By Matilda Atieno,
Kisumu marks World Wetlands Day focusing on the theme “Wetlands and Human Wellbeing”. The theme emphasizes on interconnectedness between wetlands and various aspects of human wellbeing, including physical, mental and environmental health.
The celebrations brought together schools and various environment and world life clubs, the County Department of Environment, and its stakeholders in an event held Nanga Primary School.
The event kicked off by a procession along Dunga road and thereafter, a tree planting session of 1000 seedlings by the guests and students at the school.
Every year on February 2, the World celebrates World Wetlands Day (WWD) highlights the key role the wetland ecosystems play in the lives and health of the environment by acting as nature’s shock absorbers, softening the impact of rainfall and reducing the risk of floods along the lake region.
The event was graced by CEC Member for Water Environment and Climate Change Madam Maryline Agwa, Regional Director NEMA Madam Stella Kamwasir, Hilda Nyaboke of KMFRI, Kenya Wