Kenya hosted the 13 Extraordinary meeting of the governing council of parties in a bid to facilitate presidency of the council, address salient matters pertaining to Wildlife as well as implementation of the Lusaka Agreement treaty.
Speaking during the event Thursday at a Nairobi hotel, Attorney General (AG) Justin Muturi said that it is crucial to recognize that Africa highly values its wildlife as it represents a significant heritage for both our economic growth and future generations.
Muturi said that the government is committed to implementing concerted interventions that promote conservation efforts acknowledging utilization of the criminal justice to combat poaching and transactional organized wildlife crises.
He urged all African states to ratify the Lusaka Agreement as there’s strength in numbers, noting that the tourism sector has accomplished remarkable achievements by building a capacity of over 1000 officers from member and non-member states with specialized skills.
The AG noted that the country has had successful cross border law enforcement collaborations with National Bureaus and Wildlife Authorities in Kenya and Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, Ethiopia and Kenya, Congo Brazzaville and Cameroon as well as Zambia and Tanzania.
“We must raise awareness among our children and youth about the importance of conserving our flora and fauna. This can be achieved through the establishment of wildlife clubs in both primary and secondary schools,” said Muturi.
Echoing his remarks, Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage CS Peninah Malonza said that the Lusaka Agreement assumes a pivotal role in the global biodiversity conservation with specific focus on combating wildlife and forest crimes addressing the threat of climate change.
She cited the agreement as a visionary endeavor conceived by great leaders to recognize the urgent need to protect Africa’s natural resources from clutches of organized criminals.
“It is with immense pride and gratitude that I stand before you today at this historic gathering of the 13th Governing Council, Kenya stands tall as the host of this meeting at a time when Africa is embracing transformative conservation practices and pioneering innovations to protect our invaluable environmental heritage,” said Malonza.
She reaffirmed her team’s commitment to the agreement and bottlenecks which hinder growth, adding that it is an instrument forged for a noble cause.
“Let’s all lend unwavering support to this homegrown treaty to enable its effective counter in eradication of wildlife crime,” Malonza remarked.
The CS extended her appreciation and gratitude towards the bestowed honor as the first female president of the 13th Governing Council of Parties to the Lusaka Agreement.
“Together we represent countries bound by economic, social and cultural ties and have enjoyed long-lasting friendships that strengthen our resolve in the face of adversity,” said Malonza.
By Phinta Amondi and Rebecca Maria
