Friends of Nairobi National Park (FoNNaP) has officially launched its inaugural photography contest, aimed at celebrating the beauty of Nairobi National Park while advocating for the urgent need to preserve Kenya’s wildlife reserves.

Established in 1995, the non-profit organization hopes the contest will raise awareness about the importance of sustainability in the country’s conservation efforts.

During the awarding ceremony, FoNNaP board member Bryony Anderson emphasized the critical role such initiatives play in protecting Kenya’s rich wildlife heritage.

“This function seeks to highlight the amazing photographers that we have in the park. Through these pictures, we aim to showcase the park’s beauty and emphasize the critical need to preserve not only Nairobi National Park but also other wildlife reserves across the country,” Anderson said.

Anderson also highlighted Nairobi’s unique position as the only city in the world where wildlife is in such close proximity, saying, “We are so lucky to have such a facility in our city. Nairobi National Park offers a rare opportunity to experience nature while living in an urban environment.”

The competition, which attracted a wide range of local photographers, provided a platform to showcase captivating images of the park’s wildlife, landscapes, and natural beauty.

The contest also served as a poignant reminder of the ongoing threats facing the park, including encroachment from construction projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line, which cuts through the reserve.

Anderson urged young people, particularly those with a passion for photography, to use such contests as a platform to raise awareness about wildlife conservation.

Felix Kioko, winner of the freestyle category, praised FoNNaP for its contribution to conservation.

“The FoNNaP community has really played a key role in ensuring the park is preserved. I’m looking forward to more of such photography competitions,” Kioko said, noting that Nairobi’s rapid urban growth threatens the park’s natural habitat, making initiatives like the photography contest vital for both showcasing the park’s beauty and highlighting the urgent need for conservation.

The winners of the competition were awarded vacations to Kenya’s iconic wildlife destinations, including the Masai Mara and Meru Conservancy.

FoNNaP continues to lead efforts to protect Nairobi National Park and its biodiversity, working closely with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to safeguard the park from the pressures of urbanization and ensure its preservation for future generations.

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