NAIROBI, Kenya – Today, the world unites to celebrate World Environment Day, a crucial international day led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) since 1973. This annual event has evolved into the largest global platform for environmental advocacy, driving awareness and action for the planet’s protection.
As we confront the intensifying climate crisis, this year’s theme emphasises accelerating efforts in land restoration, combating desertification, and enhancing drought resilience. These efforts are pivotal to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15: Life on Land. The slogan “Our land. Our future. We are #GenerationRestoration,” holds special significance, particularly for Kenya, a nation grappling with significant environmental challenges.
Accelerating Land Restoration
Land restoration stands at the heart of this year’s theme. It involves halting and reversing land degradation through practices such as reforestation and soil conservation. For Kenya, where deforestation and soil erosion have significantly impacted biodiversity and agricultural productivity, these efforts are crucial.
Implementing sustainable land management practices and adopting agroforestry systems can dramatically restore soil health and productivity. In critical areas like the Mau Forest and the Aberdare Range, reforestation is vital for rejuvenating water catchment zones, essential for the country’s water supply and agricultural sustainability.
Lastly, healthy soils act as climate change superheroes—they serve as carbon sinks absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and mitigating climate change.
Combating Desertification
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. Desertification, the gradual transformation of fertile land into desert, is driven by deforestation and poor agricultural practices. For Kenya, where arid and semi-arid lands already constitute over 80% of the country, this issue is urgent.
The impacts of desertification are severe, leading to biodiversity loss, food insecurity, and reduced water availability. These effects are already visible in regions like Turkana and Marsabit, where communities endure harsh living conditions. To counter this, Kenya must promote reforestation, preserve vegetation cover, and adopt sustainable farming practices.
Building Drought Resilience
Drought resilience is another critical focus. It aims to equip communities with the tools to predict, manage, and mitigate drought impacts. With Kenya experiencing recurrent droughts, particularly in the North Eastern regions, building drought resilience is essential for food security and community stability.
Implementing drought monitoring and early warning systems can help communities prepare for and respond to drought conditions more effectively. Addressing drought vulnerability through sustainable agricultural practices and diversifying livelihoods can reduce the severe impacts of droughts. Projects such as water harvesting and conservation agriculture are invaluable in drought-prone areas.
Conclusion
As Kenya marks World Environment Day, the themes of land restoration, combating desertification, and enhancing drought resilience emerge not only as global concerns but as urgent local imperatives. The slogan highlights our collective responsibility and the pressing need for action. By embracing sustainable practices and enhancing community resilience, Kenya can ensure a healthier, more sustainable future.
On this World Environment Day, let’s remember that our actions today will shape the environment we leave for future generations. Restoring our land and building resilience against desertification and drought are not just environmental objectives but pathways to a prosperous and sustainable future for Kenya. Let’s rise to the challenge and become the generation that restores and safeguards our land.
The Writer, Christine Wainaina is a lawyer working at ICJ Kenya.
