- Title: KENYA: UNESCO recognises Kenya's Kaya forests as a World Heritage Site
- Date: 15th August 2008
- Summary: (AD1) KALOLENI, KENYA (AUGUST 14, 2008) (REUTERS) TRADITIONAL DANCERS PERFORMING TRADITIONAL DANCERS MUSICIAN PLAYING DRUM MIJIKENDA ELDERS LOOKING ON
- Embargoed: 30th August 2008 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Kenya
- Country: Kenya
- Topics: International Relations,Environment / Natural World
- Reuters ID: LVA3NS0H6ZRD6XKBMH546KB9943V
- Story Text: Kenya's Kaya forests was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in July. The Mijikenda community elders joined Kenya's minister of State for National Heritage and Culture for the official unveiling on Thursday (August 14).
Located on Kenya's coast in East Africa, the Kaya forests are made up of 11 separate forest sites. They are spread over approximately 200 km and contain remains of villages of the Mijikenda people which are maintained by the elders and considered sacred.
The Mijikenda community have preserved their sacred forests known locally as 'Kayas' for centuries, as a result some parts of the forest remain untouched and human interference with the ecosystem strictly forbidden.
They are botanically diverse with some of Kenya's rare plants found in this site.
Kenya's Minister of State for National Heritage and Culture, William Ole Ntimama said that this recognition was a significant achievement for all Kenyans.
"People are beginning to realise that we must maintain our culture because it is not only the white culture which is good, it's not only their dresses, it is not only their food but we think we can develop our food systems, our songs, our culture and so that we are recognised in the world as Africans of Kenya independently," Ntimama said.
In the 1970's the Kenyan government reallocated land after independence to local communities, however the Kayas were not allocated.
In the early 1990's the forest suffered due to a rising demand in land for agriculture and wood, the Kenyan government issued a decree officially prohibiting their destruction. However, they continue to be threatened by human development and population pressures.
Adding the Kaya forests to the World Heritage Site list is a step towards securing protection for the sacred forests.
Kaya Programme Coordinator for the National Museums of Kenya, Anthony Githithio said it was one of the few types of sites combining nature and culture.
"This is only the fourth listing for Kenya but what's important also is that it's one of the first few of a new type of... not a new type of site but a type of site which combines nature and culture or cultural landscapes. These are not very many in the world heritage list up to now," he said.
In the ancient times, Kayas provided people with food and protection against their enemies. Nowadays, the forest sites are used for cultural ceremonies and as a burial ground.
Before entering the forest and all visitors must remove their shoes.
Metallic or plastic objects are not allowed in the shrines.
One Mijikenda elder also said wood should not be removed from the sacred forest.
"If you enter the forest to cut down the trees and use the timber to make your house, your house will burn down on its own. And you may cut down the trees and put the timber somewhere and if you look for it the next day it will have disappeared or you could just get weird incidents in the Kaya forest. All this is feared, the spirits of the Kaya, people are afraid of them," Abdala Ali Mnyenze, a Mijikenda elder said.
Deep-rooted cultures have preserved the woodlands for decades. Elders and government officials hope that efforts at preserving the Kayas will ensure the next generation will not lose out on its precious resources or traditions. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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