Daily Nation reports: Poll chaos threat to survival of key water source
Category: Conservation | Date: Mar 11 2008 | By: admin
Publication Date: 3/11/2008
Hundreds of families have illegally invaded Mau Forest, posing grave danger to the environment and wildlife, writes KEN OPALA
Conflicts do not just destabilise human lives. The environment also suffers when mobs take advantage of a breakdown in law and order to invade forests and plunder other natural resources. anuary was a particularly bad month for the 400,000-ha Mau Complex, one of the key water sources in Kenya. Taking advatage of the post-election violence, hordes of people invaded the forest and hived off land for themselves. Others cut down the threatened Podo tree species to burn charcoal.
Conservationists who have mapped the extent of the destruction have warned that the forest could be destroyed by invaders. “There has been trouble there over the last two months,” says Mr D.S. Mbugua, the director of Kenya Forest Services. He is worried by the human encroachment of three of Mau Complex’s 12 forests – South West Mau, Trans Mara, ol Pusimoru and Maasai Mau. According to him, the situation is serious. Read more
Peace at last but counting the losses
Category: Conservation, Forest loss | Date: Mar 03 2008 | By: admin
Like everybody in Kenya we are sighing with relief; peace at last.
Sadly, the violence led to great losses in forests. The impact on forests has demonstrated how urgently forest issues need to be addressed. Forests have been invaded by illegal loggers, been torched, in some cases settled and cleared for cultivation, forests infrastructure in some areas has been completely vandalized and or/destroyed. Kenya Forest Service staff comprising foresters and forest guards were displaced from their work stations while others were threatened to stay away. This left the forests open to abuse and it has led to destruction of forests . KFS has lost millions of Shillings as a result of illegal logging.
However, KFS did a commendable job in responding to the crisis sending out rangers to priority areas and sounding out donors to fund restoration efforts. Currently a number of Civil Society organizations including KFWG are working with KFS and some donors to see how best urgent needs can be addressed.
The Forestry sector – in particular the newly created Kenya Forest Service - urgently needs funding for its operation and the political will to support it to serve its mandate. But, ultimately, as Kenyans, we must make sure we show respect and protect forests as we are so utterly dependent on them. We here at KFWG believe its our duty as all Kenyans.
Loggers capitalise on violence in North Rift to venture into forests
Category: Forest loss | Date: Feb 14 2008 | By: admin
The Daily Nation reports that loggers have taken advantage of the post-election violence to venture into Forest Reserves in Keiyo, Marakwet, Uasin Gishu, Baringo, Nandi North and South districts. Some forests were set on fire and hundreds of hectares were destroyed. Baringo district commissioner Hassan Fara says the Government lost more than Sh2 million in the last two weeks of violence through illegal logging and burning of public forests. Area district forestry officer Daniel Too says illegal loggers took advantage of the violence to invade Katimok forest and cut down the endangered sandalwood trees, among other species. You can read more here
KFS and County Council react to destruction in Mau Complex
Category: Conservation, Hotline message | Date: Feb 11 2008 | By: admin
On 23rd January 2008, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Kenya Forests Working Group (KFWG) and the Ewaso Ngiro South Development Authority (ENSDA) conducted an aerial survey to determine the status of some of the Mau Complex forest blocks following complaints that there was increased forest destruction after the disputed 2007 December presidential elections. A 13 seater Caravan aircraft was gratuitously made available by Boskovic. The aircraft flew over four forest blocks namely: Maasai Mau, Ol Pusimoru, Transmara and South West Mau. Government officials from Narok North District, Narok District Forest Office, Narok District Environmental Office, Ewaso Ngiro South Development Authority, accompanied officers from UNEP, KFWG and the Narok County Council participated in the aerial survey. The survey consisted of flying at low altitude above the southern and eastern Maasai Mau boundary, the Maasai Mau/Ol Pusimoru boundary, the north-eastern and south-western Transmara boundaries, the 2001 excision boundary in South West Mau, and the western part of Maasai Mau in Narok South District. All forest destructive activities were recorded by GPS, digital camera and video.
