Biofuel threat to Kenyan birdlife

Plans for 50,000 biofuel plantation still under consideration

August 2010: Although Kenya's National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has rejected a an application to create a 50,000 hectare biofuel plantation at the Dakatcha Woodland Important Bird Area (IBA), fears remain for the area's future as the decision was by no means a outright refusal. Instead, the applicant, Kenya Jatropha Energy Ltd, has been advised to ‘redesign and scale down the project to pilot level to prove sustainability before an EIA license can be issued for the entire proposed area of 50,000 hectares'.

‘This appears to indicate that the full 50,000 hectare project is still under consideration for conversion to biofuel plantations,' says Paul Matiku, the executive director of NatureKenya.

Woodland has no formal protection status
Dakatcha Woodland IBA, which has no formal protection status, holds significant populations of endangered sokoke pipit and is one of only two known sites for endangered Clarke's weaver. It's a biodiversity hotspot and the communities around the forest depend on it for their livelihoods and cultural practices.

‘The project should be rejected in its entirety,' says Dr Julius Arinaitwe, director of BirdLife's Africa Secretariat.

Kenya Jatropha Energy, which is owned by an Italian company, has identified 50,000 hectares for conversion to grow Jatropha - a plant used for biodiesel. Dakatcha Woodland IBA which lies within the proposed development.

Despite conclusions that it poses a threat to wildlife, the project has not been rejected
Following a review of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), NEMA concluded the project posed a threat to habitat and wildlife, and ‘may not enhance sustainable development and sound environmental management'. NEMA also felt there was insufficient data on the viability of Jatropha at Dakatcha, and that the 50,000 hectare plantation 'may not be environmentally sustainable'. Yet instead of rejecting the project out of hand, it has suggested KJE has a pilot project before a licence is given for the whole 50,000 hectares.

‘We understand that the pilot project has already been submitted, but NEMA has not made it public,' warned Paul Matiku.

Dr Julius Arinaitwe, of BirdLife Africa added: ‘It is wrong to sacrifice this area of global biodiversity significance, which provides crucial ecosystem and other services important for the livelihoods of thousands of people - for the production of biofuels whose carbon savings, economic returns, and benefits to local communities and the national economy are doubtable. The project should be rejected in its entirety.'

Worrying sign of things to come
While there is a short reprieve for Dakatcha, BirdLife believes this is a worrying sign of things to come. It estimates that 80 per cent of the Jatropha oil is due to go to the EU market in support of the EU biofuels target, with only 20 per cent staying in Kenya.

‘The assault on Kenya's precious environment is a disgrace, but it is also a clear warning of the global footprint of the EU's insane biofuels policy,' said Ariel Brunner of BirdLife Europe. ‘If the EU doesn't heed the call of reason and make a U-turn on its drive for biofuels, we are bound to see ever more cases like Dakatcha.'

Courtesy of BirdLife International