Environment & Biodiversity – Kenya National Commission for UNESCO

A New Era: Mount Elgon Transboundary Biosphere Reserve officially launched

j.gitahi — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 12:11:50 +0000

Mount Elgon Transboundary Biosphere Reserve officially launched

March 28, 2025, marked a historic milestone with the official launch of the Mount Elgon Transboundary Biosphere Reserve in Suam, Trans-Nzoia County. This landmark event, spearheaded by the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO (KNATCOM) in collaboration with UNESCO and its Ugandan counterpart, represents a significant step in the conservation of the Mt. Elgon ecosystem. It reaffirms the commitment of Kenya and Uganda to sustainable biodiversity conservation and the empowerment of local communities through the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.

The launch, held at Suam, was graced by Ms. Silvia Museiya, CBS, Principal Secretary, State Department for Wildlife (Kenya), and her Ugandan counterpart, Ms. Doreen Katusiime, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife & Antiquities (Uganda), alongside the Principal Secretary, State Department of Forestry (Kenya). Also in attendance was Dr. James Njogu, HSC, Acting Secretary-General/CEO of KNATCOM, who played a pivotal role in coordinating the nomination and designation process. Other dignitaries included Amb. Joash Maangi, MBS – Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda; Ms. Louise Haxthausen – Director & Representative, UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa; government officials, conservation partners, and local leaders from both nations.

A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of plaques to officially launch the Transboundary Biosphere Reserve and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Governments of Kenya and Uganda. This MoU, developed under the leadership of KNATCOM and Uganda National Commission for UNESCO, provides a framework for joint transboundary conservation initiatives, ensuring sustainable management of the ecosystem through coordinated policies, scientific research, and community-driven conservation efforts. The National Commissions for UNESCO in both countries were recognized for their critical role in facilitating the nomination process, securing UNESCO designation, and organizing this historic launch.

To complement the conservation efforts, over 5,000 trees were planted across the Mt. Elgon landscape on both the Kenyan and Ugandan sides, a strategic move to rehabilitate degraded areas and enhance ecosystem resilience. KNATCOM, as the lead agency for UNESCO programmes in Kenya, will continue providing technical guidance, mobilizing stakeholders, and advocating for policies that promote conservation and socio-economic transformation in the region. The successful designation of Mount Elgon as Africa’s second Transboundary Biosphere Reserve and the first in East and Southern Africa marks a new era in transboundary cooperation, reinforcing Kenya and Uganda’s shared vision for sustainable biodiversity conservation and regional development.

Mt. Elgon TBR Launch Pictorials

Marking the International Biosphere Reserve Day at Mount Kenya-Lewa UNESCO – Designated Biosphere Reserve

j.gitahi — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 06:53:20 +0000

Celebrating the International Biosphere Reserve Day at Mount Kenya

KNATCOM, in conjunction with various Mount Kenya-Lewa Biosphere Reserve stakeholders and the local community, commemorated the International Day for Biosphere Reserves during a colorful ceremony held at Naromoru. This year’s national theme is Sustainable Living through Preserving Biodiversity.

In his remarks, the KNATCOM Ag. Secretary General Dr. James Njogu, HSC, underscored the importance of biosphere reserves in protecting biodiversity, ecosystems, ecosystem services, and sustainable development. He also highlighted the role of partnership in effective conservation. During the event, youth from across five Biosphere Reserves were awarded for emerging winners in an earlier competition on documenting cultural and natural heritage.

The event was graced by Dr. John Chumo, Conservation Secretary, State Dept of Wildlife as Chief Guest; Louise Haxthausen – UNESCO Regional Director for Eastern Africa; Madam Lucy Muita, Senior Assistant Director KWS; Dr. Boniface Wanyama, Kenya Man and Biosphere Reserve Chairperson; Mr. Eric Aduda, Assistant Director, KWS, representatives from Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Mount Kenya Trust, Laikipia Wildlife Conservancy and several Community-based groups.

