As the world marks the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) under the 2025 theme “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development”, Kenya has taken a bold step to protect one of its most critical ecosystems.
Today, the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, accompanied by Principal Secretary (Forestry), Mr. Gitonga Mugambi, and Principal Secretary (Environment and Climate Change), Eng. Dr. Festus K. Ng’eno, officially launched a 30-kilometre electric fence in the South Western Mau Forest, reinforcing the country’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
Implemented by the Government of Kenya in partnership with IDH – The Sustainable Trade Initiative, the fencing project is part of a broader landscape restoration effort aimed at halting forest degradation, protecting endangered species, and securing vital water catchments.
“This fence is a tool for forest recovery, peace with wildlife, and sustainable livelihoods. By securing this forest, we are protecting vital habitats, preserving biodiversity, and giving degraded ecosystems the space to regenerate. This is how we live in harmony with nature,” said Dr. Barasa during the launch.
The South Western Mau Forest, part of the larger Mau Complex, is one of Kenya’s most ecologically significant landscapes. It is home to endangered wildlife such as the bongo, colobus monkey, and African golden cat, and serves as the upper catchment for rivers that feed Lake Victoria, Lake Natron, and the Maasai Mara–Serengeti ecosystem.
The new fence will not only help prevent illegal encroachment and reduce human-wildlife conflict, but will also protect over 1.5 million trees planted through the Initiative for Sustainable Landscapes (ISLA). This supports Kenya’s 15 Billion Tree Growing Programme, which aims to raise the national tree cover to 30% by 2032. Dr. Barasa reported that 825 million trees have already been planted under the programme and encouraged Kenyans to log their contributions via the JazaMiti platform.
Representing IDH, CEO Daan Wensing hailed the milestone as the result of nearly a decade of collaboration:
“This is a biodiversity investment. By restoring the Mau, we are protecting rare species, stabilizing climate patterns, and strengthening water security. It is a win for people and planet. We are proud to work alongside the Government of Kenya and invite new partners to help us go further and faster.”
Since 2015, IDH and its partners have implemented a landscape-level approach in the South Western Mau, which includes:
• Planting 1.5 million trees
• Forming five community cooperatives
• Protecting 17 water springs
• Reducing forest grazing by 75% through climate-smart dairy and apiculture alternatives
The fencing project contributes to national efforts to secure 9,000 kilometres of forest boundary across the country. Already, 2,500 kilometres have been fenced through coordinated multi-stakeholder initiatives.
Dr. Barasa also addressed recent concerns about boundary disputes, assuring the public that the government is implementing conservation measures based on the 2001 legally recognized forest boundary, in full compliance with court rulings. She emphasized that ongoing survey work is being done professionally and transparently, and called for public cooperation and patience.
This initiative marks a crucial step in building a future where people and nature thrive together, showcasing the power of partnerships in restoring ecosystems and securing long-term environmental resilience.
Present at the launch were senior officials from the Ministry, county government officials, community forest associations, local leaders, development partners, and members of the local community.
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Kenya Forest Service 
Kenya Forestry Research Institute 
IUCN WWF-Kenya  Nature Kenya-the EANHS  The Rhino Charge, Kenya 
KTDA Holdings Limited UN Environment Programme Nema Kenya 
The National Environment Trust Fund Kenya Meteorological Department