dc.description.abstract |
Kenya has a large complement of biological diversity of immense
value which is used, valued, and protected by local communities
as well as a variety of institutions. While communities have
strived to use biological diversity sustainably and live in harmony with
nature, the intensity of extraction and exploitation has increased while
ecosystems are negatively affected by development initiatives.
Cases of over exploitation, habitat loss and conversion remain a major
threat the sustenance of biodiversity compromising our ability to derive
continued benefits. Mostly, the causes of loss of biological diversity
arise as secondary consequences of activities within various economic
sectors, such as urban development, transportation, energy, water
supply, forestry, tourism, fisheries, mining, and agriculture. this is
particularly so for those activities that focus on short-term benefits
rather than long-term sustainability.
In the rio+20 outcome document “the future we want” world leaders
called for urgent action on unsustainable patterns of production and
consumption where they occur. Such actions remain fundamental in
addressing environmental sustainability, and promoting conservation
and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystems, regeneration
of natural resources, and the promotion of sustained, inclusive and
equitable global growth.
In 2012, ten african heads of State met in Gaborone, Botswana and
agreed on the Gaborone Declaration for Sustainability in africa. the
objective of the Declaration is to ensure that the contributions of natural
capital to sustainable economic growth, maintenance and improvement
of social capital and human well-being are quantified and integrated into
development and business practice.
preparation of the atlas of Kenya’s biological diversity as a first step
is therefore in line with that Declaration. the compilation of Kenya’s
natural capital that has led to the production of the atlas of our
Biological Diversity is an attempt to present, in a visual form, the current
extent, status, threats, trends, interventions and potential sustainable
use opportunities of our biological diversity. efforts have been made
to collate the available data and information of the country’s biological
diversity and present it in form of maps, photos and diagrams that are
easy to understand.
It is my expectation that the atlas will re-invigorate stakeholders to act
on the knowledge, institutional, policy, technological and economic
development challenges highlighted in the atlas. In the same vein, I
encourage all of us to take up the opportunities for sustainable use
and economic activities highlighted in the atlas. I invite development
partners, private sector, academia, researchers and all relevant
stakeholders to increase their efforts and contribution towards
achievement of conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity,
while improving the well-being of Kenyans through the creation of
wealth as envisioned by the vision 2030.
the Government of Kenya is fully committed to ensuring that a full
and comprehensive valuation of our natural capital is undertaken
and integrated and mainstreamed into all national socio-economic
development processes.
In conclusion, I wish to most sincerely thank all the experts who worked
tirelessly to gather and assemble the data and information that made
it possible to produce the atlas. I also extend my appreciation to
Government of Denmark for partnering with the Government of Kenya
and providing the financial resources necessary for this important
initiative. |
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