Indigenous flora conservation in Kenya.

Abstract

This paper describes the environmental degradation that has occurred in Kenya since early this century, initially due to the introduction of plantation farming. Forests have been further targeted for farmland, fuel wood, building materials and hardwood species. Range land species have also become threatened due to continued infiltration of the population. The discussion considers the efforts of the Kenyan government to legislate and administrate against the further loss of natural resources and the consequent development of environmental awareness among the populace. Ex situ conservation will play an increasingly important role in future conservation strategy, as technologies such as tissue culture, cell culture and genetic engineering are utilized.