Building partnerships ahead of new project launch in Baringo-Bogoria Sub-landscape

As we move closer to the launch of a new project in the Baringo-Bogoria Sub-landscape – an initiative that will focus on catchment restoration, water sources conservation and capacity building for local conservancies – we brought key stakeholders together to formulate a coordination roadmap to address emerging issues and promote climate-responsive practices in the region. 

With the support of Baringo and Elgeyo-Marakwet County leadership, we hosted the Baringo-Bogoria Programme Integrated Stakeholders Workshop on 18 July 2023.

“Our gathering here today is a demonstration of our selfless commitment to ensuring integrated ecosystem management for sustainable development. As a county, we shall endeavour to create environmentally enabling policies which strengthen conditions under which ecosystem management approach may be made more acceptable,” said Benjamin Cheboi - Governor, Baringo County.

His Elgeyo-Marakwet counterpart, Governor Wisley Rotich noted the importance of enhanced collaboration among stakeholders in the landscape.

“The environment comes first in everything. No human or livestock can survive without a good environment. Climate change and environmental degradation have resulted in water scarcity and a decline in food production in most of our areas which have heightened the cost of living hence immediate interventions are required,” said Governor Rotich.

Speaking at the forum, Mohamed Awer - Chief Executive Officer, WWF-Kenya, urged stakeholders to rally behind the County leadership. 

“All of us must own this initiative under the leadership of the County Government. We need to have an integrated approach from the headwater forest to the lake where the rivers end. That approach should also bring together people, nature and economics,” said Awer.

The meeting was held at the Baringo Spa Hotel. It was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet County Governments, state agencies, academia, non-governmental conservation partners and local community representatives.