Protect the Ecosystem by Increasing Tree Cover
By Christine Robby, BSc MSc (candidate) Environment Studies
I consider myself a young Kenyan dedicated to a critical mission: to encourage positive change by modelling, advocating and motivating others in the pursuit of environmental sustainability in their school, work, living communities and beyond. This article is based on academic research and study, and through observations made in the field.
The Kenyan ecosystem is rapidly changing due to environmental shifts in rainfall and severe changes in climatic conditions. There needs to be immediate and decisive actions made to protect the land by increasing ground and tree cover. Failure to do so will result in migrations of people, and a new group of economic and environmental refugees in rural Kenya seeking to live elsewhere.
Rivers and Streams Drying Up
The interaction of vegetation with the groundwater is one of the key mechanisms affecting the ecosystem in Kenya. The water table is directly linked with the survival of vegetation cover and all other existing species (both living and non-living). The more we reduce vegetation cover, the more the quality and quantity of water decreases. This means the lifespan of all individuals, all animals and plants are at a greater risk.
People are largely driven by their own self-interest of material gain. In the process, and in the name of development, they are inadvertently damaging their environment. There are many examples across Kenya where people have replaced trees near water banks with eucalyptus trees, native to Australia. These have deep roots that suck up water, thereby lowering or even removing the water table. Trees have been planted for commercial reasons and threaten biodiversity. This has led to disastrous effects where in Kenya many large rivers such as the Mara River in Narok County have started to dry up.
The fast-growing eucalyptus trees will within a decade be cut for firewood and producing charcoal for heating and cooking. It is one thing for people to be financially stable, but not in this manner, where it will compromise future generations. As farmers begin to understand the serious nature of the depletion of groundwater, they are replacing these with avocado trees, which contribute to the environment and create a larger source of income for the farmers.
A Critical Time for Action
Recently I have been working as a field assistant at two different projects: effects of scaring birds at Mwea, Kenya; and the response of big mammals upon scaring, using different sounds in Njukiri Forest Embu, Kenya. The main challenge is the intensity of heat from the sun, where even animal and birds have come into conflict with human beings. Though the data is easy to collect, as an environmental ambassador it is upsetting to realize it is our daily routines that cause this. I have witnessed previously agriculturally productive zones like western parts of Kenya, slowly becoming unproductive. Because of a recent three-year drought, we are now experiencing delayed rainfall and increased hunger in both people and livestock. Areas such as Embu near Mt Kenya, have started to experience water shortages. It is a critical time for Kenya as a nation to take action.
If You Cut - You Must Replace
Hotspots for tourist attraction like Samburu, Masai Mara, Isiolo and Tsavo have experienced a large number of deaths of wildlife. People have been forced to move and in many cases have become environmental refugees in their own country. Growth of plants and the health of all life on earth depends on the availability of plenty water. We can only increase water levels by increasing vegetation cover along water sources.
Most people think it’s the responsibility of organizations that deal with environment (NEMA, KWS, KFS), to plant trees and protect animals. They forget they themselves play a key role. We cannot wait for organizations to increase tree cover; what we do at a personal level matters the most. In the words of the late Professor Wangari Mathai, “Trees are life, and if it’s compulsory for you cut trees, then replace them.”
Reforestation - Planting the Right Trees
As an individual I am participating in community work in planting trees; I am encouraging others, helping them to gain insights why it’s important to plant trees. Last month I had the privilege of joining the ISEC group to plant trees at Kangaru D.E.B Primary School. Grevillea tree species were preferred as they can be integrated with agriculture, and they have no devastating effects. We managed to plant 300 trees, all bought with our own money. This is commendable as the children were also involved in the exercise. I believe it’s a great seed we have sowed in their life that will bear fruit. Together with University of Embu Environmental Club during Good Friday 2023, we planted more trees in Njukiri Forest. The trees were provided by Kenya Forest Service Embu.
I am certain that if our available environmental bodies take more action, that communities are ready to provide full support in terms of labour. It’s also important that the communities are advised on which type of trees to plant. Most people adhere to planting trees, but end up planting the wrong species, which costs all of us.
Our Mission - Next Steps
As much as we all have other business to attend to, let’s make a sacrifice for the next generation. As I write this, it’s the rainy season. Let every one of us have a goal of taking advantage of it by planting more trees. This will help balance our diminishing water table and ecosystem in general.
More experts are needed at local levels to give proper guidance, and by educating farmers on environmental integration and types of crops to plant. I believe the future will have no mercy on our planet. It is us who need to change what we do, by acting to protect the ecosystem and specifically by increasing vegetation and ground cover. This will save our generation from the great tragedy projected. Let the slogan be, “Protect the Ecosystem by Increasing Tree Cover!
Christine Robby - Passionate Advocate for the Environment.
10th April, 2023.
Kakamega, Kenya.
