European Union, Danish grant Sh68 million for conservation

The European Union and Danish Agency for International Development (Danida) have donated Sh68 million to three community projects in Central Kenya to protect forests and boost environmental conservation.

The donations will be channeled through the Community Development Trust Fund (CDTF), an initiative of the EU and the Government, which funds community projects countrywide.

In the first project, the EU has donated Sh24 million to the Mt Kenya conservation and livelihood project in Nanyuki to help in the restoration of degraded areas of Naromoru, Gathiuru and Lusos forest zones as well as equipping locals with skills to mitigate against climate change.

The project will also teach members how to improve their livelihoods from forestry activities and provide over 2000 energy saving jikos to the beneficiaries.

Danida will provide Sh17 million to the Jitunze Environmental project in Kiganjo, Nyeri County for the rehabilitation of the degraded Kabaru forest within the Mt Kenya ecosystem.

The money will also be used by the beneficiaries for fish ponds, tree nurseries, beekeeping and fruit growing among other income generating activities.