Greenpeace Africa has condemned the Kenya Forest Service for underestimating deforestation threats, highlighting ongoing environmental degradation in key forests. Key sites such as Karura, Aberdare, Suam, and Ngong Forests are under significant threat from development projects. Greenpeace calls for immediate action against deforestation and emphasizes the need for genuine conservation efforts over short-term profits.
Greenpeace Africa has criticized the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) for its dismissal of deforestation threats, claiming this undermines public awareness while illegal logging and land grabs persist. Despite KFS stating that Kenya’s forests are safe, evidence suggests extensive clearing and encroachment is occurring, jeopardizing the nation’s environmental goals.
Government initiatives contradict its commitment to increase forest cover, such as the goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032. Key forests facing risks include:
1. Karura Forest – 51.64 acres slated for Kiambu Road expansion, with the Green Belt Movement (GBM) contesting in court.
2. Aberdare Forest – Proposed Ndunyu Ihithe Road threatens biodiversity and water sources, with GBM involved in legal challenges.
3. Suam Forest – 50 acres have been allocated for a border town, undermining reforestation efforts.
4. Oloolua Forest – Ongoing land-grabbing issues have led to legal disputes.
5. Ngong Road Forest – Significant degradation from infrastructure projects and private land leases:
– Lenana Block: cleared for various developments including a railway and boarding school.
– Sanctuary Block: a private lodge and stadium occupy 50 acres.
– Karen Block: a police post has diminished forest area.
– Bomas Block: parts of Ngong Forest are earmarked for construction.
Amos Wemanya, Greenpeace Africa’s Responsive Campaigns Lead, viewed KFS’s actions as a betrayal of its responsibilities. He expressed disappointment about the agency ignoring harmful developments threatening forests like Karura and Aberdare. He stated, “It is devastating to see KFS turn a blind eye to the destruction unfolding… KFS is failing in its duty to protect Kenya’s natural heritage.”
Alongside the Green Belt Movement and numerous Kenyans, Greenpeace Africa is pressing for immediate measures to stop deforestation. They assert that government tree-planting efforts are ineffective if forest degradation continues unabated. “Kenyans deserve real climate action, not empty promises and greenwashing,” Wemanya emphasized.
Greenpeace Africa is advocating for a shift towards genuine conservation strategies rather than focusing on short-term benefits, urging for improved forest protection and a halt to projects that threaten critical ecosystems in Kenya.
Greenpeace Africa’s condemnation of KFS highlights the critical situation regarding deforestation in Kenya, where governmental claims of safety conflict with ongoing environmental degradation. The demand for accountability illustrates a broader call for meaningful conservation efforts and a departure from practices that prioritize short-term development over sustainable outcomes.
Original Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke
