Focus on forests

The United Nations has declared 2011 the International Year of Forests to raise awareness of the issues that face these crucially important ecosystems. So at Africa House, we are proud to be continuing our pledge to plant ten trees for every guest we take on safari this year.

East Africa's forests support a multitude of wildlife

Forests are an immeasurably important part of the global environment, helping to moderate the global climate, regulate water cycles and stablise soils. Trees are also relied upon by countless species for which they provide a habitat. And, of course, forests provide people with a wealth of resources, and for many, a livelihood.

Unfortunately, forests have been under increasing threat from destruction and degradation from human activities. This is resulting in the extinction of many species, an impact on those whose livelihoods depend on them, and a contribution to climate change.

East Africa, although perhaps better known for its open savannahs, is home to a range of ecologically and economically important forest areas. For example, Kenya and Uganda contain signifcant areas of lowland rainforest. Swamp forests and mangroves can also be found around the coasts of each of the East African countries – these are a important source of timber and other resources for local people.

The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) is one example of an organisation set up to help protect forests from pressure and to balance competing interests from those who use the forests. The removal of forest has altered climates locally, reducing the flow of rivers and damaging agricultural yields. The KFS is attempting to address these problems by taking steps such as regulating the historically damaging charcoal industry by enforcing sustainable practices.