KNATCOM Ag. Secretary General joins other stakeholders and partners in planting trees at the Mount Kenya-Lewa UNESCO Designated Biosphere Reserve

The team also planted over 100 tree seedlings as part of the Biosphere Reserve conservation initiative.

The Secretary General Emphasizes Heritage Importance at Baringo Great Rift Valley Geopark Workshop

j.gitahi — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 12:02:08 +0000

The Kenya National Commission for UNESCO in collaboration with the Baringo County Government and Baringo Great Rift Valley aspiring Geopark held a stakeholders’ validation workshop for the recently developed socio-economic baseline survey report.

The baseline report was developed at a time when plans are at an advanced stage to submit the nomination documents for designation and official recognition of this important landscape by UNESCO. If designated, this would be the first Geopark in Kenya and the third in Africa.

The purpose of a baseline report was to document the current socio-economic status of the local communities, current products and services produced, revenues generated and identify capacity needs. Recommendations from this report are key in monitoring impact, value addition interventions, branding of products and services to increase marketability and capacity building interventions that would ensure that communities leverage on the Geopark brand to improve their fortunes.

The two-day activity, held on 22^nd – 23^rd March 2023 at the Rift Valley Hills Resort (Kabarnet), brought together over 50 representatives drawn from opinion leaders; Baringo County Government officials; civil society; youth, women and elders; and community-based groups.

The workshop was officially opened by Hon. Zachary Kiprotich, County Executive Committee Member in charge of Tourism, Trade and Cooperative Development Baringo County Government and graced also by KNATCOM Secretary General/CEO, Dr. Evangeline Njoka. In her remarks, the Secretary General/CEO of the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO Dr. Evangeline Njoka reiterated the commitment of the Commission in supporting the designation of the Baringo Great Rift valley aspiring Geopark to UNESCO Global Geopark Network and complementing the Kenya Government’s efforts towards championing and promoting peace in the region. She noted that the Geopark concept embraces a holistic approach to that promotes protection of natural, cultural and geological heritage, sustainable development, education and networking at various levels while embracing international standards.

She urged the participants to embrace this concept and support the process to the very end noting that the Geopark can be a game-changer in providing opportunities for socio-economic growth and increase fortunes for the local communities. She challenged them to diversify investments and entrepreneurship options leveraging on the various nature-based enterprises that the County is endowed with.

The baseline validation report will generate evidence based socio-economic data, critical for monitoring the future trends, growth and impacts. She acknowledged the contribution of German NATCOM, Global Geopark Network, UNESCO, County and National Geopark Committees among other partners.

The workshop provided a platform for additional input into the report and continuous stakeholder engagement and sensitization about the importance of Baringo’s unique geological, natural and cultural heritage and the role of the geopark in achieving national targets and priorities as well as global targets such as Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, the workshop provided an opportunity for the local community members and representatives to be debriefed on progress made with nomination process. to It also provided opportunities for networking and sharing best practices, experiences, challenges and opportunities in management of aspiring geopark. T

With only two UNESCO accredited geoparks in Africa (Morocco and Tanzania) out of the 177 across 46 UNESCO Member States, Kenya hopes that Baringo Great Rift Valley aspiring Geopark would be Africa’s third UNESCO Global Geopark.

More info:
Baringo Great Rift Valley aspiring Geopark
UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp)
Global Geopark network (GGN)

TVET Trainers challenged to embrace emerging technologies for effective delivery of high-quality Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) content to spur innovation and promote entrepreneurship and job creation.

j.gitahi — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 08:43:04 +0000

TVET Trainers urged to embrace emerging technologies for effective delivery of high-quality Science, Technology and Innovation (STI)

TVET Trainers poses for a group photo during the capacity building workshop for TVET Trainers on emerging technologies

The Commission organized a capacity building workshop for TVET Trainers on emerging technologies that brought together 35 participants from Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia and Vihiga Counties. The workshop is meant to integrate 21st Century learning design and ICT tools to enhance training of skills in TVET that meet the skills demand while leveraging on digital transformation and the opportunities associated with the 4^th Industrial revolution.

