The Kenya Wildlife Service and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance have signed an MOU meant to enhance wildlife protection.
The MOU establishes cooperation parameters for both parties, in the realm of conservation science, wildlife health, care and welfare, and a host of other endeavours.
The delegation was headed by Wildlife PS Prof Fred Segor, KWS Director General John Waweru and Wildlife Research and Training Institute Director Dr Patrick Omondi.
Both SanDiego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and KWS pledged to collaborate on conservation initiatives, including human-wildlife coexistence, sustainable wildlife population management, and community engagement.
The MOU further established mechanisms for extending education and outreach initiatives and exchange of technical expertise.
“We are thrilled to welcome our distinguished guests, and have this time together to acknowledge our missions to protecting wildlife,” said Paul A. Baribault, President and Chief Executive Officer of San DiegoZoo Wildlife Alliance.
“At the core of our commitment is the imperative that we must be a strong partner with conservation organizations such as Kenya Wildlife Service. This MOU helps us move forward in the work we must do to ensure a world where wildlife thrives.”
KWS has been a vital steward for wildlife conservation in the region.
The agency oversees the management of national parks, wildlife conservation areas and numerous sanctuaries under its jurisdiction, including providing security for wildlife and visitors and enforcing the country environmental laws and regulations.
They collaborate with a multitude of international conservation partners to protect and sustainably manage wildlife resources.
KWS also builds community programs that encourage biodiversity, conservation and coexistence with communities that live on land that is essential to the thriving wildlife populations.
Segor appreciated the ongoing partnership between KWS and SDWZA and noted that the signing of the MOU opens up the field for great opportunities of mutual benefit between the two organizations that would result in the improvement of Nairobi Safari Walk and Animal Orphanage in enhancing the visitor experience.
Waweru said “We are excited to be partnering with SDWZA. This aligns with the KWS Strategic Plan that identifies three pillars of Conservation, Collaboration and enterprise."
Waweru added that the partnership will have a huge impact on conservation as it is geared to providing practical solutions in the identified areas to conservation challenges.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has worked extensively with Kenya Wildlife Service on many projects, including rhino relocation, tracking and researching giraffe populations, elephant protection and community engagement initiatives.
Through these and other important collaborative efforts, the alliance acknowledges a shared goal with Kenya to protect wildlife.
