PS GITONGA MUGAMBI EXPLORES COMMUNITY LED ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION MODELS IN CHINA

Forestry Principal Secretary Mr. Gitonga Mugambi, accompanied by the Secretary for Forest Development, Mr. George Tarus, toured Yu Village in Anji County and Xiaogucheng Village in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, on the third day of the Ecological Civilization Flagship Knowledge Exchange Programme in China.

The field visits provided an opportunity to study community-driven approaches to ecological restoration, sustainable land management and green economic development.

At Yu Village, the delegation examined the transformation of a former mining area through sustained ecological restoration and rehabilitation of degraded land. The restoration of bamboo forests and farmland has supported nature-based enterprises, including eco-tourism and sustainable agriculture, demonstrating how environmental conservation can create economic opportunities and improve community livelihoods.

In Xiaogucheng Village, the delegation explored an integrated land-use planning model that balances agricultural production, ecological conservation and settlement development. The approach places communities at the center of planning and decision-making while promoting efficient land use to achieve both ecological and economic benefits.

The visits highlighted the importance of community participation, science-based planning and nature-based solutions in advancing landscape restoration.

The lessons gained are expected to support Kenya’s ongoing efforts to restore degraded ecosystems, strengthen sustainable land management and harness resources such as bamboo to promote green economic growth and build resilient communities.