Let's Save Arabuko Sokoke Forest - Say NO to OIL EXPLORATION

The largest remaining protected fragment of the East African Coastal forest– Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, home to four globally endangered mammals, six globally threatened birds and the world-famous Kipepeo Butterfly Project – is facing a new threat: seismic surveys for oil and gas.

Although world trends are towards alternative sources of energy, it is understandable that CAMAC Energy (K) Ltd plan to survey the potential for oil and gas under block L16, which it was allocated in Kilifi County. L16 is a large block, however, covering most of Kilifi County. Arabuko-Sokoke Forest is only a part of it. CAMAC is a locally registered company that is associated with its US headquarters in Houston, Texas. CAMAC ENERGY (K) LTD sub contracted BGP (K) LTD, headquartered in China, to carry out seismic oil and gas exploration on Block L16.

It is unthinkable that today, an oil company would consider drilling through the protected last remnant of the East African Coastal forest, at the risk of all the biodiversity it contains. Yet that is exactly what CAMAC and its sub-contractor BGP are planning to do. CAMAC are associated with the Corporate Council for Africa, and claim significant corporate and environmental credentials. It is possible to avoid Arabuko-Sokoke Forest in this exploration.

The Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Adjacent Dwellers Association (ASFADA), Nature Kenya (the East Africa Natural History Society), A Rocha Kenya, Local Ocean Trust, Watamu Marine Association, Coast Farm Forestry Association and the Community Empowerment and Development Agency, appeal to the National Environment Management Authority, the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Natural Resources and the Kilifi County Government to stop any seismic survey or drilling within the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest immediately.

Dr. Paul Matiku

Executive Director, Nature Kenya (the EANHS)