Bungoma County residents have been urged to plant trees in large numbers in order to conserve the environment and contain the climate changes.
Speaking during the celebrations to mark the World Environment Day at Sitabicha Water Pan in Siboti ward, Bumula Sub County, the County Water, Environment, Climate Change and Natural resources CECM Dr.Andrew Wamalwa stated that Bungoma County plans to plant 18 million trees to conserve the environment.
The Sitabicha Water Pan which was implemented under Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLLOCA) programme demonstrates how local solutions can address climate challenges while improving livelihoods.
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has been championing to reduce climate change in the county through welcoming partners to invest in climate resilience projects.
Celebrated under the theme: ‘A Global call to Climate Action’ the event underscored the need to find a solution to climate changes.
He said that climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity today.
“Across the World, communities are experiencing prolonged droughts, floods, declining agricultural productivity, loss of biodiversity and increasing pressure on natural resources,” he said.
This impact, call for urgent and collective action to build resilience and safeguard our future.
He pointed out that the integration of agriculture, environment, energy and livelihoods is critical in addressing climate change.
The CECM said that Agriculture remains the backbone of our economy and the primary source of income for many households, however, it is also highly vulnerable to Climate variability.
Wamalwa emphasized that environmental conversation remains a key pillar of climate action.
“Healthy ecosystem provide clean water, fertile souls and biodiversity that support agriculture and livelihoods. As a County, we remain committed to promoting tree growing, protecting water catchment areas, restoring degraded landscapes and encouraging sustainable land management practices.
His sentiments were echoed by Environment, Climate Change and Natural resources Chief Officer Nicholas Kiboi who called on the residents to protect the environment.
“As a County we remain committed to strengthening environmental conservation and climate resilience through tree planting initiatives,” said Kiboi
Partners present included NEMA, Kenya Forest Service, Equity Bank among others.
