Kenya will today lobby the second session of the UN Environment Assembly to support its bid for a total ban on ivory trade and address climate change.
The meeting opened at the Unep headquarters in Nairobi yesterday.
Environment CS Judi Wakhungu said the government will table two proposals – one on a total ban on ivory trade and another on natural
capital.
“We have been working on the total ban of illegal trade on wildlife products for the last two years and the UNEA II is set to send a strong message to the world that as a country we are serious because our iconic species are endangered,” she told the Star at the sidelines of UNEA II.
Putting an end to the illegal trade in wildlife is set to take the centre stage in today’s session.
Kenya Wildlife Service director general Kitili Mbathi and CITES executive secretary John Scanlon are expected to attend.
Wakhungu said the proposal on natural capital seeks to have Kenya’s natural capital recognised.
“Climate change is a big issue now. The UNEA II assembly is set to send a strong message that all countries must come together and provide solutions,” she said.
The CS said climate change solutions lie with exploring science.
Wakhungu said science plays an important role in addressing some problems.
“We must address the nexus between the environment and human health,” she said.
Wakhungu said the government has shown her commitment in supporting the UNEA.
Last month, Kenya burned more than 100 tonnes of ivory and rhino horn.
It was viewed as a statement on the country’s seriousness to protect elephants and rhinos.
President Uhuru Kenyatta called for a total ban on the ivory trade to protect the future of jumbos in the continent.
