Kenya: Appeal to save major water resource

11 September 2009

On Wednesday 9 September 2009 the Kenyan government launched an appeal to partner organizations in the development sector with the aim of accruing 400 million Dollars so as to preserve one of the country’s principal water sources.

The Mau Forest complex is in effect that largest enclosed forest canopy in the country, and a basin for the retention of water that is vital to Kenya.

The forest has lost a quarter of its surface area in the course of the last ten years due to human activity, such as unauthorised settlement, charcoal burning, etc.

This deforestation is threatening the agriculture of the country, but also the distribution of water to townships and industry, and thereby risks damaging the economy.

According to figures from UNEP, the United Nations Environmental Protection Agency, this destruction could cost 300 million Dollars in the sectors of tourism, tea cultivation and energy.

The money acquired by this appeal will be used to restore and replant the damaged areas, creating a strategic management plan, and sensitising the population concerned.<br/>

Category: Water