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.