Mt. Kenya's Gathiuru Forest: Hope for a secure future through community participation

Kenya's forests contribute significantly to the national economy, and provide indirect benefits to the country as water catchments. Forests also conserve water and soil, act as carbon sink and serve as reservoirs for biological diversity. For these reasons, Kenya's forests should be protected to ensure the survival of Kenyans and that of their future generations.
Management of forests in Kenya has been undertaken by the government with minimal involvement of local communities. The result of this near exclusive government involvement is clearly seen in the condition of the country's forests today which have been reduced from a once beautiful green belt to a few isolated patches.
Many organizations including Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) have called for a change in the forest policy to reduce the destruction of forests through improved management practices. Scientists in Natural Forests Research Programme in KEFRI have been working in collaboration with Indiana University's International Forestry Resources and Institutions (IFRI) research programme to advocate for policy change that would lead to sustainable forest management in participating countries.