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The Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011.  The site is a natural property of outstanding beauty, comprises three inter-linked relatively shallow lakes (Lake Bogoria, Lake Nakuru and Lake Elementaita) in the Rift Valley Province of Kenya that covers a total area of 32,034 hectares. The property is home to 13 globally threatened bird species1 and some of the highest bird diversities in the world. It is the single most important foraging site for the Lesser flamingo in the world with about 1.5 million individuals moving from one lake to the other. The property contains all of the key habitats and features that contribute to its Outstanding Universal Value.

The project seeks to promote sustainable resource management through community engagement, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among local populations. By integrating scientific research with Indigenous Knowledge, the initiative aims to develop conservation strategies that align with the needs of both biodiversity and the local communities dependent on the lake system. Ultimately, the project aspires to ensure the ecological integrity and long-term sustainability of this unique natural heritage site while contributing to global biodiversity goals.

The inception meeting was instrumental in bringing together key stakeholders to address the project's primary objective of tackling critical environmental challenges to safeguard the Kenya Lake System. The initiative focuses on the discussion on how to conserve migratory waterbirds, including the Lesser Flamingo, while promoting sustainable resource management. Additionally, the meeting contributed to enhancing community engagement and increasing awareness of pressing environmental issues. All levels of the stakeholder’s participation from the outset of the project contributed to ensuring a comprehensive approach to the conservation of this vital ecosystem.

Speaking at the inception, Mr Hoseah Wanderi, Head of World Heritage Sites at National Museums of Kenya,  highlighted that the project aligns with key international frameworks and decisions to guide its implementation. It responds directly to the World Heritage Committee Decision 45 COM 7B.7, which calls for urgent measures to address deforestation, land degradation, and uncontrolled developments in sensitive buffer zones around the lake system. Additionally, the project adheres to the principles of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAWA), focusing on protecting migratory waterbirds by mitigating threats from agriculture, aquaculture, and other human activities impacting critical habitats. 

Mr Pim van der Male, Deputy Head of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, emphasized the critical need for coordination and alignment of ongoing efforts to safeguard the Rift Valley Lakes. He highlighted the dynamic nature of these lakes and the increasing pressures from urbanization, climate change, and land-use changes. Pim underscored the importance of institutional frameworks, particularly at the basin level, to ensure sustainable water management. 

Two experts were officially introduced as the primary specialists who will lead the project, in close cooperation with all stakeholders involved, to ensure the success of the project. The Wildlife Expert, an authority in wildlife conservation, will spearhead initiatives aimed at preserving the unique flora and fauna surrounding the Kenya Lake System. Their expertise will be crucial in identifying effective conservation strategies to protect endangered species and ensure the sustainability of biodiversity in the region. Meanwhile, the Environmental Experts, with their extensive knowledge in environmental management and ecosystem preservation, will focus on developing strategies to address environmental threats such as pollution and climate change. Their work will ensure a balanced approach to safeguarding the ecological integrity of the Kenya Lake System. Both experts will play pivotal roles in driving the project’s implementation, ensuring that conservation efforts are grounded in sound scientific and environmental principles.

As threats to biodiversity intensify, this initiative marks a critical step in safeguarding the Kenya Lake System, ensuring it remains a thriving ecosystem and a beacon of conservation excellence. Reflecting UNESCO’s commitment to global environmental stewardship, the project underscores the importance of collaboration as a cornerstone for effective conservation.

The meeting was concluded with the participants’ confirmation of their cooperation towards the successful implementation of the project.