Role of Social Afforestation in Managing Geothermal Development Related Environmental Impacts: Case of Olkaria and Eburru Geothermal Fields in Nakuru County, Kenya

摘要

Social afforestation plays a significant role in managing environmental impacts associated with development of geothermal resources. Part of Olkaria geothermal field lies within Hell's Gate National Park whereas Eburru geothermal field is located within Eburru forest. The national park and the forest are protected areas. Prior to drilling of wells and construction of a geothermal power plant, the existing vegetation at the proposed sites has to be cleared. It is a requirement that these sites must be rehabilitated through landscaping and planting of native vegetation so as to minimize the potential negative impacts. Kenya Electricity Generating Company Limited (KenGen) has established five tree nurseries which enables the company to offset the cleared vegetation. The company and its staff have a fleet of more than four hundred (400) vehicles which contribute towards emission of greenhouse gases. In addition, the company extracts water from Lake Naivasha for her industrial and domestic uses. The tree seedlings from the established tree nurseries are issued to individuals and institutions. This serves to promote conservation of water catchment areas for Lake Naivasha and geothermal reservoir recharge. In addition, the trees help to sequester carbon dioxide emitted from the fleet of vehicles thus minimizing the effects of climate change. This paper aims at sharing KenGen's experience with regards to social afforestation.