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By Albert Mwangeka
Taita- Taveta County, Kenya: Taita Taveta County has launched the Forest Landscape Restoration Implementation Plan (FOLAREP), a bold initiative targeting the restoration of 226,420 hectares of degraded land. The launch coincided with the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, underscoring the country’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
The event was presided over by Salim Mvurya, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy & Sports, representing First Lady H.E. Rachel Ruto.
“We all have a patriotic duty to conserve the environment. Let’s unite as Kenyans to plant trees and help achieve the national 15 billion tree target. As we do so, we must embrace innovation to ensure tree planting supports food security,” Mvurya said during the celebrations in Mwatate.
H.E. Dr. Andrew Mwadime – Wakujaa, EGH, Governor of Taita Taveta County, emphasized the urgency of collective action.
“Today marks a pivotal moment as we unite to restore and protect degraded lands. We are honored that the National Government chose Taita Taveta to host this national event,” he stated.
Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, highlighted the dual benefits of tree planting:
“Beyond enhancing biodiversity, tree growing is a lucrative commercial venture that sustains livelihoods. Let us all embrace this practice.”
Why Restoration Matters
Funded by UK-PACT, FOLAREP is a collaborative effort involving CIFOR-ICRAF, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the African Wildlife Foundation. The plan provides a structured approach to restoring vast stretches of barren land.
Robina Abuya, Climate Change Portfolio Manager at the British High Commission, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment:
“The UK is proud to support Kenya’s climate resilience through the UK PACT program. This framework is a participatory, evidence-based blueprint—developed with government agencies, communities, and experts—to ensure inclusive, equitable, and sustainable restoration.”
Meshack Muga, National Project Coordinator for Kenya ASAL TRI (FAO-Kenya), stressed the plan’s alignment with global and national priorities:
“FOLAREP is an ambitious, participatory plan that aligns with Kenya’s development goals, the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, and FAO’s ‘4 Betters’ (Better Production, Nutrition, Environment, and Life). Let’s ensure it’s fully implemented, resourced, and sustained for lasting impact.”
In his closing remarks, Grantone Mwandawiro, CECM for Water, Sanitation, Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources, linked the initiative to this year’s theme:
*“‘Restore the Land: Unlocking Opportunities’ resonates with our mission to revive 226,420 hectares through FOLAREP. Additionally, our decade-long campaign urges every resident to plant at least 100 trees annually by 2032.”*
Tree growing plays a crucial role in cutting carbon emissions and combating climate change, positioning Taita Taveta as a benchmark county for nature-based solutions to land degradation.
