\n<\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\nExperts are sounding the alarm on the proliferation of invasive tree species that are altering the chemistry of the soil and making it inhospitable for other plants. These invasive species have the potential to turn fertile soil barren and cause harm to ecosystems. The introduction of invasive species can have a domino effect on the local flora and fauna, disrupting the delicate balance of the ecosystem. They are urging caution in their management and control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"538\" src=\"https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-15-1-1024x538.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-882\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-15-1-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-15-1-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-15-1-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-15-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Women duo preparing tree seedlings, at Karura Forest. Nairobi,\u200e 2022. Photo Credit: MESHA <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nRisk of Biodiversity loss<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nAccording to James Mwang\u2019ombe, the KFS Senior assistant Director and Head of Biodiversity Management, \u201cThese invasive species can be problematic. It causes biodiversity loss. Many native plants are not adapted to coexist with exotic plants and compete for resources.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"538\" src=\"https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-16-1024x538.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-873\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-16-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-16-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-16-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-16.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">James Mwang\u2019ombe, the Head of Biodiversity Management and Senior assistant Director official at Kenya Forestry service (KFS), speaking at KFS Headquarters. Nairobi, 2022. Photo credit: MESHA <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nMwang\u2019ombe said that introducing species that is not suited for certain area is detrimental and it can turn a fertile soil barren. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is Invasive species?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nA <a href=\"https:\/\/www.unep.org\/news-and-stories\/story\/invasive-species-huge-threat-human-well-being#:~:text=Species%20that%20grow%20and%20reproduce,the%20label%20of%20%E2%80%9Cinvasive%E2%80%9D.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">report<\/a> by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), defines Invasive species as, \u2018Species that grow and reproduce quickly, and spread aggressively, with potential to cause harm.\u2019<\/em>   <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe report indicates that \u2018Invasive Alien Species, which can be plants, animals or pathogens, are introduced species (intentionally or unintentionally) that become established in a new environment, then spread in ways that are destructive to human interests and natural systems.\u2019<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\nMwang\u2019ombe, who was speaking at the KFS Headquarters, in Nairobi, during a media science caf\u00e9 organized by Media for Environment, Science, Health and Agriculture (MESHA), said that \u201cOne should investigate the risks of transplanting a tree from one region to another, before deciding on exotic tree planting.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"538\" src=\"https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-17-1024x538.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-874\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-17-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-17-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-17-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-17.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A plantsman watering tree seedlings bed at the Karura forest. Nairobi, 2022. Photo Credit: MESHA <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat is the suitable approach?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nKFS officials say that Kenya has a potential of setting up a good base for economic growth and ecological stability if communities adopt correct tree planting exercise.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cKenya Forestry Service policy calls for a 10 % tree cover in farmlands which equates to about 74 trees per acre.\u201d said Beatrice Mbula, the Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests (Advisory and Chief Liaison) <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"538\" src=\"https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-18-1024x538.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-875\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-18-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-18-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-18-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-18.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kenya Forestry Service Officials and Journalists associates of Media for Environment, Science, Health and Agriculture (MESHA) listening in, during a presentation by Betrice Mbula, the Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests, at the KFS Headquarters. Nairobi, 2022. Photo credit: MESHA <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\u201cThe biggest chunk of afforestation needs to happen in our farms and in community forests.\u201d said Mbula. <\/p>\n\n\n\nCommunity involvement in Forestry Management<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cThrough associations such as Participatory Forest management Plans, Community forests associations (CFAs) and Plantation establishment and livelihood improvement scheme (PELIS), we ensure community interest are catered for while enlisting their support for forest management.\u201d said Mbula. <\/p>\n\n\n\nKFS manages two million hectares of Forest cover in the country out of which, 150,000 hectares is under Plantation scheme. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cCFAs are the registered community members who work under <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/309031818_pelis_forestry_programme_as_a_strategy_for_increasing_forest_cover_and_improving_community_livelihoods_case_of_malava_forest_western_kenya\/\" target=\"_blank\">PELIS,<\/a> to grow food crops that do not compete with trees,\u201d said Mercelyne Khalumba, Plantation Division official at KFS. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"538\" src=\"https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-20-1024x538.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-877\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-20-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-20-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-20-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-20.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mercelyne Khalumba, Plantation Division official at KFS explaining how the plantation establishment and livelihood improvement scheme works at the MESHA organized Media caf\u00e9 in KFS Headquarters. Nairobi, 2022. Photo credit: MESHA <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nShe said that KFS has temporarily stopped Maize farming in these plantations pending findings from ongoing research to decide whether a crop that grows taller than a tree seedling is conducive for its growth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cPlantation scheme generates good economic return for farmers. A hectare of land brings about three hundred thousand shillings, annually,\u201d said  Khalumba. