The Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary, Rebecca Miano, has underlined the importance of environmental conservation in the promotion of Kenya’s tourism sector and in the safeguarding of livelihoods of millions of people dependent on natural resources.
On the occasion of the World Environment Day, Miano observed that nature-based solutions remain major economic assets, particular in the tourism and wildlife sector where a healthy environment is a guarantee of economic growth.
Besides, she pointed out the lucrative nature of wildlife in the country’s tourism industry, saying it’s the main driver, tourism activities of nearly 70 percent being wildlife-related.
“On the occasion of World Environment Day, it’s a good moment to realize that nature, based solutions are irreplaceable economic assets. In our tourism and wildlife sectorrecognition of the importance of one’s own ecological state is a means of delivering livelihoods to millions with wildlife accounting for 70 percent of our tourism sector” she stated.
The Cabinet Secretary Still stressed the ministry’s collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry to ensure the conservation of crucial ecosystems such as migratory routes, community forests, and watersheds that be habitats for Kenya’s most famous wildlife species.
Waste, based on Miano, is an obstacle that needs to be tackled if biodiversity is to be safeguarded with the long, term economic prosperity of the country.
She pointed that among the steps taken to promote environmental sustainability and at the same time, strengthen the tourism sector, are those of increasing tree canopy cover and the protection of water catchment areas.
“Increased tree canopy cover and watershed protection not only conserve biodiversity but also safeguard our economic future. A thriving wildlife economy strengthens community livelihoods turning them into ecosystem guardians, ” she concluded.
Her statement coincides with Kenya’s celebration of World Environment Day and other countries globally, this being an annual day which emphasizes environmental conservation and the wise management of natural resources.