Today, community members gathered to discuss the future of the Kaimosi Forest, following a collaborative study by Kaimosi Friends University Citizen Science Project and the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) across five villages surrounding Kaimosi Forest, Kenya. The research, that engaged 83 locals, illuminated the forest's ecological and cultural value, alongside threats of deforestation and access limitations.

The feedback meeting provided a platform to deliberate on key findings and community-driven recommendations, including sustainable harvesting and agroforestry. Participants actively contributed their insights, aiming to shape a unified approach for the forest's long-term preservation. This crucial dialogue marks a significant step towards a community-led framework for safeguarding the vital Kaimosi ecosystem.

Prof. Thomas Kipkurgat, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Administration, Finance, Planning and Development while representing the Vice Chancellor during the event, he commended the significant contributions of the local community in safeguarding vital Kaimosi Forest.

Prof. Kipkurgat lauded the dedication and efforts demonstrated by community members in their stewardship of the forest resources. He emphasized the critical importance of intergenerational knowledge transfer, encouraging attendees to actively pass on their understanding of forest conservation to younger generations to ensure the longevity of these efforts.

Furthermore, Prof. Kipkurgat issued a challenge to the wider society to provide support for the university's programs, implicitly linking the institution's initiatives to broader community development and environmental sustainability goals. His remarks underscore the university's commitment to engaging with and empowering the local community in addressing pressing environmental concerns.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor's address adds a layer of institutional support and recognition to the community's ongoing conservation work, highlighting the collaborative approach being fostered between Kaimosi Friends University and the surrounding residents in the preservation of the Kaimosi Forest.

The project which is a collaboration between Kaimosi Friends University and The Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) is spearheaded by principal researcher Dr. George Manyali, Douglas Bwire, Lorna Nyaga, Linda Mang'eni, Dr. Metrine Sulungal, and Dr. Caroline Mullinya, the session provided a platform for community members to articulate their experiences, concerns, and proposed solutions regarding the escalating challenges facing the vital forest ecosystem.

Participants, many of whom possess generations of intimate knowledge of the forest's dynamics, engaged in robust discussions covering topics ranging from the impacts of deforestation to the viability of various conservation strategies.

Members from the community present at the forum indicated a strong emphasis on integrating traditional ecological knowledge with contemporary conservation practices. The direct input from those living closest to the forest is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping future conservation policies and interventions, potentially leading to more sustainable and effective outcomes.

This development comes against a backdrop of increasing environmental pressures on the Kaimosi Forest, a key biodiversity area in the region. The initiative by Kaimosi Friends University to prioritize community voices underscores a growing recognition within conservation circles of the necessity of local participation for impactful and lasting change.

The outcomes of today's discussions are anticipated to inform actionable strategies aimed at safeguarding the forest's ecological integrity and the livelihoods of the communities dependent upon it. Further details on specific recommendations and policy implications are expected to emerge in the coming days.