Kenya: The Principal Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests Charity Munyasia has opened an inception meeting. The aim of the meeting is the Integrated Landscape Management for Conservation and Restoration of Mt. Elgon Ecosystem Project.
The organization will work on the restoration of over 7,000 ha of degraded forest areas in Bungoma and Trans-Nzoia Counties. The Principal Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests opened the event on behalf of the CCF Alex Lemarkoko
Munyasia delivered a brief address at the meeting and discussed the significance of the project woth the other attendants. She said that KFS aims to implement the FAO-GEF funded project. They also want to ensure that it contributes to the national priority agenda of growing 15 billion trees in order to achieve a 30% tree cover by 2032.
She noted that the success of the restoration exercise will rely on availability of high quality seedlings. Further she revealed that their production should be increased to at least 10 million from the envisioned 8 million in the project document.
The CCF Alex Lemarkoko emphasised on the need for the two counties and the KFS to collaborate in the implementation of the project. He also claimed that it will benefit over 10,000 beneficiaries through agroforestry projects on farmlands.
The project will also help in the creation of agricultural value chains in coffee and maize production. The Project Manager Ann Itubo also spoke during the meeting.
She said that the 5 year project funded by a grant of approximately 1.98 USD from the Global Environmental Facility. The aim of the project is to develop an integrated landscape management system, conserve and restore natural habitats.
At the same time, the project will also promote sustainable food production practices and responsible value chains. She added that project will also seek to build partnerships with the local communities and support them by building their capacity to participate in sustainable forest management.
This will include supporting CFAs to develop Participatory Forest Management Plans (PFMP) to help them benefit from their conservation efforts. The meeting was attended by several members from the Kenya Forest Service.