Unlocking Climate Action: How Mandera is Leveraging Carbon Credits for Sustainable Development

Mandera County is looking at carbon credits as a way to boost sustainable development and tackle climate change.

Recently, local officials held a two-day meeting in Khalalio and Mandera North sub-counties. The focus was on understanding how the county can qualify for carbon credits. This is an exciting opportunity for local communities and the environment.

Dr. Mohamud Eda, the County Executive Committee Member for Environment and Climate Change, led the meeting. The discussions aimed to inform residents about carbon credit opportunities. They also sought community input to help shape climate resilience strategies.

The county plans to use innovative methods to secure resources. This includes earning carbon credits from both finished and upcoming climate projects. The statement from the county government emphasized these efforts, particularly given the region’s high vulnerability to climate change.

Environmental activist Mohamed Abdi Ali highlighted the benefits of carbon credits for projects that cut greenhouse gas emissions. These projects include reforestation, promoting renewable energy, and improving waste management. He pointed out that “carbon trading can directly benefit local communities through project funding and profit sharing.”

Ali also mentioned that communities in nearby counties, like Isiolo and Samburu, are already seeing rewards from similar carbon projects. Through these initiatives, residents are benefiting from better infrastructure, scholarships, and water access.

He encouraged the Mandera County government to build its technical skills because developing and managing carbon credit projects needs specialized knowledge and training.

Interestingly, the Climate Change (Amendment) Act of 2023 has created a new structure for carbon trading in Kenya. This opens doors for businesses, investors, and communities to engage in climate action more effectively. According to a recent report by the Kenya Forest Service, the country’s forest cover has increased by 2% in the past five years, showing the potential for such initiatives.

Overall, exploring carbon credits could be a game changer for Mandera County. It could not only help the environment but also uplift local communities and secure a sustainable future.

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