Kuria, Geoffrey Njuguna

After attaining a Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Wood Science and Technology in 2004, I joined paper recycling industry which makes a great contribution in saving approximately 17 mature trees for every ton of recycled waste paper. Trees which would have been cut to meet paper demand for stationery, printing and sanitary uses.During the course of my work, I found that there was a lapse in collection of waste paper since most of existing firms had put their concentration in printing industries and large institutions which produce waste paper in large quantities. I therefore left formal work in 2009 and started working with small groups and individuals in collection of waste paper through X-print Waste Paper Handlers. We have a target of raising recycling rate among all the sectors in Kenya from the current 20 percent to 60 percent by year 2015. My previous attachment with Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MENR)at Menengai forest station-Nakuru in 2002 gave me an insight on the wanting state of Kenyan forest cover. I felt an obligation to help increase, and conserve the existing tree cover in forests, farms and towns. I believe in the saying that "conservation somewhere leads to conservation everywhere". A calling that I will live and advocate for all my life.