The event was graced by the Dr Boniface Okoth, County Executive Committee Member in charge of Education, Science and Technology, Kakamega County, Dr Ing Calvin Onyango the Director General of Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI) and Dr James Njogu HSC the Ag. Secretary General/CEO of Kenya National Commission for UNESCO.

TVETs are engines for leapfrogging the country development to a double-digit economy as well as achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in context of Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) in Kenya. During the opening ceremony, Dr. Njogu challenged the participants to promote the development of skills that address the existing skills gaps, foster entrepreneurship and leverage on green economy to innovate and for job creation. He noted that this is consistent with the UNESCO TVET Strategy 2022-2029 that empathizes promotion of skills development for empowerment, productive employment and decent work and facilitate the transition to a more digital, green, and inclusive societies.

Facilitators were drawn from critical institutions including Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI), Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), The Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA), NuElectric, (South Africa), Asah Creative Solutions, and State Department of Higher Education and Research.

This is one of the series of workshops that the Commission has been undertaken in various Counties in the Country.

STEM Girls Boot Camp

j.gitahi — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 08:50:47 +0000

Theme: “Keeping girls in the picture”

The Kenya National Commission for UNESCO (KNATCOM) in partnership with UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa, Ministry of Education and the STEM Impact Centre hosted 108 girls during the STEM Girls Boot camp for schools in Kwale County on 14-16^th August 2023. The Kwale segment of the training was hosted by Waa Girls High School and happening concurrently with a similar Boot Camp in Kajiado both funded by PRADA through UNESCO.

Coordinated by Education and Natural Sciences Programme, the “Keeping Girls in the Picture” the two STEM Camps were of the ongoing initiatives to promote the uptake of STEM among girls thus addressing their under-representation in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers pathways. During the three-day mentorship camps, the girls were exposed to the 21^st century skills and artificial intelligence including coding, 3D printing, Robotics and Mobile Apps Development. The students were also taken through mentorship on the role of Mathematics in making career choices and life skills by various mentors and were challenged to take the lead and change the narrative. Also present were Ministry of Education Officials, teachers from participating schools. Students presented very innovative projects in the areas of 3D printing, Robotics and Mobile Apps.

The three-day camp in Kwale county was officially opened by Dr. James Njogu, HSC, Ag. Secretary General/CEO, KNATCOM who encouraged the girls to break the glass ceiling by overcoming any barriers (both real and imaginary) and pursue career pathways of the future associated with STEM. The Boot Camp in Kajiado was officially opened by Madam Elizabeth Otieno, Deputy Director, Policy, Partnerships and East African Community Affairs.

KNATCOM Hosts the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa Natural Science Sector Team

j.gitahi — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 19:07:02 +0000

Natural Sciences team from both KNATCOM and UNESCO Regional Office of Eastern Africa (ROEA) held their monthly bilateral meeting at KNATCOM Offices today morning, aimed at bolstering implementation of joint activities in areas of mutual interest consistent with the Kenyan Government priorities, KNATCOM Strategic Plan and UNESCO Medium-term Strategy. Among the key issues discussed were building Artificial Intelligence (AI) capacity of university lecturers in Kenya and the region; installation of digital libraries to mainstream and enhance uptake of STEM courses among secondary school students; hosting of a regional DRR Workshop; a harmonized approach in contributing towards upcoming Africa Climate Week and Summit leveraging on the lessons learnt and experiences from Geopark and Man and Biosphere Programmes.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to review progress and efforts needed to escalate the nomination process of the first Geopark in Kenya (Baringo Great Rift Valley aspiring Geopark) and revitalizing the National Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme Committee as well as the coordination of the forthcoming International Day of Geodiversity and International Day of Biosphere Reserves.

The UNESCO team consisted of Mr. Nur Yuslan, Dr. Mary Nyasimi and Samuel Mwangi Nderitu. Their Natural Science Programme KNATCOM counterparts were Dr. George Eshiamwata and Mr. Brian Waswala.

