PROJECT 06: GALLMANN MEMORIAL FOUNDATION
COMMUNITY ECO- CHARCOAL PROJECT: Turning a "weed" into a wonder plant
The Laikipia Nature Conservancy (Ol Ari Nyiro) encompasses vast swathes of a shrub called Leleshwa (Tarconanthus camphoratus). This indigenous plant grows in impenetrable densities in some areas, almost to the exclusion of other species, it also poses a serious fire threat due to its fluffy flowers which carry a flame in the wind for great distances. Once coppiced, Leleshwa grows back to its original size within 7 years, one can harvest it again within 4 years. Thus, it makes a perfect renewable source of wood-fuel or biomass for charcoal.
With generous seed funding from the Leopardess Foundation, the Gallmann Memorial Foundation has embarked on an innovative landmark project in collaboration with the local community to create fully sustainable eco-charcoal business.
COMMUNITY BEEHIVE PROJECT
This project is to give the local community a chance to have an alternative income from honey production.Beehive workshops about managing a hive and harvesting will be given at the conservancy.
WHAT THE LEOPARDESS FOUNDATION IS CURRENTLY FUNDING:
-
Bee-Keeping: the Gallmann Foundation (GF) through the funding of the Leopardess Foundation started making different bee products such as:
-
Honey: it is now being sold in a variety of Kenyan supermarkets.
-
Beeswax: they have made beeswax lip-balm and beeswax food wraps.
-
-
Africa Botanica
-
Leleshwa oil: the Gallmann Foundation is going to start testing their product and acquire the necessary permits and licenses in order to sell their oil. They are also investigating the potential uses of Leleshwa oil.
-
Sanitiser: GF has started to sell their oil to Bio-Life in the United Kingdom who say that the oil makes a wonderful hand-sanitiser.
-
-
Charcoal:
-
Certain problems have come forward as the Gallmann Foundation is still waiting for distribution permits.
-
Covid-19 disclaimer: Due to the pandemic, there were some issues and difficulties with distribution. We are positive that once this hurdle is overcome things will move swiftly.
