Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary (CS) Dr. Deborah Barasa has declared November 7 yearly, as day to restore Mt Elgon forest ecosystem.
Speaking yesterday during the inauguration of Mt. Elgon Day celebrations held in Kaboywo- Kongit Forest Block, Bungoma County, the CS said the event marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s national efforts to restore degraded ecosystems and strengthen environmental conservation.
She noted that in 2023, the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) International Coordinating Council designated the Mt Elgon Ecosystem as a Transboundary Biosphere Reserve, the second of its kind in Africa.
CS added that the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry has enhanced the protection and management of ecosystem by increasing the number of personnel in Bungoma County and Trans Nzoia Counties.
Dr. Barasa confirmed that she is implementing a five-year Integrated Landscape Management for Conservation project in Mt. Elgon ecosystem.
“The program constitutes three major components; Restoration of 10,000 Ha of forest and habitat, integrate landscape management in 50,000 Ha, and promotion of sustainable agricultural production,” she said.
The Cabinet Secretary also launched various Policy Documents, to support forest conservation and management in all forests, including Mt. Elgon Forest.
Dr.Barasa said, these include the National Forestry Policy 2023, National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Strategy 2023- 2032, National Agroforestry Strategy 2025- 2035, National Bamboo Development Strategy and Action plan 2025- 2035, Kenya Industrial Wood Sector vision 2050, and Kenya Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Monitoring Framework amongst others.
She further said that the purpose of the Day is to raise conservation awareness in the country and mobilize various stakeholders, partners, conservationists, and local communities towards the restoration of this vital ecosystem.
Barasa cautioned that the recognition could be revoked if degradation continues, urging stakeholders to take urgent action to restore and protect the ecosystem.
“Mt Elgon has suffered years of deforestation, unsustainable land use, and encroachment leading to biodiversity loss, erratic rainfall, and declining water levels,” regretted Barasa.
She indicated that the celebration is not only symbolic, “but a rallying call for all of us to restore this mountain and safeguard its resources for generations to come.”
The Cabinet Secretary highlighted the ongoing partnership between the Ministry and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) through the GEF-7 Integrated Landscape Management for Conservation Project in the Mt. Elgon ecosystem.
“The Ministry has designated a son of the soil, Harry Kimtai, Principal Secretary Mining, as a Patron and Champion for the Restoration of the Mt. Elgon Ecosystem and adjacent farmland,” announced Barasa.
She said that as a local she believes that he is best placed to offer leadership and local solutions that are sustainable.
On her part Bungoma County Deputy Governor, Jennifer Mbatiny, termed Mt Elgon Forest Day, a defining moment in a collective effort to restore and protect the Mt Elgon ecosystem.”As deputy Governor of Bungoma, I call on all leaders and residents to unite in restoring our forest cover that has suffered degradation for years,” she noted.
Mbatiny further disclosed that as a community they can conserve environment, create green jobs, and secure a better future for generations to come.
“As Bungoma County we can also preserve natural heritage and promote sustainable livelihoods through reforestation and eco-tourism,” she stressed.
Over 35,000 tree seedlings were planted during the event attended by among others area Member of Parliament (MP) Fred Kapondi and his Kimilili counterpart Didmus Barasa and senior officers from the National and County governments as well as development partners
by Douglas Mudambo
