Mount Kenya Trust works alongside Kenya Wildlife and Forest Service to protect and conserve the 2100 km2 forested expanse of National Park and Reserve that surrounds Kenya’s second highest mountain – Mount Kenya. The region is under intense pressure from indigenous tree deforestation, poaching for ivory and bushmeat, overgrazing, charcoal production, marijuana and the consequent wildfires in the dry season. We work with forest adjacent communities on several projects to help protect the mountain biodiversity and wildlife, along with the tourism it generates for future generations. Moreover Mount Kenya is a key water tower for the country and the forest (the largest remaining block in Kenya) is one of the country’s best defences against climate change. Millions of Kenyans depend on water from the Tana (Kenya’s longest and largest river) and the Ewaso Ng’iro river basins – both of which Mount Kenya is a main watershed along with the Aberdares. This also incorporates 65 per cent of Kenya’s hydroelectric power. The region has been an UNESCO Heritage Site since 1997. This was then extended into the elephant corridor, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and Ngare Ndare forest.