Focus on renewable energy sources, experts advise Government

By PETER ORENGO

The Government has been urged to promote the use of renewable energy as the world moves to a post-fossil fuel economy.

Participants at the International Biodiversity Conference in Nairobi heard that billions of shillings are lost each year because the country is destroying its natural capital much faster than is being replaced.

"Ecological biodiversity captures our rainfall, regulates river flows and supplies nutrients for our crops. These services come free of charge and yet are ignored in our calculations of national economic output," said David Western, the chairman of African Conservation Centre.

Unrivalled diversity

He said swelling tourist arrivals lead to congestion of parks. And in their rush between parks, tourists miss Kenya’s unrivalled diversity of animal and plant life.

As a result farmers and ranchers, the backbone of the country’s economy, have started paying the price.

"We must overhaul our outdated wildlife policy and prepare a comprehensive national framework for all biodiversity," Dr Western said.

He added that only a new conservation mandate would correct the imbalance between those who benefit from wildlife and biodiversity and those who bear the cost.

Environment PS Ali Mohamed, who read the minister’s speech, reiterated the Government’s commitment to review her conservation policies and draw up a comprehensive national conservation framework.

"Kenya’s national capital in the form of ecosystems, biodiversity and natural resources underpins the economy and well-being of our society. This value will be audited and posted in our Vision 2030 agenda," said the Environment Minister John Michuki.

Forestry Assistant Minister Josephat Nanok asked experts at the conference to come up with a framework that will address and appraise the value of the country’s biodiversity.

"Our vegetation and wildlife population are reducing at an alarming rate. We need to inventory them for us to know what we have so that we can maintain or replenish them," said the assistant minister.