Institute developing a master plan to sustain mangrove

The Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) is in the process of developing a master-plan to enable a sustainable utilization of mangrove trees in the country.

Speaking in Lamu on Thursday, November 10 after paying a courtesy call to the Governor Issa Timammy, KEFRI Chairman, Dr Sammy Latema, said that every year the country loses 0.8 percent of the mangrove forest.

He told journalists that since 1985 the nation has lost 18 percent of mangrove cover due to destruction.

He added: “We are setting up one of the biggest regional offices in Lamu County in a five-acre piece of land for research purposes.”

The Governor, on his part, said that he was delighted to receive the delegation of KEFRI and setting up of the regional offices in Lamu.

He added that 60 per cent of the mangrove forest is in the Coastal region is in Lamu and assured the board of maximum cooperation.

This follows the massive loss of mangrove along the coastal line that forced the government to ban the cutting of the trees.

Written by Diing Magot