•  ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

Kenya faces an environmental crisis that is unprecedented in history. In addition to mushrooming HIV/AIDS pandemic the problems of deforestation, land and natural resources degradation, increasing pollution, chronic poverty, climate change and loss of biodiversity are serious environmental concerns. As the natural resource base of the nation deteriorates at an alarming rate, so does the prospect of a bright and hopeful future for its people.

The church has remained silent in the face of the growing environmental crisis, but indications show that the Christians and church leaders stand ready to embraces the topic long overlooked.

Transforming the landscape begins with transforming the minds of people, and undoubtedly the church represents the most strategic venue through which that transformational process can be initiated. DOSS will lobby and mobilize the church leadership to pick the ideology and have environmental agenda on the forefront through forums and meetings. DOSS will also encourage dioceses to participate in national environmental day and develop training materials on church and environmental stewardship.

There is the unquestionable necessity of consulting indigenous knowledge about agriculture, its relation to natural, healthy ecosystem and human community needs and their value systems for the care of the creation. Responsible freedom for keeping the land by people created in the image of God and commissioned to stewardship and justice. Degradation of the environment creates poverty and disrupts peace, causes conflicts and disasters and consequently affects fullness of live and hope for future generations.

In line with the Millennium Development Goals, DOSS will work towards integrating the principles of sustainable development into ACK policies and programmes and reverse the loss of environmental resources.