The joint meeting culminated in the team paying a courtesy call to KNATCOM Ag. SG/CEO Dr. James Njogu HSC, who expressed his appreciation to UNESCO for the continued cordial working relationship and support. Dr Njogu used this opportunity to present to UNESCO copies of the “Baseline Socioeconomic Survey” Mapping Current Nature-Based Products, Services and Stakeholders’ Need Assessment at the Baringo Great Rift Valley aspiring Geopark”. This survey was supported by UNESCO as part of the Participation Programme.

Mt. Elgon Biosphere Reserve in Kenya and Uganda enjoined and designated as second UNESCO Transboundary Biosphere Reserve in Africa

j.gitahi — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 17:34:53 +0000

In a significant stride towards environmental conservation, the Mount Elgon UNESCO Transboundary Biosphere Reserve has been designated as the second of its kind in Africa during the 35th Session of the UNESCO MAB International Coordinating Council held on 12-14^th June 2023 in Paris, France.

This remarkable achievement marks a milestone in preserving the unique biodiversity and rich ecosystems associated with this majestic mountain ecosystem located on the border of Kenya and Uganda. The Mount Elgon Ecosystem is important in providing a stream of ecosystem services such as climate change mitigation, carbon sequestration, hydrological cycle and watershed functions, soil protection, habitat for species of global conservation concern, recreation and spiritual well-being, food among others. Conserving this important ecosystem is important if these benefits can be sustained for perpetuity as part of efforts to promote sustainable conservation. With a total Core zone of 165,575 Ha, a Buffer zone of 125,142 Ha and a Transition of 297,630 Ha, this new designation provides sufficient habitat for species with a large geographical ranging behaviours and support ecological processes including that are range restricted or globally threatened species.

The designation of Mount Elgon Transboundary Biosphere Reserve reaffirms the commitment of both Kenya and Uganda towards developing a joint framework in conservation efforts. The reserve will serve as a hub for scientific research, education, and sustainable development. Local communities will play an integral role in the management and governance of the reserve, ensuring that their livelihoods are harmonized with nature and cultural preservation through their activities especially within the Transition zone.

The designation of the Mount Elgon Transboundary Biosphere Reserve is a result of close collaboration between Kenya and Uganda, demonstrating their shared commitment to conserving this unique natural treasure. This designation also strengthens Africa’s global recognition as a frontrunner in sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.

The designation of the Mount Elgon Transboundary Biosphere Reserve as Africa’s second Transboundary biosphere reserve is an inspiring development in the realm of environmental conservation. This accolade not only safeguards the diverse ecosystems and endemic species found within the region but also nurtures sustainable development and fosters community engagement. As Mount Elgon proudly joins the coveted list of UNESCO Transboundary Biosphere Reserves, it serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to the invaluable partnership between human and nature. It is the second Transboundary Reserve in Africa and the first in Eastern and Southern Africa and brings the total number of Biosphere Reserves on the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves to 748 sites in 134 countries, including 23 transboundary sites.

“With this designation, it is envisaged that it will promote transboundary collaboration and enhanced coordination of management of natural resources that straddle national boundaries. The designation which has taken many years to be realized, will ensure the biosphere reserve is functional, promote the MAB brand to pursue conservation of flora and fauna, exchange of experiences, capacity building, promotion of local livelihoods and transborder priority programmes, projects and activities”

Dr James Njogu,

Ag. Secretary General/CEO, Kenya National Commission for UNESCO

Inaugural Capacity-building workshop on UNESCO Global Geoparks in Africa

j.gitahi — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 06:31:14 +0000

Workshop on UNESCO Global Geoparks in Africa

The Kenya National Commission for UNESCO together with Baringo County Government, Baringo Great Rift Valley aspiring Geopark and with support from UNESCO International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme Secretariat and the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network recently hosted the first Regional Geopark Capacity Building Workshop for Africa. UNESCO Global Geopark is a single or unified geographical area that comprise several geological sites of international value. These sites offer an extraordinary geological diversity, while also underpinning the region’s biological and cultural diversity. Geoparks serve local communities by combining the conservation of their unique geological heritage with outreach to the public and sustainable development.

