Strengthening Kenya's Forest Management Laws: NECSA Kenya's Forum on the Forests Conservation and Management Act of 2016
- Category: NECSA Memoranda
- Date 18-03-2024
The National Environment Civil Society Alliance of Kenya (NECSA-K) continues to spearhead crucial discussions on environmental conservation and sustainable resource management. As an umbrella body of over 100 Civil Society Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations, and advocacy groups, NECSA-K plays a pivotal role in advocating for the sustainable management of natural resources and environmental health in Kenya.
In March 2024, NECSA-K convened a significant consultative forum aimed at addressing anticipated amendments to the Forests Conservation and Management Act of 2016. This forum served as a platform for members to deliberate on proposed revisions and prepare comprehensive feedback for submission to the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry.
The four-day event, held from 12th to 15th March 2024, saw the participation of various stakeholders, including forest experts and representatives from organizations such as Friends of Kinangop Plateau, Tree Growers Association of Nyandarua, and the University of Eldoret, among others. The diversity of attendees underscored the collective commitment to advancing sustainable forest management practices across Kenya.
During the forum, NECSA-K members articulated both general and specific comments on the draft Forests Management and Conservation Act, 2016. These comments encompassed a wide range of issues critical to enhancing Kenya's forest governance framework and promoting environmental sustainability.
One of the overarching themes emphasized by NECSA-K was the importance of recognizing and upholding the rights of indigenous and forest communities. The Alliance advocated for the incorporation of provisions within the legislation to acknowledge and respect these rights, ensuring their active participation in decision-making processes concerning forest management.
Furthermore, NECSA-K highlighted the significance of establishing clear regulations to safeguard sacred forests, underscoring the need for dedicated measures to protect these ecologically sensitive areas. The Alliance also proposed the integration of forest management principles into educational curricula, emphasizing the importance of imparting practical knowledge on forest conservation and restoration strategies to students.
In terms of specific recommendations, NECSA-K called for the inclusion of provisions facilitating the establishment of forests on private farms, accompanied by appropriate guidance instruments. Additionally, the Alliance advocated for the procurement of tree seedlings from local Community Forest Associations (CFAs) for reforestation efforts, promoting community engagement and empowerment in conservation initiatives.
NECSA-K also emphasized the imperative of strengthening administrative structures for effective forest governance. This included proposals to increase community representation on the Forest Conservation Committee and establish County Forest Conservation and Management Committees to foster collaboration between state and county governments in forest management.
Financial provisions were another focal point of discussion, with NECSA-K advocating for the inclusion of compensation mechanisms for injuries sustained by community scouts and forest users during lawful activities. The Alliance also called for the operationalization of the Forest Conservation and Management Trust Fund, emphasizing the need for sustainable financing mechanisms to support conservation efforts.
Moving forward, NECSA-K remains committed to championing the implementation of robust forest management laws and fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration to safeguard Kenya's invaluable natural resources. Through continued advocacy and engagement, the Alliance strives to promote a culture of environmental stewardship and ensure the long-term sustainability of Kenya's forests for generations to come.
Read and download the full memo generated during the forum here