Results of the aerial survey can be found in a report posted on the Kenya Forests Working Group website. In brief the survey revealed that there is increased intensity in settlement and logging particularly of Podo within the Maasai Mau, which has also increased encroachment through settlement into Ol Pusimoru along the Ol Pusimoru/Maasai Mau forest boundary. A large section of S W Mau forest degazetted in 2001 is now completely settled and there is encroachment beyond the boundary. The Transmara has had incidences of fire, some limited logging of Podo is taking place and in some cases nearby tea plantations are encroaching into SW and Transmara forests.
The above report was presented to partners in Narok and to the Director and senior staff of the Kenya Forest Service (KFS). In response, the Narok County Council has allocated Kshs 4 million to start demarcation of forest boundaries of the Maasai Mau forest (the most affected forest block in the Mau complex, which is managed by the council). The KFS agreed to send 200 forest guards to the gazetted Ol Pusimoru Forest Reserve that is managed by KFS. Further aerial assessments of the forests are being arranged.
KFWG is most grateful to Cap. Watts/Boskovic air for facilitating the flight.
Kenya’s forests affected by post election chaos
Category: Forest loss, Kenya's unique people | Date: Feb 11 2008 | By: admin
Kenya’s forests, just as its people, have felt the impact of the violence that followed the disputed 2007 elections. The National Geographic reported that the forest dwelling Ogieks have been threatened and some members have lost lives as a direct result of the violence. The National Geographic says, “The Ogiek, best known for their traditional methods of beekeeping, have become caught up in ethnic clashes following the vote, resulting in the deaths of nine tribal members at the hands of police, according to leaders. The killings may have been retribution for the tribe’s support for opposition candidate Raila Odinga, leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), in the recent election, tribal officials say.”
Elsewhere in Bomet, the Daily Nation (18 January 2008) reports that more than 2,000 exotic and indigenous trees worth more than Sh1.2 million have been destroyed by illegal loggers.
“Bomet District forest officer William Cheptoo said the loggers had taken advantage of the post-election violence to deplete the Chepalungu government gazetted forest. He explained that the forest was left unguarded after forest guards fled.Three months ago, members of the local community said to have opposed the conservation of the forest, invaded Chelelach forest station, which is part of the expansive Chepalungu forest block, and killed a forest guard. Speaking to journalists in his Bomet town office Thursday, Mr Cheptoo said the loggers were extracting timber and fencing poles from the felled trees.
More than 100,000 tree seedlings planted six months ago were uprooted, he added.”
And today, the Daily Nation reports that a forest in Nyeri district has become the dumping ground for bodies by unidentified killers. The killings are unrelated to the post elections violence.
We are saddened by the loss of lives and the terrible impact the violence is having on the country, its people, its economy, resources and its future. We pray along with all Kenyans that a solution will be found soon.
Proposed water and sewerage mains will affect Karura, Ngong Road forests
Category: Conservation | Date: Feb 05 2008 | By: admin
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has invited the public to submit comments on an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Study Report for a project (Nairobi Water and Sewerage Emergency Physical Investment Project (NWSEPIP) Package 3) which will transverse the edge of Karura Forest and also go through Ngong Forest.
KFWG has seen the EIA, which is available at NEMA, Popo Road off Mombasa road, for anyone who wishes to have a look at it.
From the EIA, we have noted that the following:
The EIA report indicates that the project area includes among others indigenous trees like the “Muhugu”, Newtonia buchananii (mukoi), Trichilia roke (mutuati), Olea Africana, Croton dichogamus and Brachylaena hutchinsii in the two forests. For Karura Forest, the water and sewerage lines commences in Gigiri area and moves south westerly along the edges of Karura Forest through Kibagare to Kabete Reservoir in Loresho. For Ngong Road Forest, the report indicates that the line crosses the Nairobi – Kisumu railway line into Ngong Forest. The lines emerges and moves parallel to the Ngong Road but inside the forests across the proposed southern by-pass and the Nairobi – Eldoret oil pipeline. Still parallel to the Ngong Road, the lines terminates at Karen Township.
We have noted that clearance of forest vegetation along the water and sewerage line in both Karura and Ngong Road forests is stated as inevitable. Further vegetation clearance is also likely to occur from access routes to the line from the main road, construction of work area and stores. It is also important to note that the extent of any forest clearance and its impacts is not mentioned in the EIA report. Another concern is that key forest stakeholders including Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary Trust were not consulted according to the list provided in the report.
