The Republic of Kenya and the United Republic of Tanzania Kenya have jointly committed to implementing a 15-point strategy to protect the Mara River basin, a crucial ecosystem for the Masai Mara and Serengeti parks that is facing degradation risks.
The new plan aims to accelerate ongoing efforts to enhance collaboration in preserving this ecosystem, which supports millions of people and wildlife in both countries. It is also home to the world-renowned wildebeest migration.
The announcement was made during the 13th Mara Day celebrations in Narok County Republic of Kenya, attended by delegates from the two nations, researchers, conservationists, and local communities living within the Mara ecosystem.
Hon Abdi Dubat EAC principal secretary inspects LVBC’S stand during the celebration
The participants committed to developing an updated Transboundary Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) plan for the Mara River basin.
The plan focuses on the sustainable use of water resources in the fragile ecosystem and implementing various conservation initiatives.
LVBC Executive Secretary Dr Masinde Bwire presents a gift to Prof. P.L.O Lumumba during the scientific conference
LVBC Executive Secretary Dr Masinde Bwire emphasized that the Mara basin is confronting challenges from climate change, population growth, and unsustainable land-use practices.
The resolutions, jointly signed by East African Community Principal Secretary Hon Abdi Dubat and Hon Evans Mtambi, the Regional Commissioner for the Mara region and head of the Tanzanian delegation, commit to promoting and investing in integrated environmental sanitation in key towns and urban centers.
The Head of the Kenyan delegation, Hon.Abdi Dubat, Principal Secretary (PS) of the East African Community (EAC), affirmed the government’s commitment to preserving the Mara River and its entire ecosystem.
Guests at the Mara Day celebrations in Sekenani
This effort aims to ensure that both wildlife and the communities residing within the basin continue to benefit from its resources.
On his part, the head of Tanzanian delegation Hon Colonel Evans Mtambi, highlighted the significant threat climate change poses to the survival of the ecosystem.
He called for the creation of locally-driven solutions to tackle the challenge. Colonel Mtambi also encouraged the community to plant environmentally friendly trees to attract rainfall and mitigate drought, warning that failure to address these issues could result in the extinction of wildlife, which is vital to the ecosystem’s sustainability
The two countries have agreed to establish and implement a program for regular joint monitoring of water quality and quantity in the Mara River basin.
Hon Abdi Dubat, EAC principal secretary presents trophy to a Joseph Letoo, student at Sekenani secondary school
The Mara Day Celebrations, organized by the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC), are held alternately in the Republic of Kenya and the United Republic of Tanzania to review the progress of efforts and initiatives aimed at protecting and conserving the Mara River ecosystem.