Govt, WWF-Kenya working to ensure sustainable ecosystem First Lady

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta has applauded the move by applauded Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) for its role in environmental conservation.

Speaking during the launch of WWF-Kenya as a locally registered conservation NGO, Mrs Kenyatta welcomed the move by the environmental conservation group saying it would help in shaping the future of direction of conservation.

“We congratulate you for your decades of work as an influential conservation player in both in Kenya and in other parts of the world.

“Your new status as WWF- Kenya will add a voice to policy-making, and the future direction of conservation in the wider global network,” she said.

She praised WWF-Kenya for expanding its effort to cover the conservation of endangered species: including Black Rhinos and African Elephants, and tackling other issues including protection of forests, ensuring effective management of Kenya’s water resources, marine conservation, and climate change.

“Your comprehensive approach to sustainable development around environmental issues is a standard for today’s world.  Such a robust approach recognises and underscores one undeniable truth: no one can change a country or a continent alone.”

“Across the world, and throughout history, any change brought about by humanity has always been the consequence of a collaborative process; by brokering agreements between diverse stakeholders of similar conviction to enable them to take a stand together in what they believe.”

Mrs Kenyatta further praised the organisation for working with the government, civil society and local communities to move the country forward, and the establishment of Sustainable Investment Hubs to help promote international best practice in financing sustainable development.

She expressed optimism that the organisation will continue to bring people together to deal with critical environmental issues in the next 50 years and effect change in the area of conservation to build and protect the resources of the country.

“That said, and even as you move forward in your work and realize your new institutional status and mission, let me encourage you to remember that real change is incremental. It comes over time, and it is frequently accompanied by many setbacks along the way,” she said.

The First Lady further noted: “The Government of Kenya has put in place policy frameworks and continues to be an active participant internationally to underscore its commitment at all levels to fight illegal wildlife trade.”

“I know that the partners represented are all working together with the Government towards ensuring a sustainable ecosystem for Kenya.”