GUIDE TO UN GIGIRI COMPOUND

The UN Gigiri compound occupies a total of 140 acres (56 hectares) and lies adjacent to the rapidly-disappearing Karura Forest. Our compound is quite a unique: a remarkable variety of wildlife can still be observed in the area in spite of the significant environmental transformations which have taken place in the last decades. It is easy to observe nesting and migratory bird species such as crown-cranes, plovers, Egyptian geese, crested eagles, green pigeons, hoopoes, etc., as well as small mammals such as red duikers, squirrels, marsh mongoose, monkeys and even olive baboons throughout the year. The areas described below and shown on the map provide an important habitat to the area's wildlife during the dry season. If you have a chance, and depending on weather conditions, you might want to visit some special places on the compound:

The Seasonal Swamp and the Oxidation Reservoirs: These two areas attract many water birds. If you approach the area quietly you might be able to see a pair of crested cranes, a very special sight! This couple of adult cranes return to the compound every year to breed and rear their new chicks.

The Gigiri Nature Trail: Staff and visitors can enjoy walks along the trail and observe over 600 African indigenous trees planted along the path. There is also a seasonal swamp located at the lower part of the plot where quite often birds can be seen. A list of planted trees, birds sighted on the compound as well as other information on the establishment of the trail can be provided upon request. The Gigiri Nature Trail is managed by a group of volunteers including UNEP staff, some Permanent Missions to UNEP, the Nairobi Chandaria Foundation as well as numerous individuals.

New recreational facilities are currently under construction in an area adjacent to the trail. Entrance to the trail until the construction is completed will be through the United Nations Avenue.

The Memorial Garden also called the Garden of Remembrance: This is a special and peaceful area made into a garden dedicated to commemorate the victims of the 1998 bomb blast at the United States Embassy in Nairobi.

The Gigiri complex houses some 2,000 staff members from UNON, UNEP, UNCHS, UNESCO, UNICEF, UNDP, UNDCP, WFP, UNOPS, ICAO, UNSO, UNFPA, UNAIDS, UNV, UNIFEM, IMO, UNCAS, UNIASC, UNIC, UNCRD, UNOIOS and United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS).