By Amoto Ndiewo
The dry swathes of land in the arid North Eastern region, is soon filtering in water as efforts by National Environmental Management Authority(NEMA) to create awareness in local schools has borne fruits.
NEMA through the Ministry of Environment’s support group introduced the use of roofs to harvest water in schools. It also facilitated and strengthened environmental clubs in schools across the region.
“Such safe guards come in timely during drought when water and pasture is scarce,” says Garissa NEMA chief, Aden Bille. He added that the ministry will train teachers to protect the fragile environment.
Bille notes that the main concern is micro environment. Though it’s a shame to cut big tress and burn charcoal, the economic wheel has driven local residents to cut down the few Fiona and flora for commercial use.
Bille believes that through environmental support initiative in schools and public barazas, NEMA can sensitize residents to desist from degrading the environment and return to the traditional norms of sustaining NEP’s rich environmental heritage.
He added that their theme is to promote partnership for a clean, secure and sustainable environment which will improve livelihoods for present and future generations.
The National Environmental Education Awareness Initiative (NEEAI) is a partnership between the Ministry of Environment and Danida /SIDA.
Bille says the key areas cover outreach and education, tree planting, clean up campaigns and creating awareness of environmental challenges and solutions.
Farhia Hassan, a member of Pastoralists Girls Initiative in Garissa said that through dances, traditional songs, poetry and drama, they will encourage people to take care of the environment.
‘The environmental support program gives residents a sense of ownership .Once children become environmentally conscious at a tender age, they grow up with a sense of ownership,’’ says Farhia.
Former environment Cabinet Secretary Prof Judy Wakhungu said the target is to achieve 10% forest cover from the current 7.2%.
‘’Through workable and sustainable solutions ,we intend to extend the forest cover to 10% and take care of the water catchment areas ,’’ she added.
