KFS meets partners in London over Forest 2020 Project

The Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Julius Kamau held talks in the United Kingdom with the Chairman Dr Richard Tipper and staff of Ecometrica (private company) and scientists at the  University of Edinburgh, School of Geo Science and Engineering.

The meeting’s intention was to discuss the status of the Forest 2020 Project, its sustainability and to deepen cooperation with its partners.

Kenya Forest Service officials led by CCF Julius Kamau meeting partners in United Kingdom (PHOTO: FILE)

The project, which aims at developing innovations on the use and application of Earth Observation technologies for timely and accurate monitoring of forest cover and biomass changes in Kenya, is funded by the UK space agency.

During the meetings, the CCF expressed optimism that the project will deliver a protocol to guide the data that will be received to ensure it is reliable and able to inform national processes on forest resources assessment.

The project is implemented by Kenya Forest Service as the lead in collaboration with KEFRI and JKUAT

Elsewhere Mr Kamau also held a meeting with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Global Engagement, of Leicester University UK, Prof. Paul van Gardingen.

They deliberated on the need for the two institutions to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding, which could lead to a long-term partnership agreement.

The two agreed on the need to define the areas of collaboration under the envisaged partnership agreement including building coalitions between researchers, government, private sector and communities and identifying funding options for forestry social enterprises development.

Both the Chief Conservator of Forest and Deputy VC reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation and collaboration, necessary to link science to policy for optimal forestry development impacts.

While meeting senior faculty staff of the Center for Landscape and Climate Research, University of Leicester, the CCF expressed interest in ensuring there is knowledge transfer of technology.

“Hence there will be deepening of cooperation and collaboration, necessary to link science to policy for optimal forestry development impacts,” he said.

Mr Jamleck Ndambiri, Deputy CCF Forest Conservation and Management Charity Munyasya and Principal Corporate Communication Officer Anne Kaari are accompanying the Chief Conservator of Forests. 

Related Topics

JKUAT KEFRI