Vihiga County is being assisted by Mother Earth Network, a catholic-based group.
In an effort to save the forest ecosystem, the collaboration will see the organization plant 300,000.
Speaking at Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo’s office, the director of the Network Fr. Hermann Borg stated that the programme will begin in September and last for five years.
Borg explained that this campaign aims to promote environmental conservation in an effort to mitigate the negative effects of climate changes.
Two weeks ago, Maj. Gen. (Dr.), Gordon Kihalangwa, Principal Secretary (PS), State Department of Energy presided over a tree planting exercise.
Dr Kihalangwa stated that his department, in collaboration with Kenya Forest Service (KFS), will rehabilitate 150 ha of the total 369.1 ha forest land this year.
He encouraged residents to plant native trees species that are environment-friendly, and stopped planting the eucalyptus because it has high water absorption leaving the soil dry.
“The eucalyptus species has a high rate of moisture consumption hence has led to drying up of wetlands and streams thereby impacting negatively on the ecosystem,” he explained.
He also noted that around 45 percent of the electricity produced in the nation is water-generated, which demonstrates the need for conservation.
He stated that the current national forest cover is currently at 12 percent, which is higher than the minimum of 10%. This is a remarkable performance.
Kevin Musiega, County Director for Natural Resources, said that they have planted 70,000 seedslings in the last two years.
He also stated that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) to restore 20 hectares of forest, and built an office block which is being used by foresters.
By Sammy Mwibanda
Source: kenyanews
