Prof. Mwangi and Mr. Ward say what needs to be done is to heighten the protection of the tree above that given to other indigenous forest species.
“The cedar has to be considered as an endangered species and treated like the rhino,” the two said adding, a “Save the cedar” campaign would enable urgent mobilization of resources for thorough studies on what could be killing the tree.
However, they say certain emergency measures must be taken now before the studies begin. These include assessing the extent of damage so far, creating awareness on what is happening in order to mobilize as much support as possible for saving the tree, and finding alternative roofing materials for communities that use the cedar bark.
They also say re-establishing cedar forests by, for example prioritizing the planting of cedar during national tree planting days, and keeping out livestock from the forests are other measures that can be taken to avert the catastrophic loss of the country’s cedar forests.
Says Mr. Ward: “The death of the cedar is not just about loss of trees; it is also about the loss of an entire ecosystem.
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