National Environment Management Authority Director General Prof. Geoffrey Wahungu has lauded Wetlands International for its great efforts towards the conservation of wetlands in the country, which feeds into the ongoing government efforts to afforest, secure and conserve national water towers and wetlands, as he pledged his support in implementing the wetlands agenda for this country through wetlands conservation and management.
The DG said this when he made a courtesy call to Wetlands International regional office on Wednesday 14th March 2018, where he held a meeting with the Regional head, Mrs Julie Mulonga and NEMA Deputy Director, ecosystems Mr Stephen Katua. “I have come here to assure you of my support in implementing the wetlands agenda in this country through conservation and management,” he said this pledging to support Wetlands International achieve its vision and conservation objectives.
During the meeting, Mrs Mulonga assured the DG of the organizations’ support in his great plans to streamline environmental conservation initiatives and thanked him for the visit. She enumerated the successes achieved by Wetlands International in its various project areas, working with NEMA and looks forward to more collaborations and partnerships that will enhance the conservation of wetlands in the country.
Other issues discussed was building partnerships for conservation and management of wetlands is in the country and how the conservation and management of coastal wetlands and mangroves can improve the coverage of coastal forests in Kenya.
Last year Wetlands International Kenya and NEMA Kenya signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that provides for collaboration in the implementation of actions towards sustainable management and promotion of “wise use” of wetlands in Kenya. Currently we are in the process of reviewing the Wetlands, River banks, Lake Shores and Seashore Management Regulations, 2009 to align with the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and the Amended EMCA Cap 387 to provide for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and their resources while promoting integration of wetlands resource use into local and national management aspirations.
A world without wetlands is a world without water. That is why we are dedicated to their conservation and restoration. We do this by understanding and tackling the underlying causes of wetland loss and damage. Our knowledge-base and advocacy enables action to safeguard and restore wetlands, and to use them in sustainable ways.
