Kenya launches portal on forest cover, pledges action against illegal loggers

The Kenyan government in partnership with a local conservation lobby has launched an electronic portal detailing the geographical spread of forest ecosystems.

Senior officials and conservationists said the portal will help disseminate accurate information on forest cover to end users like policymakers, researchers and communities.

The Deputy Director in charge of corporate services at Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Lucy Kiboi said an electronic inventory on forests will strengthen their prudent use by communities and industry.

"An online portal on forests will help bridge knowledge and information gaps that have often derailed their sustainable management," said Kiboi adding that participatory forestry management is key to realize sustainable development.

Kenya Forest Service partnered with East African Wildlife Society (EAWLS) to conduct a comprehensive survey of Kenyan forests that culminated in the launch of the electronic portal.

Kiboi said the one stop digital platform contains accurate information on the state of forests in Kenya.

"Stakeholders will update information contained in the electronic forests portal on a regular basis. It will inform policymakers on the evolving dynamics in forestry management," said Kiboi.

Kenya's forest cover stood at 6.9 percent by 2015 and there are concerted efforts by the government to expand it and reach the UN target of 10 percent.

Kiboi noted that Kenya's forest ecosystem is grappling with grave threats linked to population pressure, climate change and uncoordinated conservation practices.

"Our forest cover has either been shrinking or stagnant for a long time due to human actions and it is high time we reviewed policy and regulatory regime governing their management," remarked Kiboi.

She added that Kenya has prioritized conservation of its mountain rainforests, savannah woodlands and coastal mangroves in a bid to catalyze low carbon development.

The launch of an electronic portal containing information on Kenya's forest resources will boost transparency in their utilization by communities and timber industry.

The Director of East African Wildlife Society, Julius Kamau said timely access to forest related information will help eliminate malpractices that undermine management of the resource.

"Access to and provision of high quality forest related information is crucial for sustainable management of the resource. It will be in the long-run improve forest governance in Kenya," Kamau said. Endit