to fortify children’s milk. Other forest products include honey and ochre. The deep gorges and forest are used by the local people for their cultural activities. During prolonged droughts the forests and its glades are used for grazing and browse. Demand for resources is however increasing. Some people had settled within the core zone and others started to farm in it, but these have been stopped by the community. Increased demand for building and fencing material is exerting a lot of pressure on ltarakwai (Juniperus procera) – a source of excellent fencing and building poles. Grass fires lit by herders and honey harvesters are a threat to the forest. Forest products like honey are potential sources of income. Besides the resources offered by the forest, the mountain has great potential for the development of eco-tourism. In order to use these resources sustainably, the community has developed a management plan for the ecosystem, the Mt Kulal Biosphere Reserve Forest Management plan 2021-2025..

The purpose of the association is to manage Mt Kulal Biosphere Reserve Forest and surrounding buffer zone sustainably through effective community and stakeholder participation in the Management Plan programmes implementation.