Conservation is the lifeblood of communities
Pupils plant a tree during the Trees for Peace Global Campaign for the Children of Ukraine unveiled at Riverbank Primary School in Nairobi on September 7, 2023.
What you need to know:
- Forests, within and outside protected areas, are vital pillars of the economy.
- Water holds equal importance in sustainable development endeavours.
Having marked the World Forestry Day and World Water Day on March 21 and 22, respectively, it is paramount to underscore the pivotal role of forests and water in environmental conservation efforts and the socioeconomic advancement of communities.
The themes “Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World” and “Leveraging Water for Peace” resonate with the need to address environmental challenges while fostering sustainable development.
Forests, within and outside protected areas, are vital pillars of the economy. Not only do they provide a significant source of employment and economic growth, they also contribute to climate resilience and risk reduction strategies.
Forests are crucial for watershed protection, coastline preservation and climate regulation through carbon sequestration.
But the all-too-familiar deforestation and forest degradation threatens these invaluable benefits, leading to increased vulnerability and poverty particularly among forest-dependent communities.
It is imperative to reverse this trend of forest depletion to align with global, continental and national goals on landscape and ecosystem restoration.
Sustainable development
The political will to address unlawful exploitation of natural resources is overdue and must be maintained.
Kenya has committed to restoring 5.1 million hectares of land, nearly nine per cent of its landmass, by 2030.
The allocation of over $80 million in the 2023/2024 Financial Year towards increasing tree cover reflects a proactive approach to addressing deforestation and forest degradation.
Initiatives like the Forest and Landscape Restoration Implementation Plan 2023-2027 show a concerted effort to restore degraded landscapes and promote sustainable land management practices.
A notable initiative is the partnership between numerous stakeholders to improve and conserve 60,000 hectares of Mau Forest by 2030.
Water, the essence of life, holds equal importance in sustainable development endeavours. The World Water Day theme underscores the critical link between water security and socioeconomic stability.
Access to clean water is essential for public health, food security, energy production and biodiversity conservation.
Innovative solutions
But a changing climate can exacerbate water scarcity, leading to heightened social tensions and conflicts over dwindling natural resources.
Environmental conservation is not merely an endeavour for governments and organisations; it is a communal responsibility.
Collaborative initiatives involving governments, private sector and communities are essential for achieving tangible results.
By embracing innovative solutions, fostering collaborative efforts and adopting sustainable practices, we can safeguard our forests and water resources, ensuring their continued ability to support communities and ecosystems.
Let us heed the call to action and become stewards of our planet, protecting the invaluable natural resources that sustain us.
We can create a world where forests flourish, water flows abundantly and communities thrive in harmony with nature, leaving a legacy of stewardship.
Mr Hutchinson is the managing director, Browns Plantations Kenya
