FOREST CONSERVATION
K-BIAN has lined up programs to conserve the Kakamega Forest Ecosystem through activities like tree planting and reforestation, community engagement, research and monitoring, and sustainable resource management to protect the forest ecosystem. The strategies and relevant activities include:-
Forest Restoration and Management
Tree Planting and Reforestation: The organization is working with Kenya Forest Service to access sections of the Kakamega Forest Ecosystem that have degraded landscapes for restoration with the aim of enhancing ecological functionality, biodiversity, and ecosystem services through planting trees, reintroducing native species, improving soil health, and implementing protective measures to prevent further degradation.
Forest Adoption: K-BIAN through the authority of KFS is working to access sections of the Kakamega Forest Ecosystem for purposes of adoption thereby taking on the responsibility for the specific area of the forest allocated with activities among others tree planting, protecting the area from encroachment, managing the resources in the area and implementing rehabilitation strategies.
Agro-forestry: K-BIAN in collaboration with educational institutions is promoting the integration of trees into farms to support biodiversity, soil health, and water resources thereby addressing climate change by sequestering carbon and improving resilience to climate shocks.
Pest and Disease Control: The organization has strategized to work closely with KFS to support monitoring and control of forest pests and diseases to protect the health of the trees.
Community Engagement and Livelihoods
Community-Based Forest Management: The organization has endeavored to involve local communities in forest management decisions and activities.
Livelihood Improvement: The organization has prioritized supporting sustainable livelihoods that depend on forest resources, such as beekeeping, non-timber forest product collection, and ecotourism.
Capacity Building: K-BIAN has been providing training and resources to local communities to enable them to participate effectively in forest conservation.
Environmental Education: The programming of the organization recognizes continuous raising of awareness about the importance of forests and promoting responsible forest use among the community and other stakeholders.
Research and Monitoring
Forest Monitoring : In collaboration with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) the organization supports the monitoring of forest health, biodiversity, and carbon stocks to assess the effectiveness of conservation efforts.
Research on Forest Ecosystems: In collaboration with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) and partners, K-BIAN supports research to better understand forest ecosystems and the impacts of human activities.
Data Collection and Analysis: In collaboration with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and partners, the organization participates in the collection and analysis of data on forest resources and conservation activities to inform decision-making.
