Environmental stakeholders, led by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) in partnership with Plan International, have turned their focus to the establishment and empowerment of Community Forest Associations (CFAs) as a key strategy to rescue the endangered sacred forests in Kilifi County.
For many years, the sacred forests in Kilifi, commonly known as the Kayas have been greatly affected by human activities including illegal logging, charcoal burning and land encroachment, causing destruction and threatening their existence.
The conservation strategy, which received unanimous support from partners, will be implemented through Forest Management Agreements between the stakeholders and CFAs to empower the local residents to take an active role in protecting trees while preserving the cultural heritage associated with the sacred forests.
Speaking during the launch of the Kaya Chonyi Community Forest Association at Vevesi Village, KFS Chief Conservator Francis Kariuki revealed that more than 230 similar community forest associations across the country already have active agreements with the forest agency to manage and protect forest resources within their areas.
He added that community participation is a vital step because the Kayas are located within or near local villages, making residents the first line of defence against activities that threaten the forests.
“So far, we have about 236 community forest associations with similar agreements, and we expect to bring more communities on board so they can work with us in conserving forests within their areas,” he said.
“The aspect of community ownership-that they are owning the forests makes the conservation processes communal and the communities together find solutions to related challenges instead of waiting for solutions to come from elsewhere,” he added.
Director of Plan International organization George Otim said that their involvement focuses on strengthening community initiatives, supporting environmental education, and helping the local groups develop sustainable activities that help their forests to thrive.
“I know part of the plan is also to restore terrestrial forests where there’s tree planting and we have been given quite a number of hectares to plant here,” he added.
Members of the Kaya Chonyi Community Forest Association, led by their Chairman Kiti Mwadzombo, applauded the inauguration of the association and pledged to work together to stop further destruction of the forests while engaging in tree planting initiatives.
Other key stakeholders involved in the conservation efforts include the Kilifi County Government, the Jane Goodall Institute, and Nawiri Africa, among other partners working to safeguard forests in Kilifi for sustainable environmental conservation.
By Jackson Msanzu
