The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) planted 2000 trees in degraded sites where the Sh2.1 billion Shimoni Fishing Port is being constructed in a bid to conserve the environment.
KPA Chairman Benjamin Tayari said the move is aimed at boosting the government’s efforts to plant 15 billion trees by 2032 to mitigate climate change.
Three degraded sites were identified by the local communities. Some 1,900 trees will be planted at the highly degraded Bahati landing site in Mwazaro Village. Shimoni and Kichaka-Mkwajuni Primary Schools will each have 50 baobab trees.
The Authority, the Chairman said, has plans to adopt other highly degraded sites by planting more mangrove trees at Wanga landing sites in Anziwani Village, Changai, and Kiwambale landing sites, respectively.
“These sites have open patches caused by ecological imbalances due to human activities and require continuous tree replenishment,” said the chairman, adding that they are keen on planting and saving trees because they play a vital role in the ecosystem.
The Chairman further revealed that the Authority has a full-fledged division handling environmental matters in all port facilities, guided by the KPA Green Port Policy.
The aim of the Green Port Policy, he said, is to make the Port of Mombasa a leading world port in the sound stewardship and management of the environment affected by port operations and to continuously improve the environment for both the community and staff.
The Authority, Chairman Tayari said, uses new technology and recyclable materials for all new construction and development to reduce its carbon footprint.
By Sadik Hassan
