Opportunities and Challenges of Indigenous and Modern Governance Systems for Sacred Forests: the Case of Kaya Forests at the Coastal Region of Kenya

Abstract

Changing times, attitudes and practices have necessitated re-evaluation of indigenous and modern systems essential for governance of sacred forests. Although hard evidence is lacking, it is becoming increasingly clear that the status of many sacred forests is changing. There is need to define the appropriate governance of the sacred forests through evaluation of both indigenous and modern governance systems. Exploring opportunities and challenges of indigenous and modern environmental governance systems of sacred forests with aim of restoring and maintaining the sacred forests to their expected standards. The research was undertaken in four Kaya forests namely; Kaya Kinondo, Kaya Fungo (Giriama), the Duruma Kayas and Kaya Jibana. The sample of the four Kaya forest was due to the state of the forest conservation (minimal to none interference of the Kaya forests). Primary data was obtained from focused observation, in-depth key informants and group interviews. These were specifically environmental actors groups involved in the governance of the Kaya forests. Secondary data incorporated review of legislation on sacred forests, published journal and grey literature. Literature was reviewed on environmental regulatory framework, socioeconomic and environment aspects and indigenous verses global governance knowledge relating to the sacred forests which lead to derivation of archival data on sacred forest. From the research findings, which were qualitatively analyzed, the researcher proposes a governance system that integrates indigenous and modern governance system adopting multiscalar action form/pointers of environmental governance. These pointers include the principles of effective governance namely: Integration, Involvement, Collaboration and Accountability. The hybrid/multi-scalar nature of the proposed governance of sacred forests involves the engagement of the four levels of authority. The four levels of governance namely supranational, national, subnational and local has a role to play in the environmental governance of the Kayas (policy development and implementation).The new governance system derived from the study informs the finding for future direction in sacred forests governance. The study’s resultant hybrid form of governance system ensures the sacred forests are sustainably governed. The hybrid governance system balances economic interest and sustainability aspect of the sacred forests