The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry has announced the suspension of exports of raw veneer materials, a decision that takes effect immediately.
And following the directive, the Ministry further directed the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) not to issue any ‘No Objection Letter’ for export.
In a press statement, the Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Aden Duale maintained that this suspension is a resolute measure in support of the National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Strategy.
Duale noted that this strategy, which aims to restore 10.6 million hectares of degraded landscapes by planting 15 billion trees, is a testament to the Government’s unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability.
‘Recent reports have highlighted the premature harvesting of immature trees on farmlands, a practice that threatens the success of the Government’s reforestation efforts,’ he observed.
The CS added that by halting the export of raw veneer, the Government intends
to curb this practice, ensuring trees are allowed to mature and contribute effectively to the national restoration goals.
Notably, Duale reiterated that the Government’s commitment to achieving the ambitious 30 percent tree cover is unwavering.
He re-affirmed that the suspension is necessary to safeguard Kenya’s environmental future and should inspire all stakeholders to join the Government in this crucial endeavor.
Meanwhile Duale revealed that the US Government is keen on supporting the seed and seedling propagation components of Kenya’s 15 billion National Tree Growing Programme that seeks to raise the country’s tree cover to 30 percent by the year 2032, both as a livelihood and climate action.
Duale said that USAID is committed to support the Ministry in laying the groundwork for a robust and effective carbon market in line with the amended Climate Change Act and the carbon markets regulations.
Source: Kenya News Agency