Kenya: Yesterday marked the launch of two Participatory Forest Management Plans (PFMP) and the signing of two Forest Management Agreements in Lamu, presided over by Deputy CCF Mr Peter Nduati, representing the Chief Conservator of Forests.
The PFMP for Lamu and Pate-Ndau-Awer (PANDAWE) Community Forest Associations will boost the conservation of 26,000Ha of mangrove resources for a period of five years. The user groups identified in the PFMPs are tree nurseries, ecotourism, fish farming, silk farming, and scouts. The CFAs also expressed interest in engaging in the farming of seaweed and crabs as well as plastic waste management.
The Lamu County Executive Committee Member in charge of Natural Resources, Tashrifa Mohammed representing the Lamu Governor, pledged to support the implementation of the PFMP by purchasing tree seedlings from the CFA’s and supporting other activities that improve livelihoods and boosting mangrove conservation.
Mr Nduati emphasized the importance of ensuring full implementation of the PFMP, and he thanked partners for committing to continue supporting the CFA’s.
The PFMPs were developed under a joint project entitled “Strengthening Mangroves Management in Lamu, Kenya” under The Nature Conservancy (TNC). The process involved wide consultation with stakeholders led by KFS, the County Government of Lamu, Northern Rangelands Trust, and adjacent forest communities through the CFAs, among other partners.
Others present included Charity Munyasya, Deputy CCF Forest Conservation and Management, Dr Elizabeth Wambugu, Principal Kenya Forestry College, Nafasi Mfahaya Regional Forest Conservator Coast, Peter Mwangi County Forest Conservator Lamu, among other guests.
On 22 February 2023, the Chief Conservator of Forests, Julius Kamau, was paid a courtesy call by the Director of Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Dr Consolata Lusweti.
In the meeting, they explored how KFS & KPA can deepen their partnership in advancing mangrove forest protection and conservation at the coastal line for environmental integrity, climate change resilience and sustainable communities’ livelihood.
Also, as the National Chair of the Western Women Congress, Dr Consolata discussed with the CCF how the group champions tree growth as one of their main agendas and how they can upscale the advocacy towards the attainment of 30% tree cover by 2032.
The CCF welcomed the initiative noting that it is in line with and complementary to KFS’s commitment to empowering women under the Community Forest Association for effective participation in the management of forest resources and improving their livelihoods through nature-based enterprises.