Considering the importance of Ngong Road and Karura forests, KFWG has made objections to the current layout proposal on the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Emergency Physical Investment Project (NWSEPIP) and has recommended that;
1. The physical layout of the water and sewerage line be re-evaluated to minimize/stop any forest vegetation clearing to the two forests.
2. The extent of any forest vegetation be outlined in the EIA report before any licenses is issued.
3. The views of key forest stakeholders including Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary, KFWG and others be sought and included in the EIA report before any license is issued.
Ngong road and Karura forests are the two most important indigenous remnant forests in the densely populated Nairobi City. These two forests are important catchment forest areas, offer recreation facilities to Nairobi residents and purify the polluted air from motor vehicles and industries around the city. These forests have been under a lot of pressure for private development in the recent past, which have successfully been resisted on the grounds of their importance. Clearance of any parts of these already threatened forests by any other means will only aggravate the situation.
Queen of Trees
Category: Conservation | Date: Nov 27 2007 | By: admin
Phew. Am I glad to be posting something positive or what!
On 7 December 2007 View Finders Ltd will screen the award winning film the Queen of Trees, at the Oshwal Centre, Ring Road Westlands (opposite Nakumatt Ukay). Queen of Trees is the extraoridnary story about the African fig tree and the special relationship it has with a tiny insect partner - the fig wasp. The film is set against Africa and its wildlife. This extraordinary relationship is the basis for a complex web of dependency that supports animals from ants to elephants.
All proceeds will go to the East African Wild Life Society and Kenya Wildlife Service.
More forest destruction, this time from Rumuruti forest, Laikipia District
Category: Forest loss, Hotline message | Date: Nov 26 2007 | By: admin
Sorry to be bring you more bad news.
We have received some information about the continued destruction in Rumuruti forest. Below are excerpts from part of the report:
Rumuruti Forest Reserve (6,217.8 hectares) straddles Salama and Marmanet locations, North- East of Nyhururu town, Laikipia West District. The forest extends along a large section of the Uaso Narok River, the main tributary of the Uaso Ngiro.
The forest is a dry upland forest with podocarpus occurring along the Uaso Narok River. The forest was once intact with a closed canopy comprised of the following dominant species: Juniperus procera, olea europea ssp africana, Podocarpus latifolius, Podocarpus falcatus, Warburgia salutaris, Prunus africana, Cassipourea malosana, Trichocladus ellipticus, Vepris simplicifolia, Ficus thoningii, Calodenrum capense.
On the 25 November, 2007 we walked a recce transect for approximately one hour up the East bank of the Uaso Narok river, starting not far from the old forest station, and then walked for another hour South on the West bank walking North to where we started. We recorded recently felled trees and trees in the process of being cut.
Results
The felling of large podo and cedar trees on our two-hour walk was extensive. Most of the destruction of large mature podo trees was on both banks of the Uaso Narok River from the old forest station going north. This felling was extremely recent with some trees being felled as we walked, suggesting massive demand and a complete break down in law enforcement. There were also older signs of forest destruction and the overall pattern is fairly typical, with Olive trees targeted initially (for charcoal), then cedar and podo. Not a single mature Olive tree was seen during our survey.
Our informants told us that timber from the podo trees is being sold locally in Rumuruti town, mostly for furniture making. Apparently one podo tree cut and split will be sold for Ksh 1,000/=. The cedar trees are being cut up for basic fence posts and for sale as timber.
Species being destroyed
West bank of Uaso Narok River
• Juniperus procera (cedar) 19 mature trees cut down
• Podocarpus falcatus (podo) none seen.
East bank of Uaso Narok River
• Juniperus procera (cedar) 41 mature trees cut down
• Podocarpus falcatus (podo) 22 mature trees cut down
• Podocarpus falcatus 3 in the process of being cut.
Other species damaged
• Prunus africana - we noticed many large stumps of trees cut in the last 5-10 years. Very few standing trees seen.
• Olea europea ssp africana - tremendous damage to the olive population. All the stumps seen were in large areas all along the river. The stumps were at least 3-4 ft in diameter. These trees were all burnt to make charcoal.
