Lake Victoria Basin Commission Executive Secretary Masinde Bwire speaking in his office in Kisumu on ThursdayThe Mara
River Basin continues to face challenges that are a threat to wildlife, water resources,
and human beings.
However, Lake
Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) Executive Secretary Masinde Bwire says efforts
being made by Kenya, Tanzania, and development partners are bearing fruit in
reversing the threats.
The
risks threaten both the natural ecosystem and the communities that depend on the
critical basin.
Some of the
challenges include pollution from industries, unregulated sand harvesting,
deforestation, mining, chemical runoff from farms, over-extraction of water for
irrigation, encroachment on wetlands, and climate change.
“There have
been concerted efforts to restore forest cover, especially in Mau Forest in
Kenya, which is commendable,” said the Executive Secretary.
He added: “Kenya
and Tanzania have already signed an MoU on the management of the transboundary water
resource. The MoU has been honoured and is being implemented.”
The EAC
partner states have also come up with a platform for the Water Users
Association in the basin
Bwire spoke ahead 14th Mara Day Celebrations to be held in Butiama, Tanzania. Under the coordination of the LVBC, Mara Day is celebrated annually in Kenya and Tanzania on a rotational basis. Last year, 13th Mara Day was hosted in Sekenani, Narok County.
Speaking at
LVBC headquarters in Kisumu on Thursday, Bwire said several activities are
lined up from Friday and will culminate on Monday at Mwenge Grounds, Butiama
District.
This year’s
celebration will feature a series of activities, including a scientific
conference, tree planting, exhibitions, and sporting events, all aimed at
raising awareness and strengthening collective efforts to conserve the Mara
River Basin.
Bwire noted that over 100 exhibitors fromTanzania
and Kenya have confirmed their participation.
A key highlight of the event will be the Scientific Conference held at Mwalimu Nyerere University of Science and Technology.
According
to Bwire, the conference will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders,
including scholars, policymakers, government representatives, academia,
undergraduate and postgraduate students, and industry professionals.
Over sixty abstracts have already been submitted by presenters from Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania and Norway. Bwire said that the presentations will cover a wide range of sub-themes related to the conservation of the Mara ecosystem.
The
conference will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including
scholars, policymakers, government representatives, academia, undergraduate and
postgraduate students, and industry professionals.
This
year’s theme is: “Protect Mara River: Preserve Life”.
Bwire noted that the theme underscores the critical role of the Mara
River in sustaining biodiversity, livelihoods, and regional ecological balance.
The
ES further noted that the Mara ecosystem is one of the most important and iconic ecological
systems in the world.
“The ecosystem includes the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and forms the northern part of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.
This region plays a critical role ecologically, economically, and culturally,”
he remarked.
