Stakeholders are calling for the restoration of the Mau Forest Complex, having re, committed themselves to the rehabilitation of the largest water tower in the country and the protection of Kenya’s environmental future.
This renewed momentum is a result of the Mau Forest Complex Integrated Climate and Livelihoods Improvement Programme (MFC, ICLIP) launch in Nairobi, where the general public was urged to participate actively in sensitizing, conserving, and tree, planting campaigns.
The grand restoration plan intends to implement the work of rehabilitating over 33, 000 hectares of degraded forest within a decade, with a target of about 3, 000 hectares per year. Besides restoring the most essential ecosystems, the initiative will also focus on enhancing climate resilience and raising the standard of living for the forest, dependent communities.
The stakeholders pointed out that the restoration of the Mau would address the issues of water security, conservation of biodiversity, and attainment of sustainable development. As a significant water catchment area, the forest releases water to major rivers that in turn support agriculture, manufacture of energy, and supply of domestic water throughout the country.
Those behind the programme urged the local communities, government agencies, civil society, and development partners to unite in combating the degradation that has been happening for years.
They observed that the success of the restoration process, which is a long, term one, hinges on public participation.
