Kenya Forest Service launched Participatory Forest Management Plans and signed Forest Management Agreements for Community Forest Associations in Ngaya, Nyambene and Ruthumbi Forest Stations in Meru County.
Beatrice Mbula, the Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests Natural Forest Conservation, led the launching ceremony. During her speech, she highlighted the opportunities the communities stand to benefit from non extractive uses of the forest. She noted that PFMPs put communities at the heart of conservation efforts by giving them a stake in protecting natural resources.
Greenzones Development Support Project Phase II, as one of the sponsors,aided in facilitating the development of the PFMPs. In Ruthumbi, Greenzones has supported Githura Biodiversity group with a Trout Fish farming project as an income generating activity while they take part in conservation activities.
Some of the partners present during the launch were Mount Kenya Trust, Eden Restoration, Institute for Culture and Ecology and ITF. The CECs Meru County Government, Greenzones Project Manager Jerome Mwanzia, Deputy County Commissioner, Sub County security team and Other KFS officials were present.
