Forests and the Ecosystem: This is Why We Need them

Kenya is covered by 8.8 per cent of the forest, which is short of the 10 per cent forest cover target in the 2010 constitution and the national climate change action plan's recommendation for ecological balance.

Kenya's significant forests, such as the Mau, Aberdare Range, and Mount Kenya, have suffered extensive degradation due to encroachment and illegal logging.

The Kenyan government introduced an initiative to plant 15 billion trees by 2032 to increase forest cover from 12 per cent to 30 per cent.

In a time where there is an increase in the production of greenhouse gasses, global temperatures, outspread wildfires, and extreme weather events, what is the role of forests in regulating climate?

Forests regulate the climate and maintaining ecological balance. They act as carbon sinks by capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The Amazon rainforest alone absorbs approximately 2.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide yearly, which helps to slow climate change.

When forests are destroyed, this stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere, accelerating global warming. Deforestation accounts for around 10% of global carbon emissions.

As per the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Africa loses approximately 4 million hectares of forest annually due to deforestation, which is driven mainly by agriculture, charcoal production, and illegal logging.

Forests also influence local and global weather patterns by regulating rainfall. Regions with extensive forest cover, such as the Congo Basin, experience more consistent rainfall, supporting agriculture and water supply for millions of people.

In Kenya, the Mau Forest is the source of major rivers like the Mara and Sondu, which support agriculture, hydroelectric power, and wildlife ecosystems.

Deforestation disrupts these processes, leading to erratic weather patterns, prolonged droughts, and desertification in some areas.

They act as natural barriers against extreme weather events. Mangrove forests in coastlines protect communities from storm surges, hurricanes, and tsunamis. Inland forests, on the other hand help prevent landslides and soil erosion by stabilizing the ground with deep root systems.

When forests are cleared, the loss of this natural defence mechanism increases the likelihood of disasters that displace communities and cause economic damage. The destruction of the Aberdare and Cherangany forests has led to increased soil erosion and water shortages in downstream areas.

Forests support biodiversity by providing habitats for countless plant and animal species. Tropical rainforests are home to more than half of the world's terrestrial species. Healthy forest ecosystems contribute to pollination, water purification, and soil fertility, all essential for human survival.

Forests are an irreplaceable ally in the fight against climate change. As extreme climate conditions like wildfires, heat waves and floods continue to become more rampant and common, urgent action is needed to protect this vital part of the ecosystem before it's too late.