Bid to improve forest cover launched

A State corporation has embarked on a programme to improve forest cover in the lake region.

The Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA) said in the programme, bamboo growing would be made a commercial venture.

Lake Basin Development Authority MD Evans Atera (second left) during a tree planting exercise in Kisii on Sunday. He called on residents to plant more fruit trees and bamboo forests. [Photo: Eric Abuga/Standard]

As demand for wood surges, several bamboo species are now being used for different purposes ranging from furniture to land reclamation.

LBDA Managing Director Evans Atera said in Kenya, bamboo trees are mainly used on river beds for soil conservation, especially in areas where surface runoff threatens soil health.

Speaking at Rianyakabi Primary School on Sunday during a tree planting exercise, Dr Atera said bamboo plant is known to absorb heavy metals from water bodies.

“This can be effective in sewage cleansing and can be planted along river banks for the same purposes,” he said.

 Atera, who represented Environment Principal Secretary Charles Sunkuli, said the region should also embrace the growth of fruit forest cover. He noted that the county aims to plant one million trees within one year to help rediscover its lost glory of the green nature.

The programme targets a number of schools and households, who will plant over 500,000 fruit trees including avocado and bananas.