Environmental researchers from Finland have decried the degradation of Menengai Forest which they say is a key watershed natural resource in Nakuru that ought to be conserved.
According to Maija Kauppila and Virppi Rasanen from Laura University of Applied Sciences and Environmental Planning who are carrying out an environmental survey and assessment on local natural resources, human encroachments and other interferences over years, have greatly contributed to the degradation of Menengai forest.
In an interview with this writer in Nakuru town on Friday, the researchers said that continued degradation of the forest was a threat to its sustainable conservation and management and want the State to protect the gazetted natural resource from further degradation.
“This survey will recommend measures which the government and other stakeholders will adopt to protect the forest resource from further degradation and ensure local communities benefit from it without threatening its survival,’’ said Maija.
She added that, overgrazing, deforestation, crop cultivation and settlements that are rampant in and around the forest were big threats to its survival.
The environmental survey is being sponsored by Non-Governmental Organisation – North to South Project from Finland that specialises in natural environmental planning and management research in conjunction with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Water Management of Nakuru County.
Finland is one of the leading countries in the world that is actively involved in environmental protection and research with over three quarters of its land covered with forests. It is also a leading exporter of timber and wood products in the world.