Ecosystem encroachment threatens livelihoods of the community :: Kenya



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George Natembeya (right) of Narok County Commissariat with Commander Dickson Ritan of Mau Forest showing map of Maasai Mau Forest at his office.PHOTO:ROBERT KIPLAGAT

NAIROBI, KENYA: The Kenyan population is on the upward trajectory Natural resources such as forests that provide life support systems are under immense pressure and threats.

By virtue of this reality, the Constitution provides for a 10% forest cover, which is currently about 7% less than our constitutional obligation. There are five great water towers (Mount Kenya, Aberdares, Mau Complex, Cherangani and Elgon) in this great country of Kenya and they provide water to the entire Kenyan population and support the fragile ecosystem of these regions. The Mau Forest complex, for example, supplies water beyond Kenya's borders and is considered a hotspot for biodiversity.

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Unfortunately, despite their critical socio-economic and ecological functions, these ecosystems are under tremendous pressure from deforestation, encroachment and encroachment. illegal exploitation.

It is therefore imperative that for these critical ecosystems to continue to provide services, their protection and restoration should be a high priority. The current trend in the country where the pressure of encroachment on the ecosystem is a reality poses a great threat to the livelihoods of the communities.

The Mau Complex comprises Kenya's largest forest area (over 400,000 hectares) and is the most important watershed for Lake Victoria, Nakuru, Mara, Turkana, Baringo and Natron Lakes and the source of the more important. National Wildlife Areas, including the Masai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti National Park.

The Mau Working Group established in 2009 and approved by Parliament in 2010 confirmed that the biodiversity of the Mau Forest Complex is seriously threatened and identified Eburu, Eastern Mau; Trans Mara, Southwestern Mau and lower parts of Western Mau; and the central area of ​​the Mau Forest Complex as hotspots of biodiversity in the Mau Forest Complex.

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On the basis of these findings, the Working Group recommended that all biodiversity hotspots and critical watersheds that are currently colonized be reclaimed, restored and settled in the settlers. other less sensitive areas; and that all critical watersheds should be restored using enrichment planting, natural regeneration and other appropriate means.

Political interference in the restoration process is a shame for this country and for the entire region.

The Kenya Forest Task Force (KFWG) and the East Wild Life Society (EAWLS) support all efforts to restore the Mau Forest and other water towers critics, condemn the political statements of opponents to the restoration of the Mau forest.

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Both organizations also call on the government to implement the recommendations of the report on forest resource management and exploitation activities forestry in Kenya.

"We ask the Ministry of the Environment and Forestry to establish and facilitate a multi-stakeholder dialogue forum (Ministry of Environment and Forests, National Treasury, Ministry of Lands, National Land Commission, County Governments and Conservation NGOs) problems and look for possible solutions "

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