Value of the Environment

by Mweri B. A. M

Ooh dear Managers! I have this to tell

What Value do you place on our Ecosystem!

Does a forest have a value to you!

Why destroy the ecosystem

Be mindful of the future generation

Environmentalist! Listen to us Managers

A forest is land to settle squatters

A forest is fuelwood for our household

What other value do you have that we don’t know!

Mr Environmentalist

The future generation will fend for itself

Managers! Managers listen to this!

Where are our roads! Potholes!

Where are our bridges – washed away by El nino!

Why are our cities flooded! Answer that!

Be mindful of the future generation

Oh! Mr Environmentalist, don’t tell me I have

Anything to do with nature’s problems,

I don’t bring floods

I don’t damage bridges

What went wrong – tell me

The future generation will fend for itself

Managers! Managers! Stop destroying the ecosystem

Make informed decisions

A forest is not only fuelwood

A forest has more value…

Look at the non-direct benefits of the ecosystem

- flood control by the forest

- water catchment by the forest

- wind breaker by the forest

- a home for wildlife

Be mindful of the future generation

Mr Environmentalist! Tell us Managers!

In what monetary terms does the flood control an

Aspect of the forest cost!

How much does the wind breaker cost!

How much does viewing wildlife cost!

I see no value to it!

Where are the experts for this!

The future generation will fend for itself.

Mr Manager! You have the value with you,

How much does it cost you to control floods in the cities!

How much does it cost you to repair damaged roads and bridges!

Millions – is it!

That’s the value of the forest you destroy

Ring the Environmental Economists for help

Be mindful of the future generation.

Mr Environmentalist, you may have a point

But unless you be specific

I will not buy your ideas

Show me…where in this city of Mombasa

I have destroyed the environment

Then I will call in the Environmental Economist

The future generation will fend for themselves

Oh dear Manager, it’s all on the wall

Our marine resource is being destroyed by trawlers!

What about air pollution in Kaloleni by cement factory!

Yes, Mombasa Port – oil spills, marine life endangered

One more Sir, Deforestation – Samburu

Kinango for your charcoal – nyama choma

Be mindful of the future generation

You are right Mr Environment,

I am ready to co-operate with you,

Oh sure what shall we pass over to our grandchildren!

Sure we all need to be mindful of the future generation

WELCOME MR ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMIST TO KENYA

Before you leave the stage Mr Environment,

I also have this to say

I wish to thank you,

Who thought of transforming me to an Environmental Economist

Oh dear ACES, UNEP, DfID and CDA

Be yee blessed

I am now in a position to make critical

Environmental decisions

Mr Investor, before I approve your million dollar project

I need an Environmental Assessment Report

Managers, lets be mindful of the future generation

THANK YOU