FAO Joins Government of Kenya for the International Day of Forests Celebrations
The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) joined the Government of Kenya to mark the International Day of Forests, national celebrations, held on 21st March 2022, at the Ngong Hills forest, Kajiado County.
The International Day of Forests Celebrations
The International Day of Forests seeks to raise awareness on the importance of all types of forests for environmental, social and economic benefits. The theme for this year’s celebrations was “Forests and Sustainable Production and Consumption.”
The celebrations were attended by various stakeholders involved in the conservation and management of forests including Ministry of Environment and Forestry, County government of Kajiado, Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), development partners, the private sector organizations as well as corporate leaders in Kenya among others.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Forestry Hon. Keriako Tobiko, Speaking at Corner Baridi, Kajiado County during the commemoration of the Day, underscored the significance of sustainable production and conservation of environmental resources to mitigate the effects of climate change and achievement of the presidential directive of a 10 per cent nationwide forest cover by the end of the year 2022.
Towards Increased Forest Cover
“Our national forest cover has increased from 5.9 per cent in the year 2018 to 8.8 per cent in the year 2022. Our national tree cover is now at 12.1 per cent. The success of environmental conservation and protection efforts depends on the participation and collaboration of the community in the management of natural resources for future generations,” said Hon. Tobiko.
Addressing the national celebrations, the Cabinet Secretary commended FAO for its effective contribution towards the improvement of forestry and environmental conservation in Kenya.
The Cabinet Secretary said environmental conservation had immense impact on climate change as well as social and economic benefits to women and girls. “Women and girls suffer the most when the environment is destroyed,” stated Hon. Tobiko, adding that, “There is a direct linkage between the destruction of nature and marginalization.”
FAO Country Representative, Amb. Carla Mucavi pledged continued support to the government of Kenya in its efforts to enhance forest management and restoration initiatives, which is key to achieving agricultural growth.
The Greening Kenya Initiative
The environmental conservation authorities in Kenya, in line with the Greening Initiative. Kenya has promoted the need for tree planting in order to deal with environmental threats. The tree planting has played a critical role in enhancing soil and water conservation. The trees also enhance land conservation by preventing soil erosion as well as proper grazing management.
The Government of Kenya launched ‘Greening Kenya Campaign’, which focuses on growing trees in schools, universities, education centers, farmlands, and the drylands. The initiative is part of Kenya’s aim to plant 1.8 billion trees and achieve more than 10% forest cover in the country by 2022.
In her remarks, FAO Country Representative, emphasized the centrality of forests in sustainable economic development and secure livelihoods. She acknowledged the efforts Kenya was undertaking to reverse the trend of deforestation through a wide range of interventions, including institutional reforms, increased investment in forest sector promotion and the involvement of the private sector in the management of the forestry sector.
FAO has supported efforts to invigorate forest and landscape restoration in Samburu County in Kenya in collaboration with KFS and other partners and a similar initiative in Mount Kulal Forest Landscape (in Marsabit County) and Mukogodo Landscape Forest (in Laikipia County) in collaboration with KEFRI. Both with the financial support of the World Bank’s Global Environment Facility (GEF).
The two projects are expected to result into the restoration of some 244,113 Ha of land which would fall under sustainable forest management. Forests support the productive and service sectors, agriculture, fisheries, livestock, energy, wildlife, water, tourism, trade and industry.
About International Day of Forests
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21st March the International Day of Forests (IDF) in 2012. The Day celebrates and raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests. On each International Day of Forests, countries are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns. The theme for each International Day of Forests is chosen by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests.
Information Resources:
FAO's International Day of Forest website
For More Information contact
Pauline Akolo
Communication Specialist
FAO-Kenya