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Kenya: EU to Fund Forest Conservation Plan
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The East African Standard (Nairobi)
22 August 2007
Posted to the web 21 August 2007
John Oyuke
Nairobi
The European Union (EU) has allocated Sh12.2 million for a number of environmental conservation projects in western Kenya.
The funds will be disbursed through various community-based organisations.
A technical officer at the EU supported Community Development Trust Fund (CDTF), Mr Humphrey Kaburu, said the funds would help in environmental management and energy saving technologies to stop degradation of forests.
He said the project dubbed Okoa Kuni (Save Wood) is aimed at improving quality production of clay stoves, which use minimal wood and in the process discourage destruction of forests by the residents.
"The project aims at improving quality production of stoves to avoid destruction of forests and ensure preservation of the environment. The support will also help the locals in accessing markets for the products," he said in a statement.
Funds to be used for community empowerment
Kaburu, in charge of natural resources management, said areas are faced with severe degradation of forests leading to soil erosion, poverty, deforestation and destruction of biodiversity.
The three-year environmental project is among 35 others countrywide that EU has allocated Sh430 million in line with UN Millennium Development Goals on environmental protection.
The community groups are expected to implement the project in conjunction with Practical Action and other Government agencies such Ministry of Energy, Kenya Forest Service and West Kenya Energy Network.
Kaburu said the funds would be used for community empowerment through capacity building and training.
Improving rangeland management
Meanwhile, the EU has donated a further Sh21.5 million to Ruko Community Wildlife Conservancy Group in Baringo and East Pokot districts to assist in the restoration and management of Lake Baringo ecosystem.
CDTF programme manager, Mr Joseph Ruhiu, said EU would support and strengthen appropriate community conflict mechanisms in natural resource management.
He said Ruko project aims at improving rangeland management and rehabilitation of degraded river systems.
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Ruhiu said improvement of local livelihoods through diversification and provision of alternative income generating activities are among the key issues the project will address.
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