Strengthening Kenya's Environmental Policy: NECSA-K Memo on the National Forest Policy
- Category: NECSA Memoranda
- Date 18-03-2024
The National Environment Civil Society Alliance of Kenya (NECSA-K) stands as a unified voice for over 100 Civil Society Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations, and advocacy groups committed to environmental conservation and sustainable development. With a primary focus on the management of natural resources, NECSA-K plays a pivotal role in advocating for policies that prioritize conservation and environmental health.
In line with its mission, NECSA-K recently convened a consultative forum on March 13th and 14th, 2024, to review the draft National Forest Policy of 2023. Attended by a diverse array of stakeholders, including forestry experts and representatives from various environmental organizations, the forum aimed to analyze the policy's strengths and shortcomings and provide constructive feedback to the government.
General observations highlighted significant concerns regarding the current draft of the National Forest Policy. One prominent issue is the perceived imbalance between prioritizing financial gains from forest exploitation over conservation efforts and the benefits that communities derive from forests. Additionally, stakeholders noted that the policy lacks emphasis on the vital ecosystem services provided by forests, such as water catchment, habitat preservation, and climate regulation.
Delving into specific clauses of the draft policy, NECSA-K and its allies identified areas for improvement. For instance, in Chapter One's introduction, stakeholders observed a deficiency in referencing international treaties and agreements despite Kenya's status as a signatory to various global environmental accords. To address this gap, they recommended incorporating explicit references to relevant international commitments, such as those made at the Africa Climate Summit, to provide a comprehensive framework for forest management.
In Chapter Two, stakeholders emphasized the importance of addressing climate change as a global priority within the policy. While the draft acknowledged climate change as a challenge, it failed to reference specific international agreements or commitments related to climate action. NECSA-K proposed integrating references to Kenya's role in global climate change mitigation efforts, emphasizing the country's commitment to international climate agreements and underscoring the interconnectedness of local and global environmental challenges.
The recommendations put forth by NECSA-K and its partners aim to strengthen the National Forest Policy by grounding it in a broader context of international obligations and best practices. By incorporating references to relevant treaties and agreements, the policy can align more closely with Kenya's commitments to global environmental sustainability.
Furthermore, by addressing climate change as a cross-cutting issue, the policy can better reflect Kenya's proactive stance on mitigating climate risks and promoting resilience. Recognizing the interconnectedness of environmental challenges at local, national, and global levels is essential for developing holistic and effective policies that safeguard natural resources for future generations.
In conclusion, NECSA-K's advocacy efforts underscore the importance of inclusive and participatory policymaking processes in advancing environmental conservation and sustainable development agendas. By collaborating with stakeholders and providing constructive feedback on policy documents such as the National Forest Policy, NECSA-K continues to champion the interests of communities and ecosystems across Kenya, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Read and download the full Memo generated here