Conservation financing pivotal in sustaining Kenya's wildlife

Today, Kenya joins the world in celebrating World Wildlife Day. This year’s commemoration holds special significance as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). As we reflect on half a century of global cooperation in wildlife conservation, Kenya proudly stands at the forefront of this journey—a testament to our enduring commitment to protecting the planet’s irreplaceable biodiversity.

The celebrations being held in Baringo County are presided over by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and hosted by Tourism and Wildlife CS Rebecca Miano and Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi.

Since its adoption in 1973, CITES has been instrumental in regulating international trade in endangered species, ensuring that such activities do not threaten their survival. For Kenya, CITES has been more than just an international treaty; it has been a cornerstone of our national conservation strategy, shaping policies, galvanising public support, and fostering global partnerships.

One of the most profound impacts of CITES on Kenya was its role in turning the tide on the rapid decline of our elephant and black rhino population. Amid escalating poaching and the illegal ivory trade that decimated elephant and rhino populations, CITES provided the international framework necessary to combat wildlife crime. Kenya’s bold stance, epitomised by the establishment of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the historic burning of 12 tonnes of ivory by the late President Daniel arap Moi in 1989, sent a powerful message to the world: Our wildlife is worth more alive than dead. This dramatic act, supported by CITES’ regulatory mechanisms, galvanised international action against the ivory trade and laid the foundation for the creation of KWS.

Over the past five decades, several pivotal CITES decisions have profoundly influenced Kenya’s conservation agenda. In 1989, CITES listed the African elephant in Appendix I, effectively banning international trade in ivory. This decision was a direct response to the advocacy efforts led by Kenya.

Similarly, the black rhinoceros, another iconic species in Kenya, benefited from stringent CITES protections. The listing of rhinos under Appendix I curtailed the spiraling international demand for rhino horn, bolstering local conservation initiatives. More recently, CITES’ decisions on regulating trade in other endangered species such as pangolins and certain species of sharks, have reinforced Kenya’s holistic approach to biodiversity conservation.

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The theme of this year’s World Wildlife Day—Investing in People and Planet—underscores the critical role of sustainable financing in conservation. A strong foundation of dependable financing for conservation activities is critical amidst continuing rise in challenges facing biodiversity conservation.

CITES at 50 is not just a celebration of regulatory success, it is a recognition of the collaborative bridges built between governments, NGOs, local communities, and international organisations. These partnerships have been instrumental in advancing conservation finance mechanisms, from wildlife tourism, revenues, payment for ecosystem services to carbon credits linked to habitat preservation and other innovative financial mechanisms.

As we look to the future, conservation financing will be pivotal in sustaining Kenya’s wildlife heritage. Mechanisms such as payment for ecosystem services, biodiversity offsets schemes, debt swaps and green bonds offer promising avenues to channel resources into conservation efforts.

Prof Kanga is the Director General of KWS