Kenya: The Dakatcha Forest is rescued
The Sokoke Scops Owl can stay in the Dakatcha-Forest
Feb 28, 2012
"Thank you for your support in the campaign. Nature Kenya is so glad to see that all our combined efforts have born fruits.", wrote Serah of the Kenyan environmental organisation Nature Kenya.
"Thank you for your support in the campaign. Nature Kenya is so glad to see that all our combined efforts have born fruits.", wrote Serah of the Kenyan environmental organisation Nature Kenya.
The national environmental board of Kenya (NEMA) has prohibited the building of a jatropha planation. The decision was already made on September 22, 2011, but it is only now that environmental organisations and affected farmers have been informed. NEMA substantiates its decision by pointing out that the project is neither economical nor efficient, and that the land belongs to small farmers, whose agriculture would be forced out by the plantation. The explanation of NEMA concludes with the following statement: „The jatropha project does not guarantee for a sustainable development in the region.“
Dakatcha is species-rich and located in south-east Kenya. The tropical dry forests and savannahs of the region serve as a habitat for elephant herds and are home to eleven endangered animal species. The Italian company Nuove Iniziative Industrali had planned to produce jatropha oil as agrofuel for the European market.
In July 2011, Rainforest Rescue collected 17.261 signatures in order to save the Dakatcha forest. Thank you for your support.