Gordon Kihalangwa, Principal Secretary of the State Department of Energy, has called for increased reforestation in order to reduce the effects of climate change.
Dr Kihalangwa explained that tree planting is the most effective way to conserve the environment. This in turn, leads to the protection of all life on Earth.
While on a tour of South Maragoli hills forest restoration in Vihiga Sub Country, the PS spoke. He encouraged residents to take advantage the prevailing short rains and plant trees.
He was in the same area in June where he led other stakeholders including the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), the Community Forest Association (CFA) and the locals in planting thousands of seedlings on a portion of 150 hectares of land that has been earmarked for rehabilitation.
He discouraged people from planting eucalyptus plants along rivers because they have high water intake that could cause streams to dry up.
Governor Wilber Ottichilo indicated that his administration will continue to work with other stakeholders on the restoration and maintenance of the forest.
He said that the department of natural resource had planted over 70,000 seedlings in this area in the last three years. They also encourage people to practice agroforestry.
Julius Kamau, Chief Conservator for Forests (CCF), stated that restoration efforts in Tana and Sondu Miriu rivers catchment area areas have been successful, and now have high potential to produce hydroelectricity.
In a speech by Charity Munyasia his deputy, he said that rehabilitation is underway at 22 sites in the country. So far, 1,744 hectares have been saved.
By Sammy Mwibanda
Source: kenyanews
