EU plans Sh2 billion climate change fund

The European Union is designing a €20 million (Sh2 billion) environmental conservation project to help Kenya address climate change.
The Water Tower Protection and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation programme targets the adverse effects of climate change, and seeks to address the root causes of depletion of water towers.

Climate change effects, including drought, flooding and frost, have had negative impact on Kenya’s agriculture, but have also helped to direct focus on saving key water towers like Mau Forest, Aberdares, and Mount Kenya.
EU programme manager for environment Thomas Yatich said the project covers areas like forest excisions and addresses other grey areas in conservation.

“The Kenyan economy is nature-based and so if you enhance the critical ecosystems, all sectors will benefit,” said Mr Yatich.

Major roles

The EU and the Danish government have provided a Sh2 billion fund for conservation projects in Kenya.

Out of 5,000 proposals from forest associations across the country, 97 have benefited from the programmes.

“There are 97 projects that have been approved and are being implemented by the community-based organisations,” said Mr Yatich.
The projects were vetted and funded through the Community Development Trust Fund (CDTF).

Communities in Ragati and Chehe forests in Mt Kenya also benefited from a Sh5.2 million ($65,000) funding from the European Union through the Food and Agriculture Organisation.

The funding was aimed at helping the communities to formulate forest management according to the Forest Act 2005.
The Act gives the communities living next to the forests major roles in conservation.

They have been allowed to use forest resources in line with their management plans.