The Kenyan government has officially approved Mt Elgon Environmental Day to promote conservation efforts in the region. This initiative aims to encourage communities to take a leading role in restoring degraded forests, protecting wildlife, and adopting environmentally friendly economic activities. Mt Elgon, a major water tower, supports communities in Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, and neighboring Uganda. The approval of this day is expected to boost conservation efforts in the region.
The approval of Mt Elgon Environmental Day was announced during celebrations to mark the UNESCO International Day for Biosphere Reserves at Chemoge High Altitude Training Centre in Kaptama, Mt Elgon Sub-County. David Onyancha, Secretary of Administration in the State Department for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, emphasized the importance of balancing economic activities with environmental conservation. He stated that mining and other economic activities must go hand in hand with environmental conservation.
The Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme (ICLIP) has made significant progress in three main areas: forest restoration, community empowerment, and partnerships. The programme has been involved in tree planting and mobilizing communities to participate in restoring forests and protecting the environment. Residents are being encouraged to venture into environmentally friendly activities such as bamboo farming, beekeeping, and mushroom production to improve their livelihoods.
Onyancha thanked UNESCO, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Community Forest Association (CFA), and the county governments of Bungoma and Trans Nzoia for supporting conservation activities in the Mt Elgon ecosystem. He also announced that Mt Elgon Environmental Day had been officially launched and approved. This day is expected to promote community participation in conservation efforts.
Joel Oboto, Acting Deputy Secretary-General at the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO, highlighted the importance of biosphere reserves in promoting environmental conservation, research, and education. Kenya has six biosphere reserves recognized under UNESCO, including the Mt Elgon Transboundary Biosphere Reserve, which links Kenya and Uganda. Oboto emphasized the need to involve women and youth in conservation programmes.
Bungoma County Forest Conservator Eric Abugu noted that Mt Elgon is an important transboundary ecosystem extending across Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties into neighboring Uganda. The forest comprises natural forests and plantation areas, with natural forests accounting for 94 per cent and plantations six per cent. Abugu urged communities to actively participate in conservation efforts, noting that protecting the mountain is essential for safeguarding water resources.
Mt Elgon serves as an important wildlife habitat and water catchment area, supporting elephants and other biodiversity while providing a source of six rivers that sustain communities within and beyond the region. The conservation of Mt Elgon is crucial for the well-being of communities living in the region. The approval of Mt Elgon Environmental Day is a significant step towards promoting conservation efforts in the region.
Key points
- The Kenyan government has approved Mt Elgon Environmental Day to promote conservation efforts in the region.
- The Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme (ICLIP) has made significant progress in forest restoration, community empowerment, and partnerships.
- Mt Elgon serves as an important wildlife habitat and water catchment area, supporting elephants and other biodiversity.
