 |
| Kenya Wildlife Service Director General, Mr. William Kiprono gives his speech during the 2014 Heroes Day that is commemorated on 16th December every year to pay tribute to conservation heroes. |
“We are aware that wildlife security threat is a global phenomenon that has largely been driven by the high demand for ivory and rhino horn in many parts of the world. I am happy that key species poaching is now largely under control compared to past levels”, Prof. Wakhungu said during the annual KWS Heroes Day that is commemorated on every 16th of December.
In a speech read on her behalf by Conservation Secretary, Mr. Gideon Gathara at KWS headquarters in Nairobi, Prof. Wakhungu congratulate KWS rangers for the good work they are doing albeit difficult circumstances.
“I encourage you to maintain your patriotism in guarding the country’s natural heritage in the spirit of selfless service to our motherland”, Prof Wakhungu said.
She told Kenyans to remain alive to the fact that wildlife crimes particularly those involving charismatic species such as rhinos and elephants are not the only challenge facing conservation efforts.
“We are grappling with habitat loss, climate change, deforestation, invasive species in our wildlife protected areas, bio-piracy, incompatible land uses, high population growth, diseases and dwindling revenue for conservation” , She said.
The Cabinet Secretary thanked conservation partners in the wildlife sector for continued support. She cited some of the partners for special mention including United Kingdom Government, French Government through French Development Agency (AFD), USA government, German Government and its agencies, Chinese government, Canadian Government through Parks Canada, and a host of other local and international partners and the media.
In his speech, KWS Director General, William Kiprono reiterated the organisation’s unwavering support to the families of conservation heroes killed in line of duty. “I am sending an appeal to conservation partners to come forward and augment the assistance currently being extended to these families”, Mr. Kiprono said.
He thanked well wishers who have extended assistance to families of fallen heroes and singled out for special mention Germany NGO, International Foundation for Nature (NABU) for continued aid to families of departed officers.
Through a memorandum of understanding between NABU and KWS, the NGO has released 8000 Euros, which has already been disbursed to their families. NABU is also in the process of disbursing additional funding to support the families next year.
“I encourage you to maintain your patriotism in guarding the country’s natural heritage in the spirit of selfless service to our motherland”, Prof Wakhungu said.
She told Kenyans to remain alive to the fact that wildlife crimes particularly those involving charismatic species such as rhinos and elephants are not the only challenge facing conservation efforts.
“We are grappling with habitat loss, climate change, deforestation, invasive species in our wildlife protected areas, bio-piracy, incompatible land uses, high population growth, diseases and dwindling revenue for conservation” , She said.
The Cabinet Secretary thanked conservation partners in the wildlife sector for continued support. She cited some of the partners for special mention including United Kingdom Government, French Government through French Development Agency (AFD), USA government, German Government and its agencies, Chinese government, Canadian Government through Parks Canada, and a host of other local and international partners and the media.
In his speech, KWS Director General, William Kiprono reiterated the organisation’s unwavering support to the families of conservation heroes killed in line of duty. “I am sending an appeal to conservation partners to come forward and augment the assistance currently being extended to these families”, Mr. Kiprono said.
He thanked well wishers who have extended assistance to families of fallen heroes and singled out for special mention Germany NGO, International Foundation for Nature (NABU) for continued aid to families of departed officers.
Through a memorandum of understanding between NABU and KWS, the NGO has released 8000 Euros, which has already been disbursed to their families. NABU is also in the process of disbursing additional funding to support the families next year.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for helping us bridge the gap between conservation genetics and law enforcement.