Local communities play a crucial role in conserving indigenous forests – Environment and Forestry Ministry PS tells Kenyans

standing from right Environment and Forestry Ministry PS Betty Maina. UNDP resident representative Walid Badawi, Mombasa county CEC in-charge of Environment and Waste Management Godfrey Nato flanked by another official. Photo by Peter Kombe

BY PETER KOMBE

The Ministry of Environment and Forestry wants local communities to play a leading role in the managing and conserving indigenous forests.

The ministry expressed concern on the impact of deforestation adding that it has tremendously contributed to the impacts of global warming.

Speaking to journalists in Mombasa on Monday during the launch of the REDD+ academy, Ministry of Environment and Forestry Permanent secretary Betty Maina insisted that it is the responsibility of every Kenyan to conserve traditional forests.

“When someone cuts a tree it is not the responsibility of the government but of the individual. Environmental conservation requires a joint approach,” the PS noted.

Some of the natural indigenous forests found in the Coast region include: Mangroves found on the shores of the Indian Ocean and Mijikenda traditional forests popularly known as Kayas.

She reiterated the government commitment in ensuring that indigenous forests are conserved to minimize the impacts of global warming.

The PS said “We are here to launch the REDD+ Academy where we are training 45 environmental conservation champions. We want to build their capacity,”

United Nations Development Program Kenyan representative Walid Badawi said the launch of the academy will assist the country in addressing the impacts of deforestation and forest degradation.

The UNDP official said environmental conservation requires concerted efforts from both levels of governments, non state actors and the academia.

“As part of our programs we want to ensure that the environment is conserved and strategies put in place,” said the UNDP official.

Kaya forests are used as ritual sites by the Mijikenda communities.

In the recent past however there has been a decline in the number of trees in these forests due to deforestation by human activities.

Comments

Involve all stakeholders when proposing new laws- BOTTAX General Secretary petitions government

BOTTAX General Secretary Cynthia Wanyonyi Photo (courtesy) BY PETER KOMBE Kenya Boda Boda Tuk Tuk and Taxi Workers Union (BOTTAX Kenya) has faulted the government on claims of passing bills that do not favor the transport sector. Speaking to the media in Mombasa on Monday the union’s General Secretary Cynthia Wanyonyi said in most cases the government does not involve boda boda Tuk Tuk and other informal transport worker's representatives. She further noted that as stakeholders in the public transport sector the government fails to carry out effective public participation exercises as enshrined in the Kenyan constitution. “The government does not involve the public when making certain decisions,” she noted. Wanyonyi urged both the operators to register with the union to avoid being misled by what she claims are quack organisations. She urged the department concerned with registering cooperatives and other associations touching on the informal trans...

MALONZA AIDHINISHWA

Sasa ni afueni kwa waziri mteule wa utalii Peninah Malonza baada ya bunge la kitaifa kuidhinisha majina yote ya mawaziri wateule ikiwemo la Bi. Malonza. Malonza alinusuriwa baada ya bunge kukataa pendekezo la kamati hiyo kuwa asiidhinishwe. Wabunge wa mrengo wa Kenya Kwanza, waliunga mkono kuidhinishwa kwa Malonza, wakisema ana tajiriba ya kutosha na anapaswa kupewa fursa ya kuhudumu. Sasa majina ya mawaziri wateule walioidhinishwa yatawasilishwa kwa rais kwa uteuzi rasmi.

Learn instrumentals and write your own songs- Eric Wainaina tells upcoming artistes.

Eric Wainaina delivering a keynote address at Aga Khan Academy Mombasa on Saturday during the academy's 13th graduation ceremony BY PETER KOMBE Eric Wainaina famed for his “Nchi ya Kitu Kidogo” song has told upcoming artistes to learn musical instruments besides writing their own songs. According to him this is the only way to stay relevant in the industry which he terms as being competitive. He says his new album ‘Dreams in Stereo’ is currently available in all digital platforms including mdundo.com, skiza and amazon tunes. The famed artiste says “the new album is one of my fine works.” The artist however denied claims that he was working behind the curtain rather he says he had earlier on produced two albums which according to him did not get good airplay. “The music industry like any other industry has both ups and downs,” he said. The new album “ Dreams in Stereo” is a vivid description of my life, love, passion and betrayal.” Asked wh...

PWANI MEDIA NETWORK (K)

Search This Blog