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhile addressing the controversy that surrounds community using forest land for farming, Eric Nahama, the Partnerships and Outreach officer at KFS said that \u201cThese lands are meant for harvesting \u2014 When I plant Cyprus tree in plantation, I know that after 30 years, I will harvest.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cIf you harvest trees within that confinement of the stipulated land, then the question of decreasing or destruction of forest cover does not arise.\u201d said Nahama. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"538\" src=\"https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-21-1024x538.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-878\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-21-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-21-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-21-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-21.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Eric Nahama, the Partnerships and Outreach official at KFS, speaking on the importance of Commercialization of forestry and how it works without destroying forest cover, at KFS headquarters in Karura Forest. Nairobi, 2022. Photo Credit: MESHA <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nTree cover plays a crucial role in building up landscape resilience to climate change effects.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cTrees hold on to moisture captured from mist, which ends up on the soil, helping in ecosystem service improvement.\u201d said Mwang\u2019ombe.  <\/p>\n\n\n\nMoney grows on trees<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nWith Kenya heading towards commercialization of forestry, officials say, it will be wise to adapt tree-planting. The type of tree being planted decides the value one will incur. <\/p>\n\n\n\nDr. Monica Nderitu, the regional environment, and Climate Change advisor at Vi agroforestry, says that farmers can reap many benefits from tree planting, \u201cFruit trees, can be a source of food security, nutritional and economical value. It can be good for pollinators, making room for bee keeping and honey harvesting, and certain species like Calliandra, can be used as fodder for livestock.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"538\" src=\"https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-22-1024x538.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-879\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-22-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-22-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-22-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-22.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Dr. Monica Nderitu, the regional environment and Climate advisor, at Vi Agroforestry, poses for a photo at the Vi Agroforestry Headquarters in Nairobi, 2022. Photo Credit: Chemtai Kirui <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nNot all trees are Agroforestry trees<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cEucalyptus, is an investment tree\u201d says Mbula. \u201cThis species is fast growing. One can harvest \u2014 shatters, poles, and timber products, within a brief period.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"538\" src=\"https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-19-1024x538.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-876\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-19-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-19-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-19-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-19.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">DCCF. Beatrice Mbula speaking on the Innovative approaches to sustainable forest management in Kenya, at KFS Headquarters. Nairobi, 2022. Photo Credit: MESHA <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\u201cHowever, Eucalyptus should not be planted in a water-catchment area, because it takes up a lot of water \u2014 the leaves are poisonous to the soil, meaning no other crop can grow in its ground.\u201d she said, adding that \u201cA farmer should consider zoning their land and finding a location that is not environmentally sensitive, to plant such species as Eucalyptus.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat to do<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nA figure of <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kenyanews.go.ke\/kfs-begins-1-5-billion-tree-project\/\" target=\"_blank\">300<\/a> tree planting per head has been raised, to enable Kenya rise its Forest cover to 20% come 2030, a growth encouraged globally, to limit the average global temperature increase to <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/ncse.ngo\/15degc-may-not-seem-much-its-really-big-deal-heres-why#:~:text=The%20scientific%20community%20has%20concluded,C%2F2.7%C2%B0F%20limit.\" target=\"_blank\">1.5\u00b0C.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"538\" src=\"https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-23-1024x538.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-880\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-23-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-23-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-23-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-23.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A sectional view of tree seed bed at Karura forest. Nairobi, 2022. Photo credit: MESHA <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nDelegates at the 27th<\/sup> meeting of United Nations Climate Change conference have <a href=\"https:\/\/unfccc.int\/news\/cop27-leaders-boost-sustainable-forest-management\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">launched<\/a> \u2018The Forest and Climate Leaders\u2019 Partnership (FCLP), which aims to unite action by governments, businesses and community leaders<\/em>.\u2019 FCLP seeks to halt forest loss and land degradation by 2030. <\/p>\n\n\n\nFor beneficial tree farming, Mwang\u2019ombe says \u201cLets avoid aimless transplantation. Invasive species can cause economic loss, land degradation and biodiversity loss.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\nPlanting appropriate tree species can enhance biodiversity, reduce carbon footprint, improve air, water quality, and mitigate climate change.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Experts warn of invasive tree species that can alter soil chemistry, making it inhospitable for other plants, potentially causing harm to ecosystems, and also reducing fertility of soil. By Chemtai Kirui Experts are sounding the alarm on the proliferation of invasive tree species that are altering the chemistry of the soil and making it inhospitable […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":881,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[19],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-871","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-environment"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/871","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=871"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/871\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":928,"href":"https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/871\/revisions\/928"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/881"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=871"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=871"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=871"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}