The Kenya National Commission for UNESCO (KNATCOM) in partnership with UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa, Mt. Elgon-ICLIP (Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme), and Bungoma County Government, hosted the annual celebrations at Chemoge High Altitude Training Centre in Kaptama, Bungoma County.
The event, guided by the theme, “Mount Elgon: Our Heritage, Our Responsibility – Restore Nature, Unite for Life,” is a timely reminder that conservation must be a collective undertaking, offered a platform for key national and county government institutions, conservation entities, development partners, youth and local communities to demonstrate their collective commitment to safeguarding Mt. Elgon Transboundary Biosphere Reserve.
In a speech read by Mr. David Onyancha, OGW, the Secretary Administration, State Department for Mining on behalf of Hon. Harry Kimtai, CBS, Principal Secretary, State Department for Mining and Patron of Mount Elgon ICLIP he acknowledged the role of all stakeholders supporting conservation and management of this important ecosystem. . He He applauded the vital role of local communities as custodians of ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of peaceful human–nature coexistence and the integration of indigenous knowledge, practices and traditional systems into natural resource management, biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration. The PS emphasised the need for striking a balance between economic needs of communities and conservation.
He challenged the communities to diversify their incomes through adoption of new crops such as macadamia, avocado and cocoa, embracing climate-smart agriculture, agroforestry and sustainable farming practices initiatives and value addition. He challenged the community and partners to support the government agenda to grow 15billion trees as part of achieving 30% cover by 2032.
Loise Haxthausen, UNESCO Regional Office of Eastern Africa Director, represented by Dr. Mary Nyasimi, underscored the role of biosphere reserves as landscapes that balance conservation and sustainable development through community participation, while providing opportunities for research, monitoring, education and training. As the only Transboundary Biosphere Reserve in eastern Africa, she noted that this presents opportunities to be a centre of excellence in in transbundary management of ecosystems and sustainable development. She concluded by advocating for inclusion of local and indigenous knowledge systems (LINKS) in ecosystem restoration while celebrating indigenous communities.
KNATCOM’s Ag. Secretary General / CEO, Dr. James Njogu was represented at the event by the Ag. Deputy Secretary General, Dr. Joel Ongoto. In his address, he provided an overview of KNATCOM mandate and its pivotal role in contribution to promoting peace and sustainable development through the various UNESCO programmes.
He spotlighted Kenya’s six Biosphere Reserves underscoring their ecological, cultural and socio-economic significance as well as their role in fostering, cross-border cooperation, knowledge exchange and integrated ecosystem management. Reaffirming KNATCOM commitment to advancing the objectives of the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve Programme, he highlighted the Commissions continued focus on strategic partnerships, policy advocacy, stakeholder coordination, public awareness, research promotion, capacity building. He further emphasised the importance of strengthening inclusive collaboration among stakeholders, particularly women and youth as key drivers of sustainable conservation and development. He concluded by challenging the youth to embrace ecotourism and UNESCO opportunities whenever available.
Also in attendance were representatives from National Government Administration Offices (NGAO), Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Kenya Seed Company, Mt. Elgon Ecosystem Conservation Trust, Nyayo Tea Zones Development Corporation, development partners, community-based organizations, local communities.
