Members of FoKP SSG showcasing their woven mats. Zoom In

BirdLife Africa Celebrates International Day for Biodiversity

03-06-2010

BirdLife International and Nature Kenya (BirdLife in Kenya) took part in the International Day for Biological Diversity celebrations which took place at the National Museums of Kenya. The theme of this day was 'Biodiversity, Development and Poverty Alleviation'.

This year's event was seen as a perfect opportunity to raise public awareness on the importance of biodiversity for sustainable development and the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals. BirdLife had a stand at the exhibition and was able to showcase its work and its advocacy materials as well as share with members of the public more about its activities and programmes.

Members of Friends of Kinangop Plateau (FoKP) which is one of Nature Kenya's Site Support Groups (SSG) in Kenya also took part in the celebrations by exhibiting some of their products from weaving and wool spinning. This work is done as an income generating project supported by Nature Kenya to promote sheep and cattle keeping and encourage farmers to reduce land conversion to cultivation.

Crops are unsuitable for this highland grassland and put pressure on the ecosystem making it vulnerable to soil erosion. Crops also negatively affect suitability of the grasslands for the breeding of the Endangered Sharpe's Longclaw Macronyx sharpei, a Kenyan endemic that the FoKP SSG is trying to save. The community also does monitoring of the site and feeds data to the national Museums of Kenya. Through this and other projects such as apiculture, the living standards of SSG members have improved.

The celebrations were graced by the Assistant Minister of Environment in Kenya Hon. Ramadhan Kajembe who officiated at the ceremony. Also, in attendance was the Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Mr Ahmed Djoghlaf, UN Representatives, government representatives, NGO representatives, the media, students and members of the public. The Regional Director for BirdLife Africa Partnership Secretariat Dr Julius Arinaitwe also attended the celebrations and termed the day as one of great importance in the conservation of biodiversity.

"This day reminds us of the vital importance of conserving biodiversity, the fact that all people, and more so the rural poor, owe their survival on the ecosystem goods and services provided by biodiversity. The day is important for BirdLife, which exists to conserve birds and biodiversity, working with people towards sustainable use of natural resources." Dr Julius Arinaitwe remarked.

As part of celebrating IYB, BirdLife also attended the CBD SBSTTA 14 event and participated as an observer in the negotiations and shared some of its work through various side events including work on protected areas and climate change work in Africa. Click here to find out more.

Don't miss a BirdLife news story!