Activists are concerned about the threat to Kenya’s forests following the government’s July 2023 lifting of a logging moratorium. With only 8.8 percent forest cover, the move has resulted in significant tree logging for timber export. Critics highlight the contradiction between the government’s climate commitments and its actions, which jeopardize key forests and biodiversity. Reports of illegal land grabbing and development projects further exacerbate these environmental concerns, calling for immediate action to protect Kenya’s forests.
In July 2023, the Kenyan government controversially lifted a six-year moratorium on logging public and community forests, leading to an increase in tree logging activity. Concern over this development arises from Kenya’s already low forest cover, which stands at 8.8 percent, highlighting the imminent threat to biodiversity, as many of Kenya’s 1,100 native tree species face extinction.
Environmentalist Auma Lynn Onyango, a member of Mbunge La Mwananchi, criticizes the government for promoting climate action while simultaneously facilitating deforestation. Following the lifting of the moratorium, the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) reported the felling of six million eucalyptus trees in merely six months, starkly representing the environmental impact of such policies.
Kenya’s forest cover has consistently declined over the years, with the nation failing to meet the 10 percent forest cover target established by its 2010 constitution. The government’s development objectives have raised alarm, suggesting that they prioritize urban development over forest conservation, posing serious risks to both ecosystems and climate change mitigation efforts.
Onyango warns that unless the government takes immediate corrective actions, key forests such as Karura, Suam, Aberdare, and Oloolua will be irrevocably damaged due to planned developments. Notably, portions of these forests are earmarked for various infrastructural projects, raising ethical concerns about ecological preservation.
The government’s ambitious agenda includes constructing a border town in Suam Forest and expanding urban areas into Aberdare Forest — both decisions met with public outcry. Despite court injunctions aimed at preserving these cherished natural spaces, unscrupulous actions continue to undermine efforts.
Job Kamau, an activist, raised concerns over illegal activities in Karura Forest, where excessive tree removal has been reported without appropriate replanting efforts. His observations highlight broader discrepancies between governmental claims of conservation and the reality on the ground, with illegal land grabbing reported in Oloolua and Ngong Forests.
Despite assurances from the Kenya Forest Service, community members have witnessed ongoing land encroachments and construction projects, indicating a pattern of corruption involving public officials. Community-based conservationist Kimeli Winston emphasizes the alarming trend of land appropriation into the hands of powerful entities at the expense of local communities and environmental durability.
Recent data from Global Forest Watch indicate a troubling loss of forest cover, attributed primarily to logging and wildfires, which points to a concerning trajectory for Kenya’s remaining forests. The urgency of the situation is palpable, with the potential extinction of these vital ecosystems looming if current practices persist.
In conclusion, the lifting of the logging moratorium in Kenya has precipitated significant environmental threats, primarily through the ongoing destruction of vital forests. Despite governmental rhetoric surrounding climate action, actual policies reveal a disturbing trend towards prioritizing development over ecological conservation. The alarming loss of tree cover, illegal land appropriation, and growing deforestation underscore the need for urgent measures to safeguard Kenya’s remaining forests and protect biodiversity for future generations.
Original Source: www.globalissues.org
