This archive report was first published on 11 September 2019.
Published on September 11, 2019, by Mercy Njane, a conservation expert, highlights the importance of evictions in saving the Mau Forest.
The Mau Forest, a vital water catchment area, has been under threat due to human encroachment and poor agricultural practices. The forest's ecosystem benefits, including soil erosion control, carbon sequestration, and microclimate regulation, are crucial for the country's environment and wildlife.
However, the eviction of squatters from the forest has sparked mixed reactions, with some politicians arguing that it will negatively impact the social wellbeing of those being evicted. They claim that the occupants of a part of Mau should be spared as it is not a forest.
But conservation experts argue that the eviction is necessary to conserve the forest and its ecosystem services. The Maasai Mau, the most-threatened block in the complex, is home to numerous biodiversity and provides essential water catchment services.
Evicting the squatters and rehabilitating the forest is the first step towards restoring the water tower and increasing the country's tree cover. It will ensure that the rivers and springs from the forest are recharged, increasing their volumes.
Conservation experts emphasize that the time to save the Mau is now, and that action should be taken against those who sold the land to unsuspecting Kenyans. They also call for awareness on forests and their role in combating climate change, as well as the implementation of policies and legislations on conservation.
