THE Mara ecosystem is facing serious threats that could affect the survival of human beings and wildlife, the Lake Victoria Basin Commission has said. According to the commission's secretary Canisius Kanangire, deforestation, poor farming, uncontrolled water abstraction, pollution and unchecked development in the Mara River Basin has led to the destruction of the ecosystem.
“Un-harmonised laws in Kenya and Tanzania provide a challenge in managing the ecosystem as a transboundary resource,” Kanangire said. Speaking at Mulot in Narok County during the inaugural Mara Day Celebrations, Kanangire said the governments of Kenya and Tanzania, private sector, civil society organisations and communities living in the basin have initiated actions to address the threats.
He said the Transboundary Water for Biodiversity and Human Health in the Mara River Basin Project, through the support of USAID East Africa, is pushing the two governments to efficiently and effectively use the resources in the Basin. "Through the project several resource management plans have been developed. They include the Integrated Water Resource Management Strategy, Tourism and Wildlife Management Strategy, Communication Strategy and a research strategy," said Kanangire.
East African Community Minister Musa Sirma, who was the chief guest during the celebrations, said future events will comprise a week long activities before the actual celebrations. He said the choice of Mulot for the inaugural celebrations was based on its proximity to the Mara River and its contribution to pollution of the river. The 10th meeting of the sectoral council of ministers held in Kigali, Rwanda on May 5 declared September 15 the Mara Day. It will be celebrated on rotational basis between Kenya and Tanzania.