PRESS RELEASE — For immediate release

June 13, 2017

Contact: Prince Papa, papa@350.org, +254 736 740702;  Omar Mohamed Elmawi +254 0710343432

KENYA —  Mombasa,

This morning activists head to the National Environmental Tribunal court, opposing move by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to construct the first coal plant in East Africa.

“We hope the court will send a strong anti-coal message and rule in favour of the environment and the community.  The court should put brakes on the Lamu Power Project and strongly consider the environment and social impact assessment study report for construction of Lamu plant,” Omar Elmawi, Save Lamu Campaign.

The proposed $2billion coal-fired power plant will destroy the lives of 120,000 people living in Lamu County, and single-handedly contribute the most emitted toxic chemicals in the region. With this project, Kenya will not cut its carbon emissions 30 percent by 2030 as per international agreements but will be locked into destructive fossil fuel dependence for decades to come.

In support of the local community and Save Lamu network, 350.org has launched a bold global call to action, demanding UNESCO pressure governments to protect heritage sites of cultural significance across the world.  As the Lamu controversial deal is being legally challenged in court, now is the time for UNESCO to act on it’s “human approach to development, and Save Lamu for good!

We urge you to sign the petition asking UNESCO to protect our culture and heritage sites.

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Upcoming Lamu all day court dates

• June 19

• July 13-14

• July 18, 20-21

For more information visit: 350Africa and follow Save Lamu for updates on the Lamu court hearing.