(Ecofin Agency) - The Kenyan president decided to lift the 6-year-old ban on logging. And not everyone is pleased by the decision.

William Ruto, the President of Kenya, recently announced the lifting of a six-year ban on logging in the country. The decision, reported by local media, aims to create jobs and boost local economies. In addition, a tax has been imposed on all imported furniture to promote local production.

"We have decided to open up the forests and harvest timber to create employment opportunities for our youth and open businesses while continuing our 10-year plan to plant 15 billion trees," President Ruto, explained.

In 2018, the ban on logging was put in place under President Uhuru Kenyatta's government to end illegal logging and reach a 10% forest cover in the country. Forests in Kenya are vital for maintaining ecological balance, safeguarding water sources, and mitigating climate change.

Concerned about the ban’s lifting, Greenpeace noted that uncontrolled logging practices could lead to renewed deforestation and habitat degradation.

"The ban on logging in public and community forests should not be based on monetary value but rather on restoring our natural forests with indigenous trees [...] The Ministry of Environment and Forestry should intensify the establishment of mixed forest plantations, as this will increase forest cover while also boosting income and developing the economy by providing employment opportunities," the organization, explained.

In 2022, forestry and logging accounted for 1.6% of Kenya's GDP, slightly lower than the previous year's 1.7%. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the country's total forest cover stood at 8.8%.

Charlène N’dimon (intern)