By Matilda Atieno
Kisumu, known for its vibrant lake and bustling urban life, is now turning its focus to its green heart. The Forestry Society of Kenya (FSK), a professional body of forestry experts, recently held a crucial event in the city, sparking a new conversation on sustainable forestry that goes beyond tree planting to include communities as key partners.
The dialogue, led by CECM Judith, the County Executive for Water, Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources, and Director Ken, highlighted the urgent need for action. CECM Judith’s message was clear: Kisumu must not only increase its tree cover and develop robust forestry management frameworks but also actively empower its communities to become custodians of these vital resources. This is about aligning local efforts with ambitious national and global restoration targets.
The meeting also highlighted a groundbreaking initiative designed to fuel this green revolution: the Africa Champion of Trees (ACT) Awards. Launched by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) in partnership with Blue Focus Africa, these awards aim to recognize and celebrate individuals on the front lines of forest conservation. With up to Ksh. 5 million up for grabs for winners in selected categories, the awards offer a powerful incentive to scale up tree-planting and conservation projects across Kenya. Applications for the 2025 awards are now open, providing a unique opportunity for individuals, groups, and institutions to get the support they need to make a lasting impact.
Through this engagement, Kisumu County reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with FSK, stakeholders, and local communities. The goal is to accelerate forest restoration, build climate resilience, and ensure sustainable resource management for future generations.
By embracing a bold new vision for environmental stewardship through a holistic approach that places communities at the heart of forest conservation and fosters collaboration between the Forestry Society of Kenya, local stakeholders, and communities, the County Government is charting a path toward climate resilience, sustainable resource use, and a greener legacy for generations to come.