Kenya urged to protect biodiversity
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E-mail Xinhua, May 23, 2013
Kenya joined the rest of the world in making the International Day for Biodiversity with call to prioritize biodiversity conservation to propel green growth, reduce poverty and transform rural livelihoods.
UNEP's Goodwill Ambassador Suzanna Owiyo said the East African nation has abundant biodiversity treasures which if harnessed prudently can transform the east African nation's social, ecological and economic pillars.
"It is high time we cherished the natural wealth across the country to ensure there is enough food, water and energy sources for every Kenyan. Biodiversity is our lifeblood and should be protected from threats associated with human activity," Owiyo said during the celebrations in Nairobi.
Owiyo is a famous Kenyan afro-fusion artist actively involved in environmental causes in the country and across the world.
She stressed that habitat protection is critical to sustainable development and achievement of vision 2030 targets in Kenya.
"The health and prosperity of citizens can only be realized if we channel greater efforts toward protection of forests, wildlife, water sources and marine habitat," Suzanna told participants attending the international biodiversity day event.
Kenya is signatory to global treaties on biodiversity protection and the east African nation has established national policies and legislation to promote management of natural capital.
Assistant-Director at the Kenya Forest Service Daniel Mbithi said that biodiversity conservation lies at the heart of green growth and sustainable development in Kenya.
Mbithi noted that besides up scaling efforts to expand national forest cover, the Kenyan government has mapped biodiversity hotspots to promote their sustainable management.
"There is a very concrete legal and policy framework in place to protect biodiversity and achieve environmental sustainability. Kenya's economy is heavily dependent on natural resources and they should be protected from any threats," said Mbithi.
He noted that population pressure; urbanization, climate change and change in land use practices have worsened habitat loss in Kenya.
"Invasive species and industrial pollution are also to blame for depletion of biodiversity treasures and this calls for strong safeguards to ensure that our forests, marshlands and wildlife remain intact," Mbithi said.
Kenya should promote biodiversity conservation at the local and national level to ensure communities have adequate access to clean water, fiber and food.
The Coordinator, Greening Kenya Initiative, Peter Odhengo, noted that restoring degraded habitats like forests and watersheds will catalyze transition to a green economy.
"Biodiversity is the engine of green growth and all stakeholders must join hands to address challenges like deforestation, pollution of waterways and illegal harvest of natural products to ensure Kenya maintain her status as a green economy hub," Odhengo said.
The international community is behind efforts to halt biodiversity loss that has worsened in the global south due to human activity and climate change.
The Deputy Director, Division of Environmental Policy Implementation, UNEP, Elizabeth Mrema, told Xinhua that multilateral institutions have mobilized countries to support broad action plans to reverse biodiversity loss.
"We have the Aichi biodiversity strategic plan that outlines targets countries should meet to halt loss of biodiversity. These targets will be assessed in 2020," said Mrema.
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