Help Self Help Centre started the distribution of 1000 posters and 30 billboards as part of its advocacy campaign to protect the forests of Mt.Kenya.

The posters urge people to stop illegal logging, charcoal burning and poaching. On the posters it can be read in Kikuyu: “We don’t destroy life of tomorrow’s generation” and “If we destroy trees today, tomorrow belongs to who?”.

The campaign focuses on the five forest blocks at Kabaru, Hombe, Nanyuki, Gathiuru and Naro Moru on the Western side of Mt. Kenya. The forests form a critical watershed providing water to among others river Sagana and accommodate unique flora and fauna.

Board member Pastor Elias Mathu represents HSHC in the Project Implementation Committee which also includes representatives of the community, Kenya Wildlife Service and Kenya Forest Service, among others. Pastor Mathu explains: “There are numerous constraints and challenges that pose a great threat to the sustainability of the forest ecosystem such as illegal logging, encroachment, over-exploitation of plantations, fire and human-wildlife conflicts. This project aims to promote sound forest management as well as improve the livelihoods of local communities”.

The posters will be distributed amongst hospitals, schools, offices of local administration, KWS / KFS offices and other public places while the bill boards will be placed at strategic places to raise awareness on the issues mentioned. Frequent radio mentions and public fora are part of the awareness campaign too.

Funding for this project has been provided by the Community Development Trust Fund (CDTF). To read more about the project click here.