{"id":41936,"date":"2022-07-03T07:10:17","date_gmt":"2022-07-03T07:10:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africannewspaper.net\/2022\/07\/03\/efforts-to-restore-maragoli-hills-forest-intensifies-kenya-news-agency\/"},"modified":"2022-07-03T07:10:24","modified_gmt":"2022-07-03T07:10:24","slug":"efforts-to-restore-maragoli-hills-forest-intensifies-kenya-news-agency","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africannewspaper.net\/2022\/07\/03\/efforts-to-restore-maragoli-hills-forest-intensifies-kenya-news-agency\/","title":{"rendered":"Efforts to restore Maragoli Hills Forest intensifies \u2013 Kenya News Agency"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Vihiga County is being assisted by Mother Earth Network, a catholic-based group.<\/p>\n
In an effort to save the forest ecosystem, the collaboration will see the organization plant 300,000.<\/p>\n
Speaking at Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo\u2019s office, the director of the Network Fr. Hermann Borg stated that the programme will begin in September and last for five years.<\/p>\n
Borg explained that this campaign aims to promote environmental conservation in an effort to mitigate the negative effects of climate changes.<\/p>\n
Two weeks ago, Maj. Gen. (Dr.), Gordon Kihalangwa, Principal Secretary (PS), State Department of Energy presided over a tree planting exercise.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n
He also noted that around 45 percent of the electricity produced in the nation is water-generated, which demonstrates the need for conservation.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Kevin Musiega, County Director for Natural Resources, said that they have planted 70,000 seedslings in the last two years.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n