Green Podium

80% of Kenya's landmass is covered by Arid and Semi Arid lands (ASALs) which is about 467,200 square kilometers. These are the areas where land degradation is quite evident due to the hot and dry weather coupled with low and unreliable rainfall. UNEP reports show that approximately 30% of Kenya is affected by land degradation. Some of the contributing factors to this include improper farming methods, loss of soil productivity, livestock overstocking, high population growth and increasing demand for fuelwood, charcoal and timber. To curb this problem there is need for sustainable land management practices which include environmental conservation as well as promoting sustainable livelihoods. To achieve this it is important to develop ways of livelihood diversification, promoting knowledge based land use management and supporting policies and regulations relevant to sustainable land management. The national celebrations for this year's World Day to Combat Desertification will

This year's World Environment Day is being marked today and this year's theme is "fight against illegal trade in wildlife". This is aimed at pointing out issues on how wildlife can be protected by eliminating trade in wildlife trophies which has placed various animals such as elephants, rhinos, lions and turtles at the risk of extinction. Everyone has a role to play in the conservation of our endangered species and this the call by UNEP to have all participate in activities that will promote wildlife protection as the world marks this day so as to help preserve our heritage for the benefit of our generation and future generations as well. In Kenya, the national celebrations are being held at the Central Park in Nanyuki Town, Laikipia County. All other counties will also have an event to be coordinated by the County Directors of Environment. The Kenyan government took a bold step a few months ago to show the world its commitment to zero tolerance on trade in