Only two sites in Africa (Morocco and Tanzania) out of the 177 that have been designated across 46 UNESCO Member States. As part of the UNESCO Global Geopark Network, the purpose of this workshop was to promote uptake and increase representation of this Network in Africa. Kenya, and Baringo Great Rift Valley aspiring Geopark was honoured to host a Regional workshop.

The 3-day first capacity-building workshop held from 13^th to 15^th December 2022 at the Rift Valley Hills Resort, Kabarnet, brought together 125 participants drawn from 13 Africa countries and four facilitators from Europe. It consisted of lectures, case studies and a field excursion, which aimed to enhance the knowledge of participants in mapping and nominating geoparks in Africa. The participants included representatives of National Commissions for UNESCO in Africa, geologists, academicians, geopark experts, government officials and UNESCO staff. The role of National Commissions in promoting the uptake of this new UNESCO International Designation was emphasised.

Additionally, the workshop provided an opportunity to get guidance on best practices in geoheritage mapping, nomination and promotion of the UNESCO Global Geoparks concept as a tool for sustainable development in Africa. It provided a platform to raise awareness on the importance of geological heritage and the need to connect it with natural, cultural, and intangible heritage. The gathering provided a good platform to engage government officials and other stakeholder to protect and conserve geological heritage via national programmes and to develop UNESCO Geopark projects in their country. This workshop was also consistent with the UNESCO Global Geopark Network plan for networking and sharing best practices, experiences, challenges and opportunities in management of geoparks. The regional workshop and the interaction with experts offered Kenya an opportunity to reflect and further review our preparedness in view of the ongoing nomination process of the Baringo Great Rift Valley Geopark to join UNESCO Global Geopark Network.

The workshop was officially opened by Hon. Peninah Malonza, Cabinet Secretary for Wildlife, Tourism and Heritage, Republic of Kenya. KNATCOM Secretary General, Dr. Evangeline Njoka, CBS graced the opening ceremony together with local leaders including Hon. H.E. Benjamin Cheboi, Governor, Baringo County Government, local Members of Parliament, Senators, Members of Senate Committees and Deputy Speaker of the Senate among other leaders.

KNATCOM Natural Science Programme Receives “Kulturweit” Exchange Program Volunteers

j.gitahi — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 07:34:56 +0000

The Kenya National Commission for UNESCO, through the “Kulturweit” Exchange Program, recently received six (6) German volunteers. The exchange program, done in partnership with the German National Commission for UNESCO, promotes multiculturalism for peace, sustainable development and intellectual collaborations. It is envisaged that through cultural collaborations, the world can achieve commonly shared global visions of sustainable development in line with UNESCO’s mission.

The Kulturweit program aspires to encourage north-south cultural exchange among youth of partner states, with the vision building a culture of peace and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information. During their period, the volunteers will be assigned, various tasks to gain experience and knowledge in their respective areas of posting. Two will be stationed at the KNATCOM’s Head Offices and four will be posted to Mount Elgon and Mount Kenya Biosphere Reserves.

The day-to-day work exposure in Biosphere Reserve allow the volunteers to understand the concept of Biosphere reserve better and gain real time experience in their management. This is possible as they interact with managers of the core area and the buffer and also interactions with local communities in the transition zone. They will also gain experience in ecology, sustainable management in terms of conservation and resource use and other social economic and cultural aspects of the local communities. At the same time, the volunteers would actively support KNATCOM’s areas of work such as implementation, of activities, administration, community engagement, among others including organization of events and reporting.

The exchange programme aspires that by the time of their return, the volunteers will have made good use of all their new experiences and appreciated different ways of living and working. It is also envisaged that they will have expanded competencies of work for a more multicultural society, and have broadened their perspective on global contexts.

