Partnership between donors, local communities and authorities has been singled out as best practice in bringing change in safeguarding the country’s natural resources and securing the future of our environment. The British High Commission (BHC), Climate Change Portfolio Manager Robina Abuya said pooling together will unlock the potential of our environment to improve livelihoods, enhance biodiversity and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Abuya made the remarks in a speech read on her behalf by Kenya UK PACT, Country Associate Portfolio Ann Kirugi at a hotel in Kiboko, Makindu Sub county Wednesday, where the County Environment Committee (CEC) is being sensitized in a two-day workshop, organized by the Centre for International Forestry Research (ICRAF). ‘As a funding institution, we firmly believe in the power of partnerships with local communities and authorities to drive the change in matters environment,’ said Abuya in the workshop that aims to strengthen the capacity for CEC members. The workshop is equally meant to enable the Makueni CEC effectively manage their environment, promote forest restoration and enhance landscape resilience. Abuya disclosed that the workshop provided a platform to learn from one another, share experiences, knowledge and create networks to address the environmental challenges that we face. On her part, Kirugi revealed that Kenya UK PACT through its strategic plan 2020-2025, remains committed to strengthening partnerships that will provide platform for integrated approach to address climate change actions. Kirugi further said they will focus on energy and nature based solutions to promote support for natural resource conservation and restoration efforts. ‘Through strategic collaboration like the one we have here today, between the county government of Makueni, ICRAF and UK PACT, we are delivering relevant capacity building and technical assistance that is adapted to the county priority and context,’ she said. She disclosed that they want to see accelerated decentralization process of forest governance, promotion of private investment in gazetted forest reserves for enhanced cover, as well as improved integrated land restoration and agricultural practices in the community level. On his part, Mavindini Ward representative Jonathan Kimongo urged Makueni residents to be at the forefront in growing trees in a bid to reduce the impact of climate change in the county. Kimongo who is also a member the Committee on Climate Change at the Makueni Assembly, opened the workshop officially on behalf of the County Executive for Urban Planning and Environment Dr. Sonia Nzilani. Also present at the forum was ICRAF Kenya Director Prof. Catherine Muthuri and NEMA Director Research Dr. Charles Lange among other county government officials.
Source: Kenya News Agency