The United Nations Environment Programme said that Kenya is in danger of losing an economic asset worth around $300 million: the Mau Forest. The country's largest forest ecosystem brings in revenue and resources through tea, tourism, agriculture, water and energy, but has been imperiled by deforestation. Prime Minister Raila Odinga said, "The excisions and the widespread encroachments have led to the destruction of nearly a quarter the Mau Complex area over the last 15 years. Such an extensive and on-going destruction of a key natural asset for the country is nothing less than a national emergency."
In addition to establishing a task force to combat the illegal logging and charcoal industries, President Mwai Kibaki has asked the Japanese government -- which is currently funding the area's Sondu Miriu hydro power station -- to consider also financing the Ol-Karia IV Geo thermal project.
GET INFORMED
- Read "Protecting Mau Forest in Kenya's Economic Interest" (Environmental News Network, July 18, 2008)
- Read "Kenya: Government Will Safeguard Mau Forest" (AllAfrica.com, July 18, 2008)
- Donate to help Mau forest conservation
- Sign the International Friends of Kenya petition to stop Kenya's proposed forest excisions
- Protect an acre of forest for $15 to combat climate change
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