BY FLORA AWINJA.
Kwale County Commissioner Michael Mwangi Meru has urged residents to plant more trees to meet the required forest cover and sustainable development
Meru said planting trees will strengthen conservation efforts and fight climate change.
He said a good environment will prompt food security and a healthy lifestyle.
“We must conserve nature because trees give us food and medicine,” he said.
Meru said nature can be very unforgiving if people tamper with it.
He said cases of prolonged drought and unpredictable weather patterns are due to the effects of climate change.
Meru made the remarks during the launch of the Forest Management Agreement plan of Marenje, Mrima and Pongwe Kidimu at Mrima Primary School in LungaLungaSub-county.
The Forest Management Agreement Plan brings together Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Kenya Forest Association and the community among other stakeholders.
It is geared towards improving food security and livelihoods for the community through sustainable conservation.
The project is funded by WWF-Kenya in partnership with Plan International.
The county commissioner advised the stakeholders to work closely to ensure effective environmental conservation.
He warned against felling trees for charcoal burning and timber adding that it endangers both humans and nature.
Meru said emphasized residents to plant trees even on their private lands to support the government’s directive of planting 15 billion trees.
“Embrace the culture of growing trees and protecting the environment,” he said.
KFS county conservator Blessington Maghanga warned the residents against illegal logging and charcoal burning.
He said stern action shall be taken against the perpetrators.
Maghanga said they have put appropriate measures and technology to help in forest conservation.
“Let me want you, those cutting trees can now be traced. We have satellites in our skies that monitor our forests,” he said.
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