In a bid to achieve the ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees, Environment and Climate Change Principal Secretary, Eng Festus Ng’eno, has called upon non-state entities, including the private sector and civil society organizations, to join hands in supporting the Government’s landscape and ecosystem restoration mission. This initiative forms a crucial part of Kenya’s 10-year tree growing program, aiming to restore degraded landscapes and ecosystems throughout the nation.
Eng Ng’eno highlighted the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry’s comprehensive approach, emphasizing a ‘whole-of-Government and whole-of-society’ strategy. This inclusive approach underscores the government’s commitment to holistic restoration, recognizing the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the need for unified efforts.
Speaking during the closure of the two-day Kenya Landscape Restoration Forum (KLRF) held in Nairobi, Eng Ng’eno reiterated the importance of collaborative efforts and the significance of a coordinated approach to ecosystem restoration. The KLRF, organized by the government and partners including the World Bank and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), aimed to harness insights to bolster Kenya’s 15 billion tree growing strategy.
Eng Ng’eno emphasized the government’s dedication to restoring degraded landscapes, detailing various policy measures and programs to achieve this goal. These efforts encompass expanding tree seed and seedling production, fostering partnerships, offering incentives for restoration work, and developing forward-thinking strategies.
Encouraging collaboration within the environmental sector to maximize impact, Eng Ng’eno stressed the urgency to break barriers and unite for a collective cause. The government has identified seven key ecosystems in its restoration strategy, encouraging stakeholders to leverage indigenous knowledge and international experiences shared by experts from Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Costa Rica.
This momentum coincided with the 2023 Global Land Forum held at the United Nations Complex in Gigiri, Nairobi, from October 11th to 12th, where global perspectives and experiences in landscape restoration were shared and celebrated. Kenya’s commitment to a greener future stands stronger than ever.
