CS Duale intensifies efforts in ecosystem restoration

The Mt Elgon Forest ecosystem in Bungoma and Trans-Nzoia Counties has received a major boost with an injection of Sh620 million.

The project at the Kaberua Tree Nursery increases its size from the current 1 acre to a substantial 2 acres, facilitating a more efficient and effective production process.

This strategic growth is part of a broader effort to restore and rehabilitate the degraded areas of the Mt. Elgon Forest, reinforcing the government’s commitment to the 15 Billion National Tree Growing Programme.

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The project is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) in partnership with the Kaberua Community Forest Association (CFA).

Through the Integrated Landscape Management for Conservation and Restoration of the Mt Elgon Forest Ecosystem Project, the expansion will also stimulate local economies by creating new employment opportunities in tree nursery operations, conservation activities, and related sectors.

Speaking during the launch of the integrated landscape management project, Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the initiative will also create new job opportunities, and boost livelihoods while enhancing environmental conservation.

"Mt. Elgon is not just a landscape; it is a vital water tower, a biodiversity hotspot, and an essential resource for our communities and nation. The nursery is expected to grow its production capacity from an annual 500,000 seedlings to a remarkable 1 million seedlings," CS Duale said.

The CS in a bid to promote conservation, cautioned communities living adjacent to the forests against illegal forest activities including encroachment, cultivation and logging saying the government will maintain a hard stance.

"Anyone, including government officials, found engaging in activities that harm this ecosystem, be it through collusion, encroachment, or illegal cultivation, will face severe consequences, including dismissal,” he warned.

He implemented a complete ban on all forms of cultivation in natural forests saying that the initiative will improve the livelihoods of communities living around the forest cover through employment creation and improved agricultural productivity.

"Our forests are not mere resources to exploit; they are the foundation of our national well-being and future. We all must take responsibility and work together to protect them," the CS added.

He pointed out that the government's national tree-growing initiative is a flagship programme in a bid to enhance forest cover and improve livelihoods.

“The 15 billion trees target by 2032 would "fundamentally empower communities, restore ecosystems, create jobs, and bolster climate resilience" in line with the Government's Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA),” he added.

He said the project was part of concerted multi-stakeholder efforts to reverse the degradation of Mt Elgon Forest which is one of Kenya's water towers.

"This day is a call to action for all stakeholders to come together, reflect on our progress, and reaffirm our commitment to restoring and conserving the Mt. Elgon Forest ecosystem,” he stated.

The CS announced a government moratorium on cultivation in natural forests across the country saying the activity was undermining ongoing restoration efforts.

"I am issuing an immediate and total ban on cultivation in Cheptais and any other legally designated natural forest areas. These ecosystems must be safeguarded to maintain their ecological integrity and biodiversity," said Duale.

The 7th cycle of the Global Environment Facility (GEF7) is financed through the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) with co-funding and in-kind contributions from the two counties.

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka said the project will go a long way to changing locals' lives.

“Let the money be converted into improving livelihoods. We urge the government to channel the whole amount in the project but not workshops that do not translate to direct benefit to people,” he said.

He said the government's move to restore the natural resources will go a long way in increasing the rains and enhancing productivity.

“The project it’s going to improve the coffee sector in our region. On our side we are going to restructure cooperatives so that they are properly managed,” he added.