The Chief Conservator of Forests Julius Kamau has called on African Countries to conserve protected areas.
While attending the inaugural ceremony of the IUCN Africa Protected Areas Congress #APAC2022 at Kigali Conference Centre, Kamau urged the delegates to double their efforts.
The congress will run from 18th to 23rd July 2022.
APAC is the first ever continent-wide gathering of African leaders, citizens and interest groups to discuss the role of protected areas.
In Kenya, we have several protected areas including Mt. Kenya, Aberdares, Mt Elgon and Mau Forest Ecosystems among others.
These are primarily water catchment areas were most of Kenyan rivers flow from.
They are also home to several animals and plant species.
“By conserving nature, we safeguard Africa’s iconic wildlife and biodiversity, delivering vital life-supporting ecosystem services, promoting sustainable development while conserving Africa’s rich cultural heritage and traditions,” Kamau said.
The main objective of the APAC is to position Africa protected and conserved areas within the broader goals of economic development and community well- being.
It also aims at increasing the understanding of vital role forests play in conserving biodiversity, providing critical ecological goods and services that underpin human welfare and livelihoods.
Protected areas also provide habitat for wildlife while supporting key sectors of the rapid growing economies worldwide [Tourism, Agriculture, Hydropower generation and resilience towards effects of climate change across the globe.
The congress was officially opened by the Prime Minister of Rwanda Edouard Ngirente representing the President of Rwanda Paul Kagame.
The Kenyan delegation was led by Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife Najib Balala.
Others were Kenya Wildlife Service Director General John Migui Waweru , Meru County Trade CEC Maingi Mugambi and Black Rhino Trust chairman John Kinoti.