• Warburgia salutaris - There were several very large stumps of Warburgia cut several years ago. We recorded very few young trees coming up. No mature trees seen.
Conclusion
The forest is a critical catchment of the Uaso Narok River, on which many of the residents of West Laikipia District and onto Samburu District depend. At the current rate of the felling, there will be no mature trees standing in a year’s time. This forest has a chance to regenerate if the destruction can be stopped immediately. There are many saplings of the key species growing; some of them are at least 7-10 ft tall.
The Rumuruti Forest Association was set up with the help of the Kenya Forests Working Group in 2001. This is comprised of some very dedicated members who live around the forest reserve. However they are unable to do anything about the current level of destruction as they do not have the capacity or resources to enforce the forest, which they are dedicated to protecting.
Suggested action
Law enforcement is needed immediately to stop any further illegal logging.
A perimeter electric fence would help protect what remains of the forest, and would reduce human elephant conflict, a major source of grievance among the people surrounding the forest.
We are putting this up for information. Follow up action is being taken.
Destruction at Ngong Forest
Category: Hotline message | Date: Nov 26 2007 | By: admin
As part of its activities, KFWG receives and acts on reports of forest destruction sent in by members and the general public. We will be posting some of these and updating you on any action that is being taken.
Ngong forest
Ngong Forest, is an indigenous forest located right within the confines of Nairobi city. The forest is about 600 hectares.
We received this report from a member recently, reporting on destruction near IPR:
“I regularly walk through a part of the Ngong Forest along the western edge of the IPR (Institute of Primate Research) controlled area (along the road leading to Olkeri Secondary School).
Recently there has been an alarming amount of illegal tree-felling going on… slowly-slowly, a mature indigenous tree of about 8 inch dia. every two or three days.“
And:
“I’ve broadened my search in this area and am shocked at the full extent of the offtake. This is in a totally indigenous forest, and 50% of the formerly closed canopy has been opened in areas, with trees up to 12″ basal dia. removed very neatly and professionally by hand-saws. Very little evidence is left behind, other than stumps and leaves. This is clearly an organised commercial operation. At a (very) rough guess I’d say some 400 to 500 trees within a 40 hectare section of forest have been surgically removed over the past 4 to 6 months“
KFWG has already reported this destruction to the Provincial Forest Officer, Nairobi. She assures us that investigations are underway. We hope action will be taken immediately and that this destruction will stop.
We have also heard that the IPR has been taken to the site and “they seem to similarly be appalled that this type of operation has been going on undetected- especially so close to their station, but admit that they rarely patrol anywhere near this section of forest”. They “have indicated a willingness to work with the Ngong Forestry officers and local police in an attempt to stop this…“
Thanks to the person who reported this and for the further assurance that:
“I’ll report on any activity I see- good or bad, and am happy to show the area to anyone concerned.“
We need lots of cooperation to save Kenya’s forests.
We would also like to inform Friends of Oloolua forest, who had reported a dumping problem in Oloolua that the PFO Nairobi is similarly looking into this. We will keep you update on progress, especially in putting up “No dumping” signs along the forest edge to pave way for prosecution of offenders.
Project launched to improve Maasai Mau
Category: Community, Conservation | Date: Nov 21 2007 | By: admin
The Government of Spain through UNEP has provided financial support towards a project aimed at stopping further deforestation and promoting reforestation within and around the Maasai Mau forest.
The project named COMIFORM (Community based integrated forest resources conservation and management) will work with surrounding communities and Narok County Council, the Trustees of the forest.
The project’s activities will include community tree planting, fuel briquetting, timber production, beekeeping and goat rearing. The activities are meant to provide alternative source of livelihoods to reduce pressure on the forest. The project also aims to have a Carbon-project approved by a carbon fund, facilitate tourism development and to have a management plan for the forest in place.
It is being implemented by Kenya Forests Working Group, Green Belt Movement, Ewaso Nyiro South Development Authority, the Narok County Council, Kenya Forest Service and local Community Based Organizations.
-
100% of your donation, minus a small bank fee, will go to your intended purpose.
Donations made here are safe.
-
Donations Received
- Apr 29th Theresa S. USD50.00