Kenya: Unique Environmental Initiative to Conserve Mountain Resources

By George Okore 

NAIROBI---An adventure based sports and tourism event to encourage conservation of mountain and natural resources will be held in Africa next month.

The two- day Mt Kenya Extreme Sport Challenge 2011 has attracted participants from all over the world to sensitize on climate change and save Mount Kenya- Africa’s second highest and most spectacular mountain ranges.

The event was officially launched last Friday by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of State Provincial Administration and Internal Security Francis Kimemia urged for a balance between development and environment conservation.  He decried rampant cutting of the countries for firewood and said urgent measures should be taken to conserve mountain and forest resources.

 "The event is a unique opportunity for everyone to be involved in sports tourism. Mt Kenya Extreme Sports Challenge is not only an opportunity to help conserve the environment, especially when the world is feeling the dire effects of climate change, Kimemia said.

Organized by Mt Kenya Extreme School of Adventure and Leadership (KESAL), the event running from October 20–22, 2011 targets over a thousand participants. According to KESAL Director John Mwangi, the occasion, blending fun and fitness, will raise awareness on the need to conserve the countries several heritage sites. He said forests are carbon seeds, which have to be jealously conserved to reduce environmental degradation.

Speaking at the launch, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority    (KCAA) Director Hillary Kioko said urged reduction of carbon emissions would help third world countries   gain from carbon credits. Administration Police Commandant Kinuthia Mbugua said environment issues are threats to security and hailed the event, which he said promote environmental education.

Some disciplines to be contested individually and in groups   include Extreme Adventure, Sky Marathon, Rock Climbing and jungle Race. Proceeds will be used to construct at least 1000 energy saving jikos for the community, buy seeds and seedlings of indigenous trees, which will act as carbon sinks and educate the community about the need for conservation of Mt Kenya ecosystem.

Senior Warden at Mount Kenya National Park Captain Robert K. Obrien says they are ready to host the event targeting 15 teams of four participants each and is open to persons of 18 years and above  “We assure that we will provide security and serene environment for participants during this important event', he said.

The event is organized alongside Athletics Kenya, Brand Kenya, Postbank, Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Forestry Service, National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA).