KENYA’S NATURAL CAPITAL A BIODIVERSITY ATLAS

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.