Residents of Gatundu North sub County have been urged to protect their natural environment in a bid to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change.
Matin Kimani, deputy environment director in the sub county on Thursday said that climate change is real for it has led to unpredictability of weather patterns that has impacted negatively on our natural resources.
"Gatundu North residents especially those who near Chania and Kariminu rivers have now encroached the water catchment area by cutting down the trees and farming right into the catchment area, something that even worsen sunny seasons," he said.
Kimani lamented the decline of seasonal harvests in Gatundu, adding that maize has been hugely affected by the sunny season something he attributed to destruction of trees in the area.
Kimani revealed that up to 60 acres of land meant for water catchment in Gatundu North has been encroached and the land has been left bare.
"There’s need to support women who practice farming in this area especially in this season when our men are recovering from illegal brew menace. Women are integral creatures in advocating for change in the society," he said.
However, Kimani said with moral support, Gatundu North women are the critical force for managing natural resources, conserving biodiversity which helps combat climate change and improving livelihoods.