Kenya’s Forests Under Threat: Activists Warn of Deforestation Due to Government Policies

The Kenyan government’s lifting of a six-year logging moratorium has led to significant deforestation, threatening the country’s fragile forest ecosystems. Activists express deep concerns over illegal logging, land grabs by officials, and development projects undermining conservation efforts. The situation underscores the urgent need for sustainable environmental practices as Kenya risks losing its remaining forests.

In July 2023, the Kenyan government controversially lifted a six-year moratorium on logging in public and community forests, leading to increased logging activities. Despite having only 12 percent tree cover and 8.8 percent forest cover, Kenya faces significant threats as 10 percent of its 1,100 native tree species are endangered.

Environmental activist Auma Lynn Onyango remarked on the government’s contradiction, citing the recent Africa Climate Summit held in September 2023, shortly after the lifting of the logging ban meant to curb rampant deforestation. In just a six-month period, the Kenya Forestry Research Institute reported that six million eucalyptus trees were felled, equating to the loss of five Karura forests.

The country has fallen below the 10 percent forest cover target established by the 2010 Constitution. With growing environmental concerns, the government’s development plans threaten to exacerbate climate change impacts while destroying vital forest ecosystems.

Onyango noted the potential danger facing key forests, such as Karura, Suam, Aberdare, and Oloolua, as governmental initiatives prioritize development over environmental conservation. Plans to develop the Suam Forest for a border town and to expand roadways across Aberdare Forest are underway, complicating conservation efforts.

Despite these plans being halted by a court order, there remains concern over illegal timber extraction activities in Karura Forest. Activist Job Kamau highlighted ongoing issues with tree removals purportedly for rejuvenation, yet corresponding replanting efforts have not materialized.

Kamau further noted alarming incidents in Oloolua Forest involving illegal land grabs by high-ranking officials. The community’s protests led to halting a perimeter wall’s construction in Oloolua, yet accountability remains absent.

Reports indicate a dramatic increase in deforestation, with Global Forest Watch documenting significant tree cover loss between 2001 and 2023. With the moratorium on logging lifted, there is a palpable fear that Kenya’s forests may soon cease to exist altogether.

Kenya’s struggle to balance development with environmental conservation continues to be a pressing concern, as activists and local communities advocate for the protection of their forests against governmental policies favoring industrial advancement.

In summary, the lifting of the logging moratorium by the Kenyan government poses a significant threat to the country’s already limited forest cover. The actions taken by governmental bodies to prioritize development over environmental protection raise serious concerns about the future of vital forest ecosystems. As activists strive for preservation, the need for accountability and sustainable practices becomes increasingly imperative to safeguard Kenya’s forests from irreversible loss.

Original Source: www.globalissues.org