Restoration and conservation of Chepalungu Forest remain a top priority for both the national and county governments as global efforts intensify to combat the effects of climate change.
Bomet County is taking significant steps toward preserving this vital ecosystem, with plans to establish a Chepalungu Wildlife Sanctuary to support ecotourism and biodiversity conservation.
In a statement from the office of Governor Hillary Barchok, it was noted that the county government is working closely with the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, various NGOs, the private sector, and other government agencies.
The initiative aims to introduce wildlife to Chepalungu Forest soon, enhancing the region’s tourism potential and fostering environmental sustainability.
“The restoration of Chepalungu Forest and the establishment of a wildlife sanctuary are crucial for both the conservation of our rich biodiversity and the growth of ecotourism in Bomet. My administration is committed to working alongside our national counterparts, conservationists, and local stakeholders to achieve these goals,” read part of the statement from Governor Barchok’s office.
To advance this conservation agenda, the county government has been engaging with key players in the field of wildlife conservation.
This includes a team from the State Department of Wildlife, led by Conservation Secretary Dr. John Chumo, and senior officials from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
Dr. Chumo and the KWS team were in Bomet for discussions on preserving both the flora and fauna of the Chepalungu Forest ecosystem.
The goal is to unlock the tourism potential of the area, which holds immense promise for sustainable development.
“We are excited about the progress made in our partnership with the county government. Today, we took an important step forward by assessing the Chepalungu ecosystem. Our collective efforts will bring us closer to realizing the vision of a thriving wildlife sanctuary that will not only protect the environment but also create opportunities for economic growth through ecotourism,” said Dr. John Chumo, Conservation Secretary.
The delegation visited the Chepalungu ecosystem to assess its conservation potential. The visit was seen as a positive step toward achieving the shared conservation and tourism goals for the county.
By Lamech Willy.A
