Kenya and Japan are working together to improve forest management, restore degraded land and strengthen communities’ ability to cope with climate change.
The partnership was discussed during a two-day forestry seminar held in Nairobi, which brought together government officials, researchers and other stakeholders to review progress under the Project for Strengthening Forestry Sector Development and Community Resilience to Climate Change through Sustainable Forest Management and Landscape Restoration (SFS-CORECC).
The Forestry Principal Secretary was represented at the meeting by Secretary for Forest Development George Tarus, who reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to planting 15 billion trees and achieving 30 per cent tree cover by 2032.
Tarus added that forests were also crucial in maintaining the water catchments, conservation of biological diversity, and enabling the nation cope with climate change challenges. In addition, he mentioned that forests were important in the lives of communities that depend on them.
He identified commercial forestry as yet another sector where investment opportunities can be created in order to enhance job creation and development of responsible forestry.
The Government of Japan has been working with the Kenyan government for more than 40 years to enhance the forestry sector in the country through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The collaboration has covered sustainable forest management, tree breeding, commercial forestry and forest monitoring.
Through the SFS-CORECC project, the two governments have also cooperated in forestry policy and forestry management issues.
The project includes efforts to improve tree varieties through breeding and genetic development. One of the areas covered is the development of a second-generation Melia volkensii suited to dryland areas.
The initiative has also supported forest monitoring and information systems, as well as cooperation on forestry matters across East Africa.
Speaking at the seminar, Japan’s Ambassador to Kenya, Hiroshi Matsuura, called for commercial forestry to go hand in hand with the conservation of natural forests.
Matsuura said both activities had a place in sustainable development, adding that legal and sustainable timber harvesting should not be viewed negatively.
The meeting was attended by Osamu Shimada, Director-General of the Forest Tree Breeding Center at Japan’s Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, and Akiko Tabata, Senior Director of JICA’s Global Environment Department.
Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) Director James Ndufa was also present, alongside representatives from seven counties and other forestry sector stakeholders.
The discussions come as Kenya pursues its 15-billion-tree target, with forest restoration, improved tree planting and sustainable management expected to contribute to the country’s goal of increasing tree cover to 30 per cent by 2032.
