Nairobi: Turkana County joined the global community in commemorating the International Day of Forests at RCEA Korinyang' Secondary School in Katilu, Aroo Sub-County. Celebrated annually on March 21st, this year's theme, 'Forests and Food,' underscores the essential role forests play in food security, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.
According to Kenya News Agency, speaking on behalf of the County Executive for Tourism, Culture, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, Director of Environment Phoebe Ekali emphasized the importance of forests in an Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) region like Turkana. 'Beyond providing shade, forests serve as sources of food, medicine, clean air, and water, all of which contribute to the county's resilience against climate change and desertification,' she said.
Ekali reaffirmed the county's commitment to conserving natural resources, as outlined in the Governor's sixth agenda, which prioritizes sustainable land, mineral, and resource management. She urged local communities to avoid deforestation and charcoal burning, practices that exacerbate environmental degradation and hinder climate adaptation efforts.
Acting Director of Natural Resources, Pauline Pusiye, shared the county's strategy to increase forest cover through artificial forests and indigenous tree planting initiatives. 'Tree nurseries have been established to promote afforestation, creating direct benefits such as employment opportunities, food security, and improved water supply,' she explained.
The county has planted 5,000 indigenous and fruit trees across all 30 wards as part of its reforestation efforts. Director of Climate Change, George Emase, highlighted the county's Financial Locally-Led Climate Action (FLoCCA) projects. He reported the implementation of 33 climate resilience projects, including borehole drilling initiatives in Turkana South and Aroo sub-counties, such as in Nabeye, Namakat, and Kakaali.
Senior county administration officials and department officers were also in attendance at the event that brought together key stakeholders, including the Kenya Forestry Research Institute, National Environment Management Authority, Kenya Forest Service, Kerio Valley Development Authority, Kenya Wildlife Service, Water Resources Management Authority, BOMA Kenya, and the Kenya Red Cross Society.