Thueats and opportunities for mountain area development in Kenya

摘要

The mountain ecosystems of Kenya include theMount Kenya, Mount Elgon and Aberdare (Nyandarua)mountain ranges. These mountain areas have beenrecognized as important ecosystems with high social,spiritual, economic and environmental values. They areused as water catchments, forest reserves, nationalparks and agricultural land. Increasing populationpressure on the natural resources of these ecosystemshas led to environment and development challenges suchas unsustainable utilization, conversion of forest tocropland, human-wildlife conflicts and highland-lowland resource-use conflicts. Several initiatives areinvolved in promoting sustainable management andconservation of these important ecosystems. The notableopportunities include changes in government policy topromote integrated and participatory interventions andexisting partnerships in resource use and conservation.