Nairobi — The United States is willing to support Kenya conserve its forests.

Ambassador William Bellamy said forest cover preserves water catchment and reduces the consequences of environmental degradation. He said his country and other donors were willing to support Kenya's initiative to increase the forest cover and firmly deal with the degradation of forests that have had negative effects.

"One of the things that we believe is very important for the future of Kenya - and many Kenyans believe this as well - is the need to protect your environmental resources," he said.

The envoy was speaking at Kipepeo House in Gede during the official commissioning of a honey processor funded by the United States Agency for International Development at a cost of Sh2.5 million.

The degradation of forests over many years had had profound negative effects for Kenyan communities, he said, adding that Kenyans were beginning to recognise this.

"We as donors want to work with Kenya to reverse those trends and bring back the forests and water sheds that are so vital to Kenyan communities," he said.

Bellamy lauded the communities living around the Arabuko-Sokoke forest for partnering with the Government and non-governmental organisations to sustainably use the largest coastal forest in Africa.