Tropical rain forests are becoming increasingly fragmented. This not only threatens the species that depend on the forest but also communities living around these forests.

Our very own tropical rainforest, Kakamega Forest, is facing an imminent threat. Do not think, even for a second, you are safe just because you live in Nairobi or Mombasa or anywhere not near the forest. You may think you won’t feel the direct impacts of the forest’s degradation. With the aspect of distance brought forth, you now do not see the need for protecting this forest. Maybe you also think those leaving around the forest should be on the forefront of protecting it, or the government or whoever you choose to put the blame on should protect the forest.

Did you know, a single tree can keep a family of 4 breathing for 1 year?

In Al Gore’s words,

“…We are recklessly burning and clearing our forests and driving more and more species into extinction. The very web of life on which we depend is being ripped and frayed…”

Al Gore Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech 

Every living thing in an ecosystem is interrelated and interdependent. All this means is; every animal either eats plants directly or depends on other species for food, which in turn depend upon plants. There is a connection in all living things as every species has a role to play in this ecosystem. If one species disappears, it may have a far-reaching impact on other inhabitants of the same ecosystem. The effects imposed directly or indirectly may include loss of a food source, fewer materials for shelter, or lack of decomposition. For communities (human beings), the effects range from drought to floods, landslides, pollution and habitat destruction.

Kakamega forest is unique in its own way. Yes, all other forests have birds, insects, reptiles, trees (obviously) and mammals. So what’s so special about this particular forest? Kakamega forest ecosystem has endemic species (species only found in the forest). It’s an Important Bird Area with birds like Great blue turaco, Blue-headed Bee-eater, Turners Eremomela, Yellow-bellied Wattle-eye, African Shrike-flycatcher and Petits cuckoo-shrike which are unique to the forest. It stores vital medicinal plants and trees.

Who are we protecting the forest from?

Cartels who think they will eat money when the forest is gone. This is people in government or/and are well connected and rarely prosecuted in the way they extort natural resources illegally from the forest. This is mostly done in the form of illegal logging and charcoal burning of indigenous trees which are as old as 100 years.

‘Everything you are now will decompose after you die. Why so much pride? So much greed? So much evil? So much ego? For What?’ – David Wolfe

Why do we need the forest?

The earth is home to other species other than human beings. Be selfless.

Protecting the forests reduces the amount of carbon in the atmosphere since forests act as carbon sinks (carbon sequestration), reduces water shortage since forests are water towers, provide barriers against harsh weather like storms and floods.

We have medicinal plants from the forest which when well exploited by us (Kenyans) will be of benefit to the pharmaceutical industry.

Forests are mind healers. Don’t stress yourself over Wi-Fi. Go to the forest relax, unwind, and discover yourself.

Join the campaign on social media #SaveKakamegaForest. You can tweet, Facebook, Instagram, and write/blog about it. There is power in social media and it has a wider reach. Let’s use it positively. A while back, when there was speculation on Karura Forest’s Sigiria block was being grabbed, people aired their views and concerns on social media. The CS for Environment and Natural Resources, Prof Judi Wakhungu, joined the conversation. So, if you think people on the web are just ‘Keyboard Warriors’ and cannot make a difference, think again. Join the movement. #SaveKakamegaForest.

‘Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.’ – Dr. Seuss

Meanwhile, have you seen this resourceful short documentary; The Last Rainforest- Dilemma surrounding this forest and the impact of each voice?

Also, check out these photos courtesy of Miheso Israel from the heart of Kakamega Forest.

Cut down and burnt trees

A section of cut indigenous trees

Trees cut down

Cleared out section

More logged and burnt tree stalks

#SaveKakamegaForest