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Benefits Of Environmental Conservation
From the time Kenya gained independence in 1963 a lot of focus has gone into the protection of the environment that is the land, as the country continues to grow in terms of the economic development for the people. Environmental conservation has a great impact on agriculture and it has helped in alleviating poverty while ensuring sustainable economic development in the country.
Kenya has rich biodiversity and contains, deserts, wetlands, savannas, coral reefs along the coastline, and a large tract of land consisting of indigenous forests. There are a large number and different tree species as well as microorganisms.
Kenya has actively participated in international conventions. Since the adoption of the constitution in the year 2010, the country has made several registrations in regard to environmental conservation.
Most of the people about 70% are directly employed in agriculture while tourism contributes about 20% of the National Gross Domestic Product. This makes it essential for the Government to work on strategies that can help in the conservation of the land.
The proportion of the land that is suitable for agriculture is about 20%. The best part of the land is arid or semi-arid. With proper land management, the areas that are suitable for agriculture can be improved to control the loss of fertile soil since the topsoil is easily washed away by the rain.
The poorest part of the population lives in arid and semi-arid areas. This is common in regions where the soil is not productive and there is no clean water. The areas are characterized by poor sanitation and a lack of market opportunities. This makes it difficult to have a good and sustainable livelihood.
For good economic development, it’s important to conserve the environment. This requires a certain level of enforcement although it is quite challenging due to pressure from the population. Therefore, the key focus is on increasing public awareness of environmental conservation and its importance.
There is increased encroachment of indigenous forest by farmers and people looking for timber and other medicinal products and this harms both the wildlife as well as the economy. Conserving the forest is key to protecting both the country's resources and its indigenous species.
The coral reefs along the Indian Ocean and the mangrove forest forms a tourist destination and earns the country some revenue through tourism and foreign exchange.
The government has tried through the Northern Rangelands Trust and in collaboration with the communities residing in arid and semi-arid areas to establish game reserves as a way of conserving the environment.
The conservancies established help in preserving the land for livestock and wildlife, sensitize the communities around grazing management and besides earns income through tourist hotels and campsites. The body also helps in marketing livestock products for these communities through price negotiations.
The country is destined to benefit economically and on social development through the conservation of the environment and this will eventually help in transforming the nation into achieving its long-term goals as a middle-income country.
