Forests are one of the key biomes of the world that support biodiversity. However, the intricate balance between economic growth and conservation is the greatest challenge in their preservation. For some, forests are dormant resources awaiting exploitation: space for agricultural production, infrastructure development and sale of forest products. Nevertheless, what would the outlook be of the universe without biodiversity? The vivid description of it all depicts nature without biodiversity.
Forests in Kenya are victims of degradation as the need to enhance economic growth overshadows the conservation efforts of these biomes. However, for forests to thrive and sustainably provide ecosystem services and attain the globally recommended 10% forest cover, empowering communities to conserve them is crucial.
The International Day of Forests is an annual global event to raise awareness on forest preservation. Some key ecosystem services forests provide are food, regulatory services such as carbon sequestration, and curating unique aesthetic features that attract nature enthusiasts. Most important is the provision of services that are vital to both wildlife and human beings. Forests host a variety of species, from tiny insects to majestic large mammals,that have shaped ecosystems.
Under this year’s theme, “Forest and Food”, LWF embarked on a resolute mission of restoring degraded forests through empowering communities to be active players in conservation. Celebrations at Mount Kenya forest signified the importance of the forest as a crucial water catchment for a staggering number of individuals in the country. The forest has transformed communities by providing ecosystem services either directly or indirectly. However, the forest has had challenges sustaining the needs of the surrounding communities and wildlife. In recent years, wildfires and illegal logging have led to degradation, which poses a significant challenge to the pristine ecosystem.
A farmer plants an avocado tree seedling as part of LWF’s initiative to promote sustainable livelihoods and restore degraded forest areas
To raise awareness, LWF, together with the Kenya Forest Service, the Kenya Wildlife Service, Water Resource Users Associations, Community Forest Associations, Community Based Organizations, Ng’arisha Mtaa, the Kenya Red Cross and other stakeholders, has undertaken actions to conserve the forest through tree-growing. During the celebrations, the team planted 1500 indigenous trees along a strip of the riparian area of the Nanyuki River. LWF proudly supported the event with avocado seedlings by aligning the celebrations with this year’s theme. The aim of providing fruit seedlings is to support alternative community livelihoods and sustainably reduce the destruction of forest resources.
As Kenya attempts to increase the tree cover to over 30% through the Presidential Directive of planting 15 billion trees by 2032, LWF optimizes this target by integrating restoration and the call for climate action.
The celebrations at the Mount Kenya Forest reinstate our unwavering mission of championing climate action. A similar approach is being undertaken at Shamanek Forest to restore 38 acres of land previously ravaged by devasting wildfires. We believe in the power of community in driving restoration success and working with diverse stakeholders who are passionate about conserving our natural resources. Together, we are creating a resilient community for years to come.
