Kenya Forest Service, Media Council of Kenya partner in growing forest cover
The Kenya Forest Services and the Media Council of Kenya have teamed up to support efforts towards achieving the national 10 percent forest cover.
The Chief Conservator of Forests, Mr Julius Kamau, EBS, and the Chief Executive Officer, Media Council of Kenya David Omwoyo have signed a Framework for Collaboration for Forest Restoration and Creation of Awareness of Forest Conservation and Management efforts in Kenya.
Under the partnership, the Media Council of Kenya will adopt five (5) hectares of Ndoinet Forest in Bomet County, where it will plant and maintain over five thousand indigenous tree seedlings in collaboration with the Community Forest Association.
By leveraging on its membership, the Media Council of Kenya will collaborate with journalists to increase public awareness on forest conservation and management and mobilise public support in tree growing initiatives.
According to the Chief Conservator of Forests, Mr Kamau, “the partnership will be an opportunity for the Service to sensitise members of the Fourth Estate on various aspects of forestry that have often been misunderstood, including the percentage of forest cover in Kenya, among other topical issues.”
Omwoyo said the Council will advance the power of the media to enhance awareness on environmental conservation. He noted the importance of forest conservation and tree growing to climate change mitigation, noting that the media is a vital partner in informing the public and mobilising support.
Through the partnership, the Service and Council will facilitate forums for editors and environmental journalists to create awareness on forestry. The two organizations will plant trees during the March – April – May long rainfall season.
