Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano EGH has emphasized the crucial role of research and data in driving sustainable conservation efforts in Kenya, particularly in the iconic Maasai Mara ecosystem. Speaking at the launch of the refurbished Maasai Mara Research Centre, Miano highlighted the importance of evidence-based statistics in the protection and management of the region’s wildlife.
Maasai Mara, a world-renowned reserve, is home to diverse wildlife and serves as a vital source of livelihood for local communities. The Tourism CS stressed the need to "jealously guard" this ecosystem, using scientific findings to inform decision-making. "Our sustainable conservation efforts largely depend on well-researched and verifiable data," Miano stated.
Accompanied by Narok County Governor H.E Ole Ntutu and State Department for Wildlife Principal Secretary Silvia Museiya, Miano officially commissioned the upgraded research centre, marking a significant milestone in Kenya’s conservation agenda. The centre is set to play a pivotal role in coordinating long-term research and creating a movement framework to further the country's conservation efforts.
The Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI) has been instrumental in providing essential data for wildlife conservation and management in the region. Miano expressed her appreciation for the institute's contribution to promoting human-wildlife coexistence, a key priority for Kenya’s conservation strategy.
In a notable development, Miano announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife and the Narok County government. This partnership aims to facilitate the collection of wildlife conservation data and establish a research hub in Maasai Mara. The hub will serve as a coordination centre for all critical conservation statistics, ensuring that the management of the Mara ecosystem is both effective and transparent.
"The establishment and operationalization of this hub is a significant step that will undoubtedly enhance the integrity of the management of the Mara ecosystem," Miano added. The collaboration is expected to further the implementation of the BETA (Biodiversity, Ecosystem, and Tourism Advancement) plan, which seeks to empower local communities while improving the overall economic prospects of the country.
This initiative is part of broader efforts to promote sustainable tourism, bolster wildlife conservation, and create opportunities for local communities in Kenya's premier wildlife regions. The refurbished Maasai Mara Research Centre and the new research hub are expected to strengthen Kenya's position as a leader in conservation, ensuring the protection of the Mara ecosystem for future generations.
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