Greenpeace Kenya Sounds Alarm on Forest Degradation

By Judith Mwai

Speaking during the Campaign Walk Sherry Gakii Communication Manager Of Greenpeace Kenya is calling on the government to protect the country's forests from degradation and private development. The organization highlights the alarming rate of forest land grabbing for private projects, which threatens the very existence of these public entities.

The Fight for Forests

 Sherry Gakii emphasizes the importance of defending forests, citing recent examples of forest land being grabbed for private development. The organization is part of a coalition of groups, including Laudato Si movement and (link unavailable), working to protect Kenya's forests.

Threats to Forests

Gakii highlights several instances of forest degradation, including:

- Karura Forest: Threatened by road expansion and private development

- Imensi Forest: Under threat from land grabbing

- Abadea Forest: Plans to construct a highway through the forest

- Swam Forest Threatened by plans to construct a border town

The Power of People

Sherry Gakii Commmunication Manager Green Peace (K) emphasizes the power of public pressure in protecting forests, citing a recent court decision to reject a proposal to take 51 acres of Karura Forest for road expansion. The organization is calling on Kenyans to join the fight to defend forests.

Call to Action

Greenpeace Kenya is calling on the government to:

- Protect Forests Take a stance to protect forests from degradation and private development

- Do the Right Thing Mandate the Kenya Forest Service to effectively protect forests

- Stand Up for Forests: Reject plans that threaten forest ecosystems

Faith Community Joins the Fight

The faith community is also joining the fight to protect forests, recognizing the importance of environmental conservation. Gakii emphasizes that the climate movement is for everybody and that everyone needs to join the fight to protect forests.

Government Inaction

Gakii criticizes the government for failing to protect forests, citing the Cabinet Secretary's silence on forest degradation. The organization calls on the government to take a stance and protect forests, rather than talking about planting trees while cutting them down.