Rob Macaire

UK and Kenya - Karura mission

One of the things that strikes people who come to live in Kenya is the high level of environmental awareness, and nowhere more so than on the issue of forests.  So although the current ongoing destruction of the Mau Forest is absolutely tragic (I've seen the smoke rising from it myself), on the other hand there is a huge lobby of concern, and it is encouraging to hear that the Government has made it a priority to reverse the situation, and save that vital watertower.   I know that the land ownership and usage arguments are complex and sensitive, but I have been impressed that there seems to be political support across the spectrum for urgent action.
 
But today I wanted to write about the Karura Forest - much smaller than Kenya's major watertowers, but for those of us in Nairobi, an extraordinary natural asset, right on our doorsteps (someone told me it is the largest indigenous forest inside an urban area anywhere in the world).   It was famously saved from encroachement/development by some extrordinarily courageous campaigning by Wangari Mathaai and her Green Belt Movement.  Yet tragically, hardly anyone goes there because of its security reputation.   So I was delighted to hear that the Kenya Forest Service, along with local community leaders and other stakeholders, have a plan to open it up as an educational and recreational amenity, by making it safe and secure for all.   That's why I and my family will be going along to the open day celebrating the opening up of a Family Trail through the forest (Saturday 16 May, 10.00 at Old Kiambu Road entrance to the forest).   My wife Alice is a great fan of the forest, pointing out that it's one of the most beautiful places around (50 foot waterfalls, sacred caves, a huge variety of plants and animals), and we're keen to help support those who have the interest of the forest at heart.   I can imagine a great future for it as a place where schoolchildren come every day to learn about local history and nature; where local people can get some respite from the pressures of city life; where dead wood can be gathered for fuel for local communties; and where leisure activities bring in a sustainable income to keep the forest safe for future generations.   Well done to those who are working to make this happen!
 
Rob

Posted at 10:38 15 May 2009 by Rob Macaire  |  Comments[2]