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