Duale Calls for Urgent Action to Curb Environmental Degradation in Refugee Camps
He stressed that without urgent intervention, the environmental consequences would worsen, further destabilizing the fragile ecosystem in ASAL regions.
Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry. Photo/Aden dUALE.
By Robert Mutasi
In an ongoing effort to combat environmental degradation, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, Aden Duale, continues to push for decisive action in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) and refugee camps.
Following his recent meeting with UNHCR Kenya Country Director, Buren Caroline, Duale emphasized the need for alternative fuel sources to preserve the environment in refugee camps, where over-reliance on wood fuel has resulted in significant damage.
In a statement made, Duale highlighted the increasing degradation caused by excessive wood harvesting in these areas.
He stressed that without urgent intervention, the environmental consequences would worsen, further destabilizing the fragile ecosystem in ASAL regions.
“We discussed efforts to restore tree cover in areas affected by excessive wood harvesting. The Ministry is taking proactive measures to ensure that the degradation is urgently stopped to pave the way for full restoration of the fragile ASAL ecosystem,” said Duale.
The Cabinet Secretary met with elders from Wajir County, led by Wajir South MP, Hon. Adow Aden Mohammed, to address the concerns of local communities and strengthen collaborative efforts aimed at environmental restoration.
The talks centered on restoring tree cover, a critical component in reversing the damage caused by deforestation and other unsustainable practices in the region.
Wajir, a county located in Kenya’s northeastern region, is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change due to its predominantly arid environment.
Over the years, the region has faced severe degradation due to deforestation, which has worsened the impacts of droughts and food insecurity.
Duale’s meeting with the Wajir leadership underscores the Ministry’s commitment to partnering with local communities in finding long-term solutions.
As part of a larger initiative to promote sustainable practices, the Ministry of Environment is advocating for alternative fuel sources to replace wood fuel, which has been heavily used in both ASAL regions and refugee camps.
The move is expected to reduce the strain on the environment while improving energy access for communities that have historically depended on wood for cooking and heating.
Duale reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to restoring Kenya’s ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of involving local communities in the conservation process.
He concluded by noting that the restoration of tree cover and the adoption of sustainable energy practices would be key in safeguarding the environment for future generations.
About Author
