Coast

State, Kilifi County urged to prioritise fencing of all Kaya forests

The mangrove tree planting exercise in Kidungu-Mtongani village, Kilifi County. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

By Farhiya Hussein | Sunday, March 17, 2024

The Coast Regional Director for UNESCO, Julius Mwahunga warned that the destruction of these sacred forests could significantly harm the country's reputation internationally regarding climate change and environmental conservation.

The National and Kilifi County governments have been urged to prioritise the fencing of all Kaya forests in the county as a measure to address the impacts of climate change.

Managing Director of Gro With US Africa Kelly Banda emphasised this while speaking to the media after planting over 9,000 mangrove seedlings in Kidungu-Mtongani village over the weekend.

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Banda highlighted that this would protect the sacred forests from encroachment and various harmful human activities.

He mentioned that the initiative would additionally contribute to maintaining the progress achieved through the ecosystem restoration endeavours by various environmental groups, such as the national tree planting programme which aims to plant 15 billion trees by 2032.

"Both the national and county governments must collaborate closely and devise a comprehensive fencing plan for the Kaya forests," he emphasised, adding they are experiencing significant degradation, which jeopardises the future and economic prospects of local communities.

His statements come hot on the heels of Rabai MP Kenga Mupe's proposal to clear a portion of the Kaya Bomu Heritage Site in Chang’ombe for the construction of a football field.

However, the MP later suspended the proposed sports ground project after thorough consultations with Rabai Professionals, pending the acquisition of an alternative land while noting

that forests play a crucial role in protecting livelihoods.

The mangrove tree planting exercise in Kidungu-Mtongani village, Kilifi County. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

“The significance of environmental conservation for enhancing livelihoods in the country cannot be undermined, water availability, clean air, and better food production are closely linked to environmental health,” Banda said.

Forest cover

He urged the community to seize the opportunity presented by the anticipated long rains in April to plant trees on their farmlands, aiming to contribute to the national goal of achieving a 10 per cent forest cover by 2032.

The organisation has revealed its intention to plant more than five million mangrove trees in Kidundu village by the end of the year.

"As a component of the initiative, we have already planned extensive events for planting mangrove seedlings. Our goal is to plant five million mangrove trees by the year's end, and we invite partners who share our vision to collaborate with us," he further explained.

The Coast Regional Director for UNESCO, Julius Mwahunga emphasised the importance of conserving and safeguarding Kaya forests, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

He warned that the destruction of these sacred forests could significantly harm the country's reputation internationally regarding climate change and environmental conservation.

Mwahunga urged communities living near forests to play a leading role and engage more actively in conservation efforts, stating that agencies cannot achieve success in ecosystem restoration without their support.