Kenya Celebrates the International Day of Forests
Kenya joined the globe in marking the International Day of Forests with a national celebration at Chepalungu Forest (Kapchumbe Block), Sotik Sub County in Bomet County. Over 100 tree seedlings were planted. The community and members present were sensitized on the importance of forests conservation. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is currently working with the County Government of Bomet, Kenya Forest Service, the community, and other stakeholders to reclaim this forest through tree growing.
The chief guest was the Principal Secretary in the State Department of Forestry Mr. Mugambi Gitonga, other guests included the Bomet County Governor Prof. Hillary Barchok, the Principal Secretary in the State Department of Climate Change Dr. Eng. Festus Ng’eno, FAO Kenya was represented by the Assistant FAO Representative Programmes Hamisi Williams, amongst other stakeholders.
In line with this year’s theme – “Forests and Foods” FAO is promoting the growing of fruit trees in schools to achieve a double effect of environmental conservation and food security. Through the Farm Forest Facility, FAO supported four Community Forest Associations in Bomet County to establish tree nurseries that will serve as a source of indigenous and exotic seedlings.
“This is a special day for us, as we join other stakeholders in celebrating our forests which are our natural groceries and supermarkets that give us food and nourish our ecosystem. This year as we mark our 80 years of existence, we call to mind the significant role played by our forests in supporting our very existence.” Said Hamisi.
During the International Day of Forests celebration, the schools participating in establishment of nurseries and tree growing presented skits and poems that called for the conservation of forests for a better future. The event was attended by the local communities residing around the Kapchumbe Forest who were also engaged in the day’s tree planting activity.
On the sidelines of the event, FAO handed over 5,000-liter water tanks, wheelbarrows, bee hives and other tree nursery tools, equipment, and materials to five primary schools bordering the Kapchumbe Forest Block. This will enable schools to establish tree nurseries and apiaries to supply trees and fruits seedlings to local communities and the rehabilitation of the Kapchumbe Forest.
“We are empowering these children with the skills and equipment to enable them to engage in environmental conservation this early because the future belongs to them, and a better environment will ensure they also have better lives. Today we deliver this promise that we made to them.” Hamisi added.
The PS from the State Department of Forestry Mr. Mugambi Gitonga who represented the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Hon. Aden Duale, while acknowledging the great roleplayed by FAO in supporting the rehabilitation of degraded forests called upon the local communities to conserve their forests. He noted that the government is committed to increasing the tree cover through its 15 billion trees by 2032 initiative. This initiative will help in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and reverse effects of deforestation.
FAO’s support to Community Forest Association
The journey to restoration of Chepalungu Forest started when FAO through the Forest Farm Facility Programme supported the Chepalungu Apex Community Forest Association (CFA) in 2021. This started with the restoration of Siongiroi Block of Chepalungu Forest. Since then, the CFA with support from FAO, Kenya Forest Services, and Bomet County Government managed to attract more partners to support fencing of the Siongiroi Forest Block.
This year’s celebrations focused on the restoration of the degraded Kapchumbe Block. FAO continues to support restoration of the Forest through direct support to farmer organizations around the Kapchumbe Forest Block.
