A memorandum of understanding was signed between KKL-JNF and the Kenyan Forest Service to promote the exchange of professional delegations for the purpose of sharing knowledge and technology, along with technical assistance in afforesting arid regions and harvesting runoff water. The agreement was signed at a festive ceremony in Aminadav Forest on June 27, 2017.
“This is an important moment, which will enable us to share our capabilities and also be assisted by your knowledge,” said KKL-JNF World Chairman Danny Atar. “Today’s ceremony is the highpoint of our cooperation. We will continue to strengthen our ties and also expand them to additional fields.”
Professor Judy Wakhungu, Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Water and Natural Resources, noted that ecosystems in arid regions do not always receive the attention they deserve throughout the world. “These regions are very important, because they are inhabited by 30% of the world’s population and they cover more than 40% of the earth’s surface. We face many challenges, including coping with land degradation, droughts and loss of biodiversity.”
Among those signing the MOU, was Emilio Mugo, Kenyan Chief Conservator of Forests. The Kenyan Forest Service is interested in cooperating with KKL-JNF in order to enrich their professional knowledge and to execute projects in arid and semi-arid regions that will help their country take maximum advantage of their water supply, along with expanding forested areas.
In a visit to the Negev that took place the day before the signing of the MOU, the members of the Kenyan mission learned about KKL-JNF’s various activities, specifically those related to combatting desertification, afforestation in arid regions and runoff harvest by means of limans and ridges. About 70% of Kenya’s landmass is arid or semi-arid, so KKL-JNF’s knowledge can certainly contribute to this country.
Read about Kenyan delegation touring the Negev
Karine Bolton-Laor, KKL-JNF Director of International Cooperation and Conferences Department, noted that sharing is the keyword. “We live in a world that is becoming more and more complex, and the more we cooperate with each other, the more of a chance we have to create a better tomorrow.”
The event in Aminadav Forest was moderated by KKL-JNF Chief of Protocol Andy Michelson, who mentioned that the forest is the site of the Kennedy Memorial, which commemorates the assassinated American president. “This site is an educational focus for the young generation, who come here to learn about democracy and how an individual can make a change,” Michelson said.
One of the guests at the ceremony was Martin Ekaale, who is studying for his masters degree in Environmental Sciences and Sustainability and is currently at the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies. Ekaale was born and raised in the Turkana region of Kenya, where there is a joint project with KKL-JNF for training local farmers. “I’m very happy that KKL-JNF will be sharing its technologies with Kenya, and I am certain that this will contribute towards my nation’s advancement. The project in Turkana is making a real change in the lives of the local inhabitants and provides food security and a source of livelihood.”
After the representatives signed on the MOU, they all went to plant a tree. After planting the tree, Minster Wakhungu gently watered it. The young tree will deepen its roots and grow tall, just as cooperation between the two countries will deepen and grow.