Press Release
(Nairobi, Kenya – December 8, 2022) – Kenya’s Government today in consultation with Conservation Alliance of Kenya and International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) held the first-ever meeting of the “Wildlife Conservation Roundtable”, a unique initiative to discuss the critical role of wildlife in solving biodiversity challenges, specifically climate change.
The meeting hosted by the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife in Nairobi brought together representatives from non-governmental organizations, public, commercial sector, and government.
“Our fervent wish is a unified sector where people, environment and economy, are thriving and benefiting sustainably from Kenya’s real wealth which lies in the resources of the earth—soil, water, forests, minerals and wildlife,” said Hon. Peninah Malonza, Cabinet Secretary, State Department of Tourism and Wildlife.
Azzedine Downes President and CEO International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) said, “The objective of the Wildlife Round Table is to foster synergy between diverse sectors to support wildlife conservation.”
“We have drawn together decision makers who may not have previously considered the critical role they can play in Kenya’s development agenda while still supporting its biodiversity goals and helping limit climate change,” added Downes.
Earlier this week, a meeting IFAW and H.E. President William Ruto agreed that Kenya will be key to the success of Room to Roam—a long-term plan that works across agencies to protect critical landscapes from Southern to East Africa.
Lucy Waruingi, Conservation Alliance of Kenya Board Chair said, “Today marks an important development for the wildlife and conservation sector. The roundtables will enable the conservation sector to engage on a high-level platform on the cross-cutting issues that affect sustainable management and use of our natural resources.
“This will create the space needed to ensure conservation is everyone's business and we welcome the leadership of the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife and H.E President Dr. William Ruto in launching this initiative.”
Ends
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About IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) - IFAW is a global non-profit helping animal and people thrive together. We are experts and everyday people, working across seas, oceans and in more than 40 countries around the world. We rescue, rehabilitate and release animals, and we restore and protect their natural habitats. The problems we’re up against are urgent and complicated. To solve them, we match fresh thinking with bold action. We partner with local communities, governments, non-governmental organizations and businesses. Together, we pioneer new and innovative ways to help all species flourish. See how at ifaw.org
About Conservation Alliance of Kenya: Conservation Alliance of Kenya is an umbrella body with a united voice for environment, wildlife, and natural resources management organizations. The Alliance exists to support its members within their respective mandates in enhancing conservation and management at the county, national, regional, and global levels in collaboration with partners.
