Kenya has put in place policy frameworks aimed at addressing protection and preservation of ecosystem services.
According to Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Water and Natural Resource Prof Judi Wakhungu, destruction of the various ecosystems and natural resources could cause catastrophic effects some of which have already been witnessed in the country
The Cabinet Secretary stated that these policies and investments are critical for enhancing the Country’s water resources, adding that these include the minimum target of 10 per cent forest cover in Vision 2030 and the Kenya Water Towers Management Programme which is aimed at protecting and preserving the five water towers in the Country.
She was addressed delegates attending the 2016 African Ecosystem Services Partnership Conference in Nairobi where she acknowledged that Kenya like many African Countries faces a couple of environment issues which include deforestation, soil erosion ,desertification water shortage as well as degraded water quality.
Wakhungu ,“Kenya in this regard has resolved to undertake restoration of 5.1 million hectares of degraded lands through tree based restoration including agro forestry. This initiative is part of Kenya‘s involvement in the AFRI100.”
The CS observed that the government’s commitment to restore and protect the ecosystem has enabled a huge investment in protecting the Mau Forest including fencing a majority of the perimeter to allow regeneration.
She hoped that the conference among other things will identify sound ways with which to utilise Africa’s natural capital and strive towards economies which are based on sustainable solutions resilient ecosystems and poverty reduction.
Nairobi is playing host to the first ever Conference of the Regional Africa chapter of the Ecosystem Services Partnership within the region.
The conference themed “Ecosystem Services for SDGs in Africa” will focus on Africa’s contribution towards evidence on best practices for management and restoration of ecosystem services for decision making particularly towards the realisation of sustainable development goals.
