Friends of Nairobi Arboretum (FONA) was founded in 1993, under the umbrella of Nature Kenya (East Africa Natural History Society), by a group of people concerned about the neglect and decline of the arboretum during the 70s and 80s due to lack of government funding. Its aim was to assist the Forest Department (now Kenya Forest Service - KFS) to revitalize and develop the Arboretum into a modern f
acility for promoting environmental education, recreation and scientific knowledge. Since 1993 FONA has been engaged in numerous physical improvements efforts at Arboretum e.g. providing benches, seats, picnic tables, a Shelter Banda, litter collection, grass cutting etc. FONA continues to work alongside KFS to maintain this green gem for recreation, education and scientific knowledge. Under the Forest Act 2005, FONA is registered as a Community Forest Association (CFA), thus enhancing community participation in the management of forest reserves. Objectives
· To develop the arboretum into a modern facility that promotes environmental education, recreation and scientific knowledge, hence enhancing appreciation of trees and forests in Kenya and the region.
· To promote public understanding and appreciation of the importance of trees and forests from the simple enjoyment of a beautiful parkland setting for recreational relaxation to serious educational activity and scientific study.
· To contribute to the conservation of woody plants, through the development and management of ex-situ collections of genetic material. For more information: http://www.naturekenya.org/content/nairobi-arboretum
