The Kenya National Commission for UNESCO (KNATCOM), through its Natural Sciences Programme and in collaboration with the Kenya Man and Biosphere (K-MAB) Committee, held a two-day capacity building workshop for Biosphere Reserve (BR) Managers from 18th to 19th June 2025 at Machakos University Hotel.
The workshop brought together over 40 participants from Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and Kenya Forest Service (KFS) representing five of the six Kenya’s designated Biosphere Reserves (Malindi-Watamu Arabuko Sokoke, Amboseli, Mount Kenya-Lewa, Mount Elgon, and Kiunga) as well as other potential BR sites.
This workshop was meant to enhance the competences of managers in effective biodiversity and ecosystem management, climate action, disaster risk reduction, resource mobilization, business planning and community engagement. It also provided a platform for sharing innovative approaches to governance, resource mobilization, advocacy, existing opportunities and the integration of nature-based solutions, as well as designation process for new Biosphere reserves. The participants were sensitized on the significance of Biosphere Reserves in achieving Sustainable Development Goals and other global targets and multi-lateral environmental agreements.
During the workshop, Dr. James Njogu, Ag. Secretary General/CEO of the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO, through remarks delivered by Dr. George Eshiamwata (Ag. Director, Natural Sciences), called upon the participants to support in ensuring that the designated sites continue meeting international standards, frameworks and statutory requirements but also leverage on opportunities available through the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
“The challenges faced by biosphere reserves and potential ones are complex, interconnected, and often beyond the capacity of any single institution or manager to solve alone”, Dr James Njogu, Ag. Secretary General/CEO .
The workshop reflects KNATCOM’s continued commitment to empowering managers and decision makers, strengthening management effectiveness, and supporting Kenya’s compliance with statutory requirements and international best practices.
