Wildlife Must Be Part of Climate Solution, Kenya Tells World

Kenya has launched a compelling appeal to incorporate wildlife conservation into international climate change deliberations, lamenting the profound impact of climate events on its diverse fauna.

During a session focused on enhancing Nationally Determined Contributions and transforming food systems, Wildlife Secretary Dr. Shadrack Ngene articulated the urgent need to consider wildlife in climate discussions, noting that animals face similar climate challenges as humans. Kenya's rich biodiversity, documented in the 2021 wildlife census, showcases impressive populations of iconic species, including over 36,000 elephants, nearly 1,800 rhinos, and thousands of large predators such as lions, hyenas, and cheetahs.

The country also boasts significant populations of various giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. However, this remarkable wildlife faces mounting threats from climate change. The severity of these threats became starkly apparent in late 2022 when the Wildlife Research and Training Institute reported substantial wildlife losses due to severe drought conditions. The period between October 2021 and May 2022 saw insufficient rainfall, resulting in over 1,000 documented wildlife deaths.

Wildebeest, zebras, and elephants were among the species most severely affected by the scarcity of water and pasture. The Kenyan government has demonstrated its commitment to wildlife conservation by protecting 19% of its territory, divided between national parks and reserves (8%) and community or private conservancies (11%). During periods of extreme drought, the government implemented targeted feeding programs for vulnerable species like the Grevy's zebra.

Looking ahead, Kenya aims to expand its community conservancies to 20% by 2030, a move designed to enhance carbon sequestration capabilities while promoting sustainable tourism. Recent research has highlighted the significant role of wildlife in climate change mitigation. For instance, forest elephants in the Congo basin have been found to increase carbon sequestration by 7%, underlining the crucial connection between wildlife conservation and climate change mitigation.

In response to these findings, Kenya is developing a comprehensive Climate Action Plan for its wildlife sector, which will outline specific mitigation and adaptation strategies. The forthcoming national adaptation plan for climate change in the wildlife sector, scheduled for launch next year, represents a significant step in Kenya's efforts to integrate wildlife conservation with broader climate initiatives.