MAB Youth sensitization Webinar on UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserves

j.gitahi — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 13:33:07 +0000

MAB Youth sensitization Webinar on UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserves

A sensitization webinar bringing together youth from Kenya’s six (6) Man and Biosphere Reserves (MAB) was hosted by the Kenya National Commission (KNATCOM) for UNESCO in collaboration with the Kenya Man and Biosphere Committee on Thursday 8^th September 2022. The webinar brought together over 70 MAB Youth Forum members from Kenya’s unique globally recognized biosphere reserves, namely Malindi-Watamu Araujo Sokoke; Amboseli; Mount Kenya-Lewa; Mount Kulal; Mount Elgon; and Kiunga Marine Biosphere Reserves. A total of 120 youths have been identified to be part of the MAB Youth Forum for Kenya.

During the opening session, the KNATCOM Secretary General, Dr. Evangeline Njoka, underscored the role played by biosphere reserves as critical fragile ecosystems that offer essential ecosystem services such as climate change mitigation, carbon sequestration, hydrological cycle and watershed functions, soil protection, habitat for species of global conservation concern, recreation and spiritual well-being, food among others. She underpinned the need to conserve them actively as this would contribute to sustainable development at local, national, regional and global levels.

Dr. Njoka emphasized that Africa and Gender Equality Global priorities are top on the UNESCO Agenda while youth are priority groups and therefore UNESCO Man and Biosphere Programme has since 2016 prioritized youth engagement in biosphere reserves. Dr. Njoka challenged the youth to be catalysts of positive change and use this MAB Youth Forum as a platform as they engage in conservation and management discourse and decision making at local, national and global levels. She noted that youth can be champions of peace and sustainable development and pledged the Commitment of the Commission to walk with them as they embark on this journey. She called upon the youth to support in activities lined up to celebrate the MAB programme as it celebrates the Golden Jubilee after fifty years in existence and also participate in activities to mark the International Day of Biosphere Reserves on 3^rd November 2022.

The Chair of the National MAB Committee, Mr. Boniface Wanyama (NACOSTI) thanked the youth for attending the session and applauded Kenya National Commission for UNESCO for coordinating and hosting the workshop. During his presentation “MAB Programme from Global to local” emphasised on the need for enhanced active participation, youth voices, and engagement is core to the management of MABs and natural resources in general as this is critical to sustainable development. He presented the evolution of the UNESCO MAB Youth Forum and the achievements made to date. He also presented the status of the MAB programme in Kenya, reiterating the Kenya MAB National Committee’s commitment to engage with youth to drive social innovation and change.

During the session, Ms. Rebecca Yego, who is the MAB Youth Spokesperson for Africa highlighted her involvement in MAB activities both locally, regionally and globally appreciating the opportunity that this has given her to be part of conservation debate at various levels. She acknowledged the support accorded to her by the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO by nominating her and giving her an opportunity to raise the voice of the youth in global forums and debates.

As part of sharing experiences across biosphere reserves, Mr. Tonderai Makoni, Director of Vhembe Biosphere Reserve and guest speaker, emphasised on the role of the youth in management and conservation of biosphere reserves. He challenged the youth to be active in policy debates, biosphere reserves awareness; participate in training programmes that help enhance skills. Sharing some of the success stories of youth engagement in South Africa, Mr Makoni committed to continue sharing lessons learnt for the betterment of the Kenya MAB Youth Forum.

Dr. Eshiamwata the Deputy Director, Natural Sciences at the Commission also emphasized the need for Kenya MAB Youth leverage on the opportunities including the UNESCO prizes and awards such as UNESCO MAB Young Scientist Awards; global policy forums such as climate summits and Conferences of Parties and commemoration of International Days to amplify youth voices and engagement. He encouraged them to document ongoing activities in their respective biosphere reserves and promote information sharing.

The excited youth thanked KNATCOM hosting this inaugural sensitization forum promising to actively engage and leverage on this opportunity to network. In conclusion the MAB Chair urged the youth to come up with a governance structure and prepare a plan with activities to be undertaken while using this as a resource mobilization tool