State Department for Tourism Principal Secretary Zeinab Hussein, Saturday led students, environmental activists and government officials in planting 300 trees at the iconic Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mombasa County.
Hussein said her Ministry will continue to put in more efforts to increase forest cover in Mombasa with a view of making it more eco-friendly to domestic and international visitors.
The PS lauded the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Aga Khan Foundation and Environment Trust of Kenya and Kenya Forest Services (KFS) for partnering with the Mama Ngina Waterfront Management to plant indigenous and scented trees to buffer strips within the waterfront.
“I am excited to be joined by individuals from all over Mombasa County to participate in this environmental restoration activity we are having today. Greenery efforts of this historic recreational park will ensure a clean, green and accessible space for Mombasa residents and beyond,” she added.
Hussein observed the FAO led Green Cities Initiative dubbed “Go Green Mombasa” geared towards increasing forest cover in the Coast city compliments the national government efforts to attain Sustainable Development Goals and enhancing the county’s carbon sinks.
The FAO-led initiative focuses on improving the urban environment, strengthening urban-rural linkages and the resilience of urban food systems to external shocks, while ensuring access to a healthy environment from sustainable agri-food systems, and increasing availability of green spaces through urban forestry and urban agriculture.
This initiative which is designed to address urban challenges – urbanization, agri-food systems limits and climate change is expected to improve people’s wellbeing through increased availability of and access to products and services from agriculture and sustainable food systems.
The PS said her ministry will partner with key stakeholders towards improving forest cover for sustainable economic development and the country’s livelihoods.
“Our involvement with the young and old, public and private sectors in such initiatives will also inculcate Green Values that primarily focus on the impact individuals and industries have on the environment,” added Hussein.
Environment Trust of Kenya Trustee, Reyhab Nderu said the enhanced tree planting activities are geared towards improving livelihoods and addressing urban challenges including urbanization, agri-food systems and climate change.
Nderu further stated that besides forestation, they were also involved in harnessing the capacity of women and youth to take part in efforts to boost food security in Mombasa through kitchen garden projects.
“The FAO green cities initiative is about increasing urban forest cover and enhancing the capacity of youth and women to contribute towards food security through urban farming and school model farms to inculcate the practice among future generations,” she added.
Besides, Mombasa, Kisumu and Nairobi cities in Kenya are among the 12 African cities participating in the pilot phase of the FAO led initiative in the continent intended to support the national and county governments as well as other government agencies to enable an effective policy environment.
Mama Ngina Water Front National Coordinator Ali Noor also commended FAO, Aga Khan Foundation and Environment Trust of Kenya for their efforts in scaling up the green eco system around the iconic leisure site.
“This is an old Swahili settlement where three communities lived many centuries ago and we are here today to preserve it better by planting trees to make the atmosphere around friendlier to visitors,” added Noor.
Kenya Forest Service Head of Conservation, Andrew Soi said they will continue to partner with key stakeholders to increase tree planting efforts in the region.
Soi said his agency has 16 million seedlings to be planted once it starts raining, adding that human activities including rural urban migration and development along the coastline has eroded mangrove cover and marine environment.
“We are working with multi-agency and other stakeholders in raising awareness among our people on the need to protect, conserve and preserve our environment,” he added.
By Galgalo Bocha
