Conservationists push for protection of rain forest

GEORGE KAIGA AND GODFREY WANG’ANYA-KNA

Conservationists are pushing to enhance protection of the 19,792 hectares of the Kakamega Rain Forest against illegal logging and encroachment.

Led by the Environment, Climate Change and Forestry CS Dr. Deborah Barasa, Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Ida Odinga, Kakamega Governor Fernandez Barasa and key partners, they noted that the forest provides an important water catchment source, biodiversity preservation with local livelihoods.

Dr. Barasa outlined the policy measures the Ministry has put in place to safeguard the country’s forests, among them the National Forest Policy of 2023, the National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Strategy, the National Agroforestry Strategy, the Bamboo Strategy and the National Climate Change Policy and Act, terming them covenants with future generations rather than mere documents.

Speaking at the Lwaningu Forest Block, the CS said Kenya Forest Service (KFS) is being strengthened with new personnel, training, equipment and deployment to protect forests from illegal logging, encroachment and fires.

She said KFS has been directed to develop comprehensive guidelines to confront the invasive guava menace threatening Kakamega Forest. Dr. Barasa said the Kakamega rain forest which is an extension of the Congo Tropical Rainforest, sustains life far beyond its boundaries, with rivers that flow from the forest feeding all the way into Lake Victoria.

The CS called on every Kenyan to plant trees, particularly indigenous and fruit trees, in homes, schools, churches, farms and public spaces, saying this would restore soil health and provide sustainable income for communities as well as providing nourishment to children.

Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UNEP, Ida Odinga said her office was committed to courses that advance sustainable forest conservation because of the vital role they play in livelihood sustenance, biodiversity protection and environmental stabilization.

Mrs. Odinga encouraged the planting of indigenous trees to help accelerate forest restoration and enhance climate resilience.

Governor Barasa said that his administration has invested over Sh30 million in tree planting activities across all sub counties in Kakamega County.