EAC member States have been urged to enhance collaboration in the conservation of its biodiversity for present and posterity.
Francoise Uwumukiza, Chairperson of the Agriculture, Tourism, and Natural Resources (ATNR) Committee of the East African Legislative Assembly, said proper management of flora and fauna in the region is vital in bolstering local economies and enhancing the living standards of communities.
Uwumukiza stressed that by prioritising sustainable practices and conservation efforts, the EAC can unlock significant economic potential, creating jobs and fostering resilience in the face of environmental challenges.
Speaking during a consultative meeting in Nairobi on wildlife management in EAC Partner States, Uwumukiza underscored the importance of cooperation in wildlife conservation, highlighting key areas for collaboration within EAC states, including the harmonisation of existing laws and policies as well as the implementation of legislative provisions aligned with the EALA treaty.
“The Committee on Agriculture, Tourism, and Natural Resources (ATNR), is conducting an oversight activity to evaluate wildlife conservation and management within Member States,” she said, adding, “We are examining how States are managing wildlife, as it is a key contributor to GDP in the region.”
Uwumukiza stated that these efforts are essential for creating a unified approach to safeguarding the region’s rich biodiversity and promoting the sustainable use of wildlife resources.
The chairperson said the Committee is in the process of developing a common report on wildlife conservation in the region with a view to tabling it in EALA for the establishment of a legislative framework for the management of cross-border tourism trade and wildlife conservation.
“After we receive recommendations and observations from presentations by delegates from different countries, we will compile a comprehensive report, then table it before the EALA Assembly,” she stated, highlighting the importance of developing effective management mechanisms to protect transboundary ecosystems.
Uwumukiza expressed the EAC’s commitment to effectively managing and conserving wildlife, and promoting cross-border tourism, to enhance the regional economy, stressing that, “the integration agenda focuses on the harmonisation of policies; we are assessing existing laws and regulations to ensure they align with the treaty. There are several laws and policies that need to be reviewed to ensure compliance across member states.”
She called for enhanced efforts towards full regional integration, pointing out that trade tariff barriers serve as significant obstacles to progress, urging member States to work together to eliminate these barriers and foster a more unified approach to conservation, intra-regional trade, and economic growth.
Uwumukiza stated, “We should eliminate non-tariff barriers in the domains of tourism, wildlife, and animal orphanages,” emphasising the need for streamlined policies that will facilitate greater collaboration and accessibility across member states, ultimately fostering a more vibrant tourism sector and supporting conservation efforts.
She urged partner states to fully comply with international treaties they have signed, particularly those focused on biodiversity protection, to ensure that conserved areas provide tangible benefits to local communities and the broader East African Community.
“I am appealing to the Council of Ministers to support ecosystems, to enable the region to advance in its commitments as outlined in international biodiversity agreements,” she stated, highlighting that all EAC countries are signatories to these crucial frameworks.
She underscored the importance of fast-tracking information sharing systems among member states and commended their collaborative efforts in combating poaching and addressing challenges like climate change that threaten the region’s biodiversity.
Uwumukiza noted that land use has been a great challenge in the region and has affected environment and conservation efforts, adding that consequently EALA has been at the forefront in championing conservation efforts, particularly through tree planting across member states.
Dr. Woda Jeremiah Odok Jago, EALA MP, and member of the ATNR, underscored the importance of managing wildlife in the EAC region, saying the wildlife and tourism sectors are the main income earners for member states and communities living within the ecosystem.
Dr. Woda emphasized the importance of wildlife conservation in East Africa, noting, “For partner states like Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, which are leading in the wildlife sector, we are pushing for wildlife conservation to ensure the sector grows and to enable other member states to benefit by making East Africa a premier tourism destination.”
She expressed concern that the contribution of wildlife and tourism to GDP remains low due to underutilisation of resources, highlighting ongoing interventions by EALA members, which are aimed at improving the situation.
Dr. Woda further advocated for a single tourism visa to facilitate travel within the region, saying, “We are pushing for a single tourism visa to help support member states.” She believes that such initiatives can enhance collaboration and increase tourism flow across borders, ultimately benefiting all countries involved.
In addition, she called upon member States to actively market their own tourism sites, encouraging citizens to explore and appreciate local resources. “We must challenge the stereotype of only expecting foreigners to visit our tourism sites,” she stated, adding, “By fostering a sense of pride and ownership among our citizens, we can boost domestic tourism and ensure our natural treasures are cherished by all.”
Dr. Woda pointed out that effective wildlife management not only supports economic growth but also promotes biodiversity conservation and sustainable tourism. She urged stakeholders to prioritise collaborative efforts to protect wildlife resources, as they are integral to the cultural heritage and livelihoods of local communities.
Mary Mugyenyi, EALA MP and member of the ATNR, echoing her colleague’s sentiments, emphasized the critical need to reduce human-wildlife conflict, highlighting interventions such as forest protection and tree planting to promote sustainable food sources. She cited Uganda’s proactive measures, including revenue sharing and safeguarding wildlife ecosystems, as exemplary approaches to addressing these challenges.
On the pressing issue of climate change, she urged member States to prioritise collaborative strategies that enhance resilience and protect the region’s natural resources.
In a decisive effort to enhance the protection of wildlife, Maina Karobia, EALA MP, is also advocating for the rapid implementation of an advanced information management system that employs tracking technology for 24/7 monitoring of animals in the ecosystem.
“This will help us track our animals, know how many we have, and safeguard them from natural calamities like drought while enabling us to allocate financial resources effectively,” he stated.
Karobia urged partner states to share best practices to develop a unified approach for wildlife protection, underscoring the critical need for data-driven strategies to combat poaching and ensure the health and sustainability of animal populations.
With the ongoing challenges posed by poaching, habitat loss, and climate change, the MPs called for enhanced policies and initiatives that will ensure sustainable use of wildlife resources. By safeguarding these natural assets, they said, EAC can bolster its economy and foster a healthier environment for future generations.
By Ian Chepkuto
