KWS, Conservancies meet over Wildlife conservation

Officials from KWS and NECA Together with participants of the summit pose for a group photo. [Mohamed Saman, Standard]

A two-day meeting for Northern Eastern Conservancies was held to protect wildlife.

The meeting was held by North Eastern Conservancies Association (NECA ) in partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association (KWCA).

Teams from Garissa, Wajir, Mandera counties and other key stakeholders attended the meeting held in Garissa Town from December 13.

The event was graced by NECA officials, led by chief executive Sharmake Mohamed.

Dickson Kaelo from KWCA, a representative from the Kenya Wildlife Service, the host MP for Garissa Township Major Dekow Mohamed and representatives of Counties Assemblies also attended.

The national government was also represented in the meeting.

The objective of the two-day conference was to provide a platform for sharing knowledge and fostering effective development within Conservancies.

It also aimed at facilitating objective dialogue on establishing an efficient and inclusive landscape coordination organization that supports Conservancy growth across the three counties.

Additionally, meeting also served as an Annual General Meeting for North Eastern Conservancies Association members to develop a strategic development plan.

Speaking after the summit, Sharmake affirmed the institution's commitment in advocating for wildlife in the region.

He said NECA aims at protecting animals from poaching, provide water during droughts, and sensitizing the public on the global importance of wildlife.

Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association (KWCA) chief executive Mr Dickson Kaela lauded the capacity-building initiatives provided to Conservancy teams in the region.

Kaela shared insights into the status of Conservancies in Kenya and emphasized the importance of wildlife as a revenue source from the tourism sector.

Dekow Mohamed, the MP for Garissa Township, pledged to spearhead more legislation and advocacy for wildlife conservation plans in Kenya.

He appealed to the government and donor agencies to support the North Eastern Conservancies Association, recognizing it as a pioneering Conservancy body advocating for the region.

The meeting also provided a platform to share knowledge and to learn development of effective Conservancies that deliver both conservation and livelihood impact.