RESTORE AND CONSERVE BUNYALA FOREST IN KENYA

1. Introduction
Action for Child Development Trust (ACDT) is committed to the restoration and conservation of Bunyala Forest in Kenya. In March 2025, ACDT engaged key stakeholders, including the Bunyala Forest Manager, Community Forest Association (CFA) members, and the Forest Security Team, to plan for the upcoming long rains tree-planting initiative in April 2025.

2. Stakeholder Engagement and Project Scope
During the stakeholder engagement, ACDT was allocated an area along River Lusumu within Bunyala Forest to plant 3,000 indigenous tree seedlings. This initiative serves as a pilot phase for the broader goal of planting 500,000 tree seedlings across various parts of the forest. Preparations are currently underway, including organizing the clearing of bushes to facilitate planting.

3. Project Challenges and Financial Needs
To ensure the success and sustainability of this project, additional funding is required. The project involves not only the initial planting but also the maintenance of the trees over the next five years to ensure high survival rates. The following key activities require financial support:

•  Spot weeding: Regular maintenance of the planted areas to prevent competition from invasive species.
•  Clearing of trenches: Establishing firebreaks and water channels to protect the young seedlings.
•  Stipends for scouts: Employing local scouts to monitor and care for the planted trees, ensuring their growth and protection from threats such as grazing and illegal logging.

4. Funding Request
ACDT requests additional financial support to facilitate these essential activities. A detailed budget breakdown can be provided upon request. The funding will contribute significantly to the overall success of the reforestation efforts and ensure that the trees reach maturity, thus restoring Bunyala Forest’s ecosystem and benefiting the local communities.

5. Recommendations

•  Scaling Up Community Participation: Engage more local community members in tree planting and maintenance to create a sense of ownership and responsibility.
•  Long-term Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish a structured monitoring framework to track the progress and survival rates of the planted seedlings.
•  Sustainable Livelihood Programs: Introduce alternative income-generating activities such as beekeeping and agroforestry to discourage deforestation and encourage conservation.
•  Public Awareness and Education: Conduct environmental awareness campaigns to sensitize local communities on the importance of forest conservation.
•  Strengthening Stakeholder Partnerships: Collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and private sector partners to secure long-term funding and technical support for the project.

6. Conclusion
With adequate financial support, ACDT can successfully implement the restoration project in Bunyala Forest, contributing significantly to environmental conservation and climate change mitigation. We look forward to further collaboration with stakeholders and funding partners to achieve this ambitious goal.