PS MUGAMBI CHAIRS REVIEW MEETING ON MT. ELGON ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION PTOJECT

On June 4 2026 Forestry Principal Secretary Mr. Gitonga Mugambi chaired a meeting to review progress on the Integrated Landscape Management for Conservation and Restoration of the Mt. Elgon Ecosystem in Western Kenya (GEF-7), a major initiative aimed at promoting ecosystem restoration, sustainable land use, and climate resilience within the Mt. Elgon landscape in Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties.

The project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration (FOLUR) Impact Program, a global initiative being implemented in 27 countries to support sustainable food systems, reduce deforestation, and promote responsible land management practices.

The programme is anchored on four key components: integrated landscape planning and institutional strengthening; sustainable agricultural production and value chain development; forest and landscape restoration interventions; and project coordination, knowledge management, and monitoring.

Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Mugambi underscored the significance of the project in addressing environmental degradation while supporting sustainable economic development.

“The integrated landscape approach under this programme is essential in reversing land degradation, strengthening ecosystem integrity, and promoting sustainable value chains that enhance community resilience,” he said.

The project aims to improve the management of more than 50,000 hectares of productive landscapes and restore 10,000 hectares of degraded land across the Mt. Elgon ecosystem. More than 60,000 people are expected to benefit from the initiative through improved livelihoods, enhanced ecosystem services, and increased resilience to climate change.

The programme is also expected to contribute significantly to national efforts on climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, sustainable land management, and restoration of critical ecosystems.

The review meeting brought together representatives from national and county governments, development partners, and implementing agencies involved in the project. Also in attendance were Forest Development Secretary Mr. George Tarus and FAO Deputy Country Representative Mr. Hamisi Williams.

The initiative continues to play a key role in advancing integrated landscape management approaches that balance environmental conservation with sustainable agricultural production, while safeguarding the ecological integrity of the Mt. Elgon ecosystem for future generations.