Kenya Implements COP26 Solutions to Help Fight Climate Change

The Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Najib Balala says that Kenya is currently implementing the COP26 declarations on sustainability and climate change.

Speaking while at the Maasai Mara Game Reserve where he was joined by Gabon’s Minister of Water, Forests, and climate change Prof Lee White CS Balala noted that African countries should also take time to create synergies and cooperate in combating climate change in the continent.

“We have seen a historic week in Kenya where we celebrated 50 years for the United Nations environment program, and on the sidelines, we celebrated the world wildlife day.  During this period, I had several bilateral meetings with ministers from Africa geared towards mitigating the loss of biodiversity as well as addressing the issues of plastic pollution in Kenya and the continent,” said CS Balala

During the visit at the Mara, CS Balala and Prof Lee white visited Emboo River Lodge which is a case study for innovative climate change solutions that help to fight against climate change.

The lodge produces its own cooking gas and travelers are required to plant a tree when they visit the lodge. Further, the lodge is investing in Knowledge transfer to other camps within the Mara.

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The key areas we have been highlighting are wildlife conservation which is key for both countries and mitigating the challenge of climate change. We have also discussed how we can strengthen collaborations between Gabon’s National Park Agency and the Kenya Wildlife Service which is the premier wildlife service in Africa,” said Prof Lee

CS Balala lauded the camp saying that it overall demonstrates adaptability to sustainable tourism that allows the ecosystem to serve many generations to come.

“With more lodges and tourism facilities adopting these practical and successful innovations, Kenya hopes to align with the COP26 zero carbon emissions by 2050” commented the CS.

The COP26 declarations include;

• Restriction of vehicular transportation within all National Parks and Reserves to those that use non-fossil renewable energy fueling by 2030.
• All hospitality and tourism facilities in Kenya to adopt renewable energy and circular economy in their operations by 2030,
• Mobilize the ecological assets in the vast protected areas that act as carbon sinks to maximize on global carbon credit facilities available,
• Restore degraded areas in our National Parks and Reserves with a concerted effort on reforestation,
• Increase marine conservation areas network and development and enforcement of minimum sustainability standards that are in line with global benchmarks for businesses in the sector.