This archive report was first published on 6 June 2020.
On World Environment Day, experts gathered for a webinar to discuss the importance of conserving Kenya's biodiversity. The event, attended by over 100 participants from various organizations, highlighted the need for joint efforts to protect natural resources.
According to Ben Opaa, Director of the National Lands Commission, more than 70% of Kenya's biodiversity is found outside protected areas. He emphasized the need for awareness creation among indigenous communities to appreciate the economic value of nature and use natural resources sustainably.
Participants included representatives from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), World Wide Fund (WWF), and the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA). They discussed the various threats to biodiversity, including deforestation, illegal logging, and climate change.
Dr. Mithika Mwenda, Executive Director of PACJA, called for the implementation of laws that handle the environment and mitigate climate change. David Ombisi of UNEP added that knowing the value of natural resources would motivate Kenyans to act and ask their governments to implement environmental laws.
Experts also highlighted the importance of indigenous knowledge and the need for involvement from all sectors, including youth, women, and people living with disabilities. They emphasized the need for partnership between government and non-governmental stakeholders to develop strategies that ensure natural resources are treated well and give back to humans.
As Kenya marks World Environment Day, experts urge the government to play its part in rallying everyone to protect natural resources.
Published on June 6, 2020, in The Standard.
