Sessional Paper No.12 of 2014 on National Wetlands Conservation and Management Policy

Abstract

The National Wetlands Conservation and Management Policy, developed through a rigorous multi-stakeholder consultative process, therefore seeks to secure and ensure the benefits of wetlands for posterity. It also aims at providing a framework for mitigating the diverse challenges that affect wetlands conservation and wise use in Kenya. Adoption of the policy also fulfills Kenya's obligations under the Ramsar Convention, the East Africa Community (EAC) and other relevant Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) which provides the framework for tackling wetland threats. The goal of the National Wetlands Conservation and Management Policy is to ensure wise use and sustainable management of wetlands in order to enhance sustenance of their ecological and socio-economic functions for the present and future generations of Kenya. The objectives of this policy are to: Enhance and maintain functions and values derived from wetlands in order to maintain ecosystem goods and services, protect biological diversity and improve livelihood of Kenyans, Promote innovative planning and integrated ecosystem management approaches towards wetlands conservation and management in Kenya, Strengthen institutional capacity on conservation and management of wetlands, Promote communication, education and public awareness among stakeholders, Improve scientific information and knowledge base on Kenyan wetland ecosystems, Establish an effective and efficient legal and institutional framework for integrated management and wise use of wetlands and Promote partnership and cooperation at county, national, regional and international levels for the management of trans boundary wetlands and migratory species.