COUNTY MARKS WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2021
Senior officers from the Ministry of Water, Environment and Natural Resources led by the County Executive Member Mr. Kulati Wangia Friday led other important stakeholders in marking the 2021 World Environment Day at the Bunyala forest in Navakholo Sub-county where 3000 tree seedlings were planted.
World Environment Day (WED) was established in 1972 by the United Nations at the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. It was as a result of discussions on the integration of human interactions and the environment.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Kulati said the important day on the calendar of environmentalists is marked on 5th of every June but it was pushed forward by a day because it fell on a weekend.
“A total 300,000 trees are expected to be planted in the course of this year to improve the forest cover in the County; This will assist in preventing adverse climatic changes and regulating global warming,” Mr. Kulati said adding that there is need for restoration of the forest.
“Bunyala forest has experienced a form of degradation since the density of tree is lower the expected per hectare and this can be attributed to to both anthropogenic as well as climatic changes,” noted Mr. Wangia.
The CECM hailed all the partners particularly Women in Water and Natural Resource Conservation for their efforts in the restoration and rehabilitation of Bunyala forest.
Chief Officer for Environment Mr. Palapala Muteshi noted that forests are mega assets any community can posses and urged the residents to take good care of nature. He also advised the people to embrace organic farming and conserve water bodies.
The Chief Officer for Water Eng. Joseck Maloba reminded residents on the importance of peacefully co-existing with the forest to their own advantage.
The National event was hosted by Garissa County under the global theme “Ecosystem Restoration” and the slogan being “Act Now, Restore Nature and Livelihoods.
In attendance were Members of County Assembly led by host MCA Hon. Samba Wanjofu, Director Environment Mr. Anthony Munanga among other Officers.