CS Duale: Why restoring forests is key to Kenya's future

CS Environment Climate Change Adan Duale at the African Green Climate Finance National Designated Authorities Conference at Nairobi Hotel on Thursday, August, 22, 2024. [Samson Wire. Standard.] The government has put in place proper measures to restore and protect Kenya's forests. Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the Kenya Kwanza administration has implemented strategic measures to enhance efforts aimed at restoring and safeguarding the country's forests. In a statement delivered on his behalf by Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi, Duale acknowledged that forests are more than just trees, emphasising that they are vital sources of food, medicine, water, and livelihoods for millions of Kenyans. Duale further revealed that these essential ecosystems currently face severe threats, including deforestation, land degradation, and climate change. He noted that such challenges could compromise food production and the well-being of communities. Reiterating the government's commitment, Duale stated that President William Ruto's administration is actively implementing various initiatives to protect and restore forests across the country. "We are currently fencing public forests to curb encroachment, implementing the Green Zones Development Programme to enhance community resilience, and working towards the 15 Billion Tree Growing Programme-a transformative initiative aimed at increasing forest cover, combating climate change, and improving food security," he said. He emphasised that tree planting is not merely a numbers game but a long-term investment in food security, biodiversity conservation, and economic empowerment. On the degradation and restoration of the expansive Chepalungu Forest, Duale noted that what was once a thriving ecosystem has suffered immense destruction due to illegal logging, encroachment, and overgrazing. He urged Kenyans to take advantage of the rainy season to intensify tree-growing efforts. Smach Foundation founder Charlene Ruto underscored the need to strengthen the capacity of schools as a key strategy for sustainable forest conservation. "We have already started engaging learners in schools to instil the right mindset about environmental conservation by encouraging them to plant and take care of trees," she stated. She further highlighted the foundation's initiative of establishing tree nurseries around forests to provide seedlings and promote afforestation. Additionally, Charlene noted that the foundation has launched a fruit tree planting campaign aimed at not only enhancing conservation efforts but also boosting the economy by encouraging communities to plant and harvest fruit trees for income generation. Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok reaffirmed his administration's commitment to environmental conservation by allocating a budget to support forest restoration efforts. Barchok emphasised the need for a collaborative approach involving schools, local communities, and multinational companies in rehabilitating the forest. He also noted that Chepalungu Forest suffered extensive destruction during the 2007-2008 post-election violence but assured residents that measures have been put in place to restore it, including fencing off degraded areas to prevent further encroachment. Barchok further revealed that his administration is in discussions with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to introduce environmentally friendly wildlife species into the forest. "This initiative aims not only to enhance biodiversity but also to create eco-tourism opportunities, generating income for communities living around the ecosystem. Our main goal is to make conservation sustainable by integrating economic activities that support both livelihoods and environmental preservation," he added.

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