Natural Sciences team from both KNATCOM and UNESCO Regional Office of Eastern Africa (ROEA) held their monthly bilateral meeting at KNATCOM Offices today morning, aimed at bolstering implementation of joint activities in areas of mutual interest consistent with the Kenyan Government priorities, KNATCOM Strategic Plan and UNESCO Medium-term Strategy. Among the key issues discussed were building Artificial Intelligence (AI) capacity of university lecturers in Kenya and the region; installation of digital libraries to mainstream and enhance uptake of STEM courses among secondary school students; hosting of a regional DRR Workshop; a harmonized approach in contributing towards upcoming Africa Climate Week and Summit leveraging on the lessons learnt and experiences from Geopark and Man and Biosphere Programmes.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to review progress and efforts needed to escalate the nomination process of the first Geopark in Kenya (Baringo Great Rift Valley aspiring Geopark) and revitalizing the National Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme Committee as well as the coordination of the forthcoming International Day of Geodiversity and International Day of Biosphere Reserves.
The UNESCO team consisted of Mr. Nur Yuslan, Dr. Mary Nyasimi and Samuel Mwangi Nderitu. Their Natural Science Programme KNATCOM counterparts were Dr. George Eshiamwata and Mr. Brian Waswala.
The joint meeting culminated in the team paying a courtesy call to KNATCOM Ag. SG/CEO Dr. James Njogu HSC, who expressed his appreciation to UNESCO for the continued cordial working relationship and support. Dr Njogu used this opportunity to present to UNESCO copies of the “Baseline Socioeconomic Survey” Mapping Current Nature-Based Products, Services and Stakeholders’ Need Assessment at the Baringo Great Rift Valley aspiring Geopark”. This survey was supported by UNESCO as part of the Participation Programme.
