Timber sellers and millers in Nakuru want the central and county government to include them in the management of local forest resources.
This was said by the chairman of Nakuru Timber Traders and Millers Association Joseph Towett, during an Environmental Management Workshop at a Nakuru hotel on Thursday.
According to Towett, the local environmental managers had continually sidelined the association in matters concerning forest and water shed areas conservation, yet the association members play a big role in the sector.
“We want the local environmental management stakeholders to recognize our role in management and conservation of forest and other natural environment resources. Our role should not be underrated as that of consumption. We are not mere consumers of forest products but we actively play a role in conserving the environment,” said Towett.
The association chair added that the government should also sponsor some of the association’s projects that are dedicated at restoring local watershed catchment areas, and planting of trees in both existing and new areas.
Towett further indicated that the association actively takes part in environmental conservation activism, and had represented the country in many international forums apart from organizing local events.
He noted that last year, the association petitioned the National Environmental Management Authority to ban the use of green twigs by demonstrators in the country and also outlawing the non replacement of cut trees either by commercial timber dealers or private individuals. However, he said the suggestions were yet to be put into consideration.