In a landmark event at the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI) headquarters, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Hon. Rebecca Miano, EGH, officially launched the revised Strategic Plan 2023-2027 and the inaugural National Wildlife Training Agenda 2024-2033. The event underscored Kenya’s commitment to innovative and evidence-based wildlife conservation.
During her address, Miano emphasized the significance of the reviewed Strategic Plan, which builds on the foundation set by the inaugural plan initiated in 2020. The updated document aims to enhance the Institute’s capacity for wildlife research and training, reinforcing Kenya’s role as a leader in conservation efforts.
“This Strategic Plan is not just an administrative blueprint; it is a forward-looking vision for the conservation of our national heritage,” said Miano. She highlighted the extensive stakeholder consultations that informed the plan, ensuring that it is rooted in public participation.
Key goals of the plan include enhancing wildlife research, providing scientific data to inform policy, and addressing emerging challenges such as climate change and wildlife crime. Specific initiatives include developing forensic tools to combat poaching, researching invasive species management, and
promoting human-wildlife coexistence strategies.
Miano also announced the launch of an online wildlife research permitting portal aimed at streamlining the research permitting process, although she noted the need for updated regulations to improve efficiency.
The Cabinet Secretary acknowledged the financial and human resource investments required to implement these ambitious strategies and called upon development partners to support the initiative.
In closing, she congratulated the WRTI team on this significant milestone, emphasizing the importance of collective action in ensuring the survival of Kenya’s wildlife. “Together, let us work towards a future where wildlife thrives, ecosystems flourish, and generations to come inherit a planet rich in biodiversity,” Miano stated.
The launch of the Strategic Plan 2023-2027 marks a pivotal step in Kenya’s ongoing efforts to safeguard its wildlife and natural heritage, setting a robust framework for the future of conservation in the country.
By: Editorial Staff (lead writer at Vipasho Media)
Credit: Vipasho News