Balala says Kenya on course to achieving sustainable tourism

Nairobi, Kenya, March 10 – Kenya is currently implementing the Cop 26 declarations on sustainability and climate change, Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala has said.

 As part of the commitment to achieving sustainable tourism, Kenya had said it will restrict the use of vehicular transportation within all National Parks and Reserves to those that use non-fossil renewable energy by 2030.

Balala had said the ministry will also require all hospitality and tourism facilities in Kenya to adopt renewable energy and circular economy in their operations by 2030.

Speaking while at the Maasai Mara Game Reserve where he was joined by Gabon’s Minister of Water, Forests, and climate change Prof Lee White, CS Balala noted that African countries should also take time to create synergies and cooperate in combating climate change in the continent

“We have seen a historic week in Kenya where we celebrated 50 years for the United Nations environment program, and on the sidelines, we celebrated the world wildlife day.  During this period, I had several bilateral meetings with ministers from Africa geared towards mitigating the loss of biodiversity as well as addressing the issues of plastic pollution in Kenya and the continent,” said CS Balala

During the visit to the Mara, CS Balala and Prof Lee white visited Emboo River Lodge which is a case study for innovative climate change solutions that help to fight against climate change.

“The key areas we have been highlighting are wildlife conservation which is key for both countries and mitigating the challenge of climate change. We have also discussed how we can strengthen collaborations between Gabon’s National Park Agency and the Kenya Wildlife Service which is the premier wildlife service in Africa,” Prof Lee white added.