Activists Raise Alarm Over Threatened Forests in Kenya Due to Logging Policies
Following the lifting of a logging moratorium in July 2023 by the Kenyan government, activists express grave concerns regarding the destruction of forests. The nation, already one of the least forested in Africa, risks further loss of biodiversity, with significant logging activities observed. Government development plans threaten critical ecological areas. Urgent action is needed to confront deforestation and protect Kenya’s remaining forested assets.
In July 2023, the Kenyan government controversially lifted a six-year moratorium on logging activities, prompting concerns from activists regarding the future of the nation’s forests. Despite Kenya having only 12 percent tree cover and 8.8 percent forest cover—among the lowest in Africa—logging trucks have become a common sight, indicating a disregard for environmental stewardship.
Kenya’s native tree species are under threat, with 10 percent of the 1,100 species facing potential extinction. Environmentalist Auma Lynn Onyango criticized the government’s contradictory stance between promising climate action and lifting the moratorium. The Kenya Forestry Research Institute reported a staggering loss of six million eucalyptus trees in the first half of 2024 alone, translating to the equivalent of five Karura forests being diminished within months.
The ongoing exploitation of forest resources contradicts the aspirations outlined in the 2010 Kenyan constitution, which mandates a minimum forest cover of 10 percent. The government’s development initiatives have inflicted severe damage to forests and ecosystems, accelerating the pace at which Kenya’s natural heritage is being eroded and intensifying risks linked to climate change.
As Kenya prepares to host the second biennial Africa Climate Summit in 2025, critical forests such as Karura, Suam, Aberdare, and Oloolua face severe risks. Development plans include allocating portions of Suam Forest for border town construction and attempting to use Aberdare Forest for township expansion. Proposed infrastructure projects threaten to deteriorate protected areas and hinder biodiversity conservation efforts.
Job Kamau, an activist, revealed irregularities in Karura Forest, where tree removal was allegedly misrepresented as part of a rejuvenation process. He expressed doubts about the intentions behind ongoing logging operations, asserting, “We are being hoodwinked.” Furthermore, illegal land encroachment reveals deeper issues regarding government accountability and ownership rights affecting both the Oloolua and Ngong forests.
Recent data indicates that Kenya has lost significant forest cover since 2001, with fires and other factors contributing to the degradation of this vital resource. If the current pace of deforestation continues, the future of Kenya’s forests is in grave jeopardy. The implications of government policies on environmental conservation could lead to irreversible damage to these natural habitats, underscoring the urgent need for reform and sustainable practices in land use.
In conclusion, the lifting of the logging moratorium by the Kenyan government poses a significant threat to the country’s already diminished forests. With alarming rates of deforestation and the prioritization of development over environmental protection, esteemed forests like Karura, Suam, Aberdare, and Oloolua are at risk of irreversible loss. Activists and concerned citizens are urging government accountability to safeguard these vital ecosystems and uphold Kenya’s commitments to climate action. Without immediate and substantial changes in policy and enforcement, Kenya’s rich natural heritage may soon become a relic of the past.
Original Source: www.globalissues.org
