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Kenya to strengthen protection of wetlands amid threats

Xinhua, February 2, 2017 Adjust font size:

Kenya's ministry of environment and natural resources in partnership with key partners will re-activate programs aimed at boosting conservation of wetlands that are facing multiple threats, officials said on Thursday at an event to mark the World Wetlands Day.

Judi Wakhungu, Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, said that reclaiming the degraded wetlands is key to enhancing climate resilience in Kenya.

"Healthy wetlands are key to reducing the negative impacts of climate change like floods, droughts and cyclones. These ecosystems are directly linked to food, water and energy security in the country," Wakhungu said.

The East African nation has ratified the Ramsar Convention endorsed by the UN member states in 1971 to promote sustainable management of wetlands.

Wakhungu said that besides enacting a national wetlands policy, the government has rolled out a series of legislative interventions to strengthen conservation of this vital ecosystem.

"There are strategic interventions in place to reverse wetlands degradation in the country. The government recognizes their vital role in achieving vision 2030 and sustainable development goals," said Wakhungu.

She revealed that the state has enacted sweeping legislation to prevent communities and private developers from encroaching on wetlands.

Kenya's world-renowned wetlands are facing multiple threats linked to urbanization, rapid population growth and climatic shocks.

Principal Secretary in the State Department of Environment, Charles Sunkuli said that state agencies have been implementing comprehensive strategies to restore ecological health of major wetlands in the country.

"Different actors have participated in rehabilitation of wetlands that are a life line to our rural communities. Improving the health of these ecosystems will enable communities benefit from the goods and services they provide," Sunkuli said.

Kenya's ministry of environment has invested in capacity building for field staff and public education to promote wetlands conservation.

Sunkuli noted that rural communities have been encouraged to harness indigenous knowledge in order to boost sustainable management of wetlands. Endit