As an environmental specialist and enthusiast, I always look forward to getting my monthly ration of the Green Agenda serving. Therefore, allow me to give my two-cents on this exceptional subject that not only butters my bread but also allows me to be a partaker in the global stance on environmental conservation. It has been proven time and again that man is the single biggest threat to the environment. Evidence suggests that life on Earth has existed for about 3.7 billion years. This, by and large means we need to co-exist with other life forms including Mother Nature. The natural environment encompasses all living and non-living things occurring naturally on Earth. It is an environment that encompasses the interaction of all living species. The natural environment is contrasted with the built environment, which comprises the areas and components that are strongly influenced by humans.

Borrowing from Paul Odoto’s article on the Mau Forest complex as chronicled in your June issue, extensive areas of the Mau forest have been felled and heavily degraded. This loss is endangering a range of businesses, development initiatives and biologically important sites. The good news though is that all is not lost and I was happy to read that a joint multi-million project by the European Union, UNEP and Kenyan Government is underway to assist in the restoration of the north western part of the Mau forest complex.

Mau Forest Complex is an ecosystem providing homeland to countless communities and a wide range of biodiversity. Over the last decade, the highland forests of the Mau Complex have been heavily impacted by tree cutting; forest excisions and new settlements . Protecting and restoring the Mau Forest Complex will not only save the biodiversity but will also protect and promote future posterity.

Certainly good news!

Dr. Kihato Ririma, Environmental Scientist