NECSA Kenya's Position Paper on Improving Forest Legislation in Baringo County
- Category: Policy Work and Legislation
- Date 14-05-2024
The National Environment Civil Society Alliance of Kenya (NECSA-K), a coalition comprising over one hundred organizations dedicated to environmental conservation, addresses the imperative need for effective forest legislation in Baringo County. With an expansive area covering 11,015 square kilometers divided into six sub-counties, Baringo County boasts a forest cover of 25.6%, encompassing critical catchment areas vital for sustaining local ecosystems and water bodies such as Lake Baringo, Lake Bogoria, and Lake Victoria. However, despite its ecological significance, Baringo's forests face multifaceted challenges due to the absence of comprehensive county-specific legislation.
Currently, Baringo County lacks a county-specific forest legislation, hindering governance, investment, and conservation efforts. This legislative gap not only holds back private sector engagement and forest restoration initiatives but also limits the county's autonomy in managing its forest resources. Worsened by expired Participatory Forest Management Plans (PFMPs) and Agreements, the county struggles with fragmented and uncoordinated actions among stakeholders, undermining conservation endeavors.
Illegal activities like unsustainable charcoal production and unauthorized honey harvesting, coupled with encroachment for grazing and construction purposes, pose significant threats to forest integrity and biodiversity. Moreover, the rampant spread of the invasive Mathenge tree exacerbates land use challenges, necessitating comprehensive management strategies.
Despite these obstacles, collaborative efforts between the county government and various stakeholders have yielded commendable achievements, including afforestation initiatives, rehabilitation of degraded forests, and community-driven conservation projects. However, to address existing gaps and challenges effectively, NECSA-K proposes a holistic approach encompassing legislative reforms, community engagement, capacity building, and strategic partnerships.
NECSA-K's recommendations include prioritizing sustainable forest management through agroforestry and proper species-site matching to enhance biodiversity conservation. Meaningful community engagement, facilitated by capacity building and equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms, is crucial for fostering local ownership and stewardship of forest resources. Additionally, the development of comprehensive forest legislation tailored to Baringo's specific needs, coupled with robust enforcement mechanisms, is essential for governing forest activities and ensuring compliance.
Efforts to conserve biodiversity, protect endangered species, and promote sustainable land use practices must be intensified through the establishment of nature reserves and the regulation of charcoal production. Strategic partnerships among government agencies, communities, private sector entities, and NGOs are vital for leveraging resources and expertise towards effective forest management.
Investments in capacity building and community sensitization programs are necessary to enhance awareness and skills related to sustainable natural resource management. Moreover, conducting a proper mapping and gazettement of forest lands, in collaboration with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), is imperative to ensure effective conservation efforts and prevent further encroachment.
Regular review and adaptation of forest policies and management plans are essential to address emerging challenges and incorporate new scientific knowledge. By implementing these recommendations, Baringo County can advance towards more effective forest governance, conservation, and community engagement, ensuring the preservation of its forests for future generations. Through concerted efforts and proactive measures, Baringo County can secure ecological resilience, socio-economic prosperity, and the well-being of its communities amidst evolving environmental dynamics.
Download the Comprehensive NECSA Kenya Position Paper here