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Environmental Conservation
A major contributor to global warming and climate change, deforestation is
a significant environmental concern for Kenya. Two of the main causes of the
massive deforestation the nation has experienced during the last 50 years have
been demand for arable land for farming and the unsustainable exploitation of
forest resources and products, such as wood for fuel and animal meat for food.
The Mau Eburu forest represented 40% of forest cover in Kenya in the 1960s, but
has since shrunk to represent less than 25%. The 8,715 hectare forest forms one of
the largest water catchment areas in the country and supplies water to many of
the lakes that support life across the Rift Valley. It is also a haven for wildlife. The
forest is home to a diverse multitude of bird species and over 40 mammal species,
including the critically endangered mountain bongo antelope. Mau Eburu forest
is one of the most pristine, important and rich forest ecosystems in Kenya, but it is
also extremely vulnerable. The forest is surrounded on all sides by settlements and
the inevitable human encroachment through plantations, excisions and logging
(the illegal charcoal trade, in particular) has taken its toll.
As part of a comprehensive plan to protect the imperiled Mau Eburu forest, the
M-PESA Foundation has provided funding for the construction of a 50 kilometre
perimeter fence around the defenseless ‘island’ of biodiversity. The electrified
fence is being constructed in partnership with the Rhino Ark Trust. The fencing
allows the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to manage access to the forest through
specific gates, enabling the KFS to generate important revenue for conservation
activities by collecting the prescribed fees for activities like livestock grazing and
firewood harvesting, as well as reducing the negative impact of unsupervised
access and human-wildlife conflict.
The comprehensive plan also includes promoting alternative energy sources
and economic activities to the communities that live around the forest. Part of
the long-term answer is to reduce the dependence of local communities on fuel
wood extracted from the forest and one innovative solution is the energy-efficient
jiko stove. It not only uses up to 50% less fuel, but can also run on any woody
biomass, including farm waste like maize cobs. Another solution has been to
expose local communities to beekeeping and honey production as an alternative
source of income to burning wood to create charcoal. Tree nurseries have also
been established within local communities and members have been taught
how to plant and manage sustainable woodlets. Funds have also been used
to develop educational learning materials to teach youngsters at local Eburu
schools the importance of conservation and protecting the forest.
SDG 15
Safaricom staff and local communities residing near Mau Eburu Forest take part in an annual
tree planting exercise, which is part of ongoing efforts to restore the Mau Forest Complex.