Italy Launches Environmental Restoration Project in Kenya
Elgeyo Marakwet: Italy has initiated a significant environmental restoration project in Kenya, aimed at enhancing climate change resilience through sustainable forest management. The project, titled ‘Restoring and sustainably managing Cherangany’s forest ecosystems for climate change resilience,’ was officially launched in Elgeyo Marakwet County. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Kenya’s Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Forests, Deborah Barasa, the Deputy to the Ambassador of Italy in Kenya, Lorenza Gambacorta, and the Acting Director of the Nairobi office of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), Valeria Buoninfante.
According to Ansa News Agency, the Italian government has allocated £4.5 million for this flagship initiative, which is being executed in partnership with the National Environment Trust Fund (Netfund). This project is a pivotal component of Italy’s climate strategy in Kenya, aligning with the Kenyan government’s ambitious goal to plant 15 billion trees by 2032. It plans to support the planting and nurturing of 18 million trees over a span of three years within the Cherangany area-recognized as one of the five critical forest ecosystems in Kenya.
The project is set to directly benefit over a thousand smallholder farmers and indirectly impact approximately 270,000 households across West Pokot and Elgeyo-Marakwet counties. It emphasizes strengthening forest governance, promoting technological advancements, and enhancing knowledge for environmental restoration. Additionally, it aims to increase awareness regarding sustainable forest and water management practices.
Lorenza Gambacorta highlighted the project’s alignment with the Italian Climate Fund, an innovative financial mechanism with a budget of EUR 4.4 billion, designed to support climate and environment-related initiatives in developing countries. She noted, “Our partnership with Kenya is based on three pillars: planet, prosperity, and people, and the Cherangany reforestation project embodies all three.” The initiative is part of Italy’s broader efforts towards climate and environmental collaboration with Kenya and complements the Mattei Plan for Africa, supported by the Italian Climate Fund, valued at EUR 225 million.