There is need to encourage alternative sources of fuel and business enterprises so as to maintain an acceptable forest cover at the Coast region.

Kenya Forest Service head of Coast Conservancy, Dedan Nderitu, said charcoal burning in Kwale and other parts of the region is a threat to forest resources.

"Apart from using charcoal, there are other nature based enterprises which can also help them. In this region, for example, there is honey production," said Nderitu.

He said a large portion of Coast is arid or semi-arid and over-reliance on charcoal as a source of fuel and income is a major threat to the environment.

Nderitu said the conservancy has embarked on a drive to discourage logging for charcoal burning. The conservancy has asked locals to form charcoal producers associations which can be used to raise awareness to residents.