Lake Ol Bolossat is a critical biodiversity hotspot in west-central Kenya, and is a gazetted Important Bird Area. Despite this, the lake is under serious threat and is not given adequate attention in terms of management and protection in part due to incomplete biodiversity data records. The lake has also been listed among the priority wetlands the Kenyan Government wishes to designate as Ramsar sites by 2024 due to its uniqueness and biodiversity value. However, the lack of adequate and reliable biodiversity data is hindering the process and affects the implementation of conservation strategies and biodiversity monitoring. This project not only aims to provide up-to-date biodiversity information but also seeks to improve the overall management of the lake by informing the designation of the lake as a wetland of international importance. In this project EAWS also seeks to build the capacity of institutions for sound management of wetlands through knowledge and skill improvement as well as data sharing and increased access.

The Unlocking Biodiversity Data to facilitate Designation of Lake Ol Bolossat as a 7th Ramsar Site in Kenya project identifies the following direct objectives and primary activities:

1. Establish the ecological character of Lake Ol Bolossat.
   Activities include: review existing literature on all the taxa to identify gaps and to have a basic understanding of the area; Identifying habitat types, size and description; conduct biodiversity and socio-economic surveys; assess water quality within the Lake Ol Bolossat watershed; undertake trend analysis using maps and satellite imageries; and a waterfowl count,
2. Catalyze citizen participation and capacity in biodiversity research and monitoring for improved management in Lake Ol Bolossat.
   Activities include: Support Masters students to conduct research; train volunteers from the local community; train local youth scouts on the use of a Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART); organize outreach missions within the community; and publishing.
3. Influence policy, scientific and inclusive decision making for improved biodiversity conservation and management in Lake Ol Bolossat.
   Activities include: Submit information generated to Ramsar Information Sheet (RIS); present to the Kenyan Wetlands Forum (KWF); conduct management effectiveness assessments for the lake ecosystem; hold workshops; liaise with the County Governments of Nyandarua and Laikipia and government officials; and participate in community wetlands celebrations.

Jabes Okumu is the Programs and Advocacy Manager at the East African Wild Life Society. He oversights advocacy and programmatic initiatives in East Africa. He also coordinates the Kenya Wetlands Forum.

As a Project Management Specialist, Jabes has over 8 years’ professional experience in the conservation sector. He has a solid background on wildlife ecology and management and is a member of the Kenya Ramsar Steering Committee.

Jabes co-coordinated the Rapid Biodiversity Assessment conducted in Lake Ol Bolossat in 2019 and also coordinated the development of the lake’s Integrated Management Plan, which guides the conservation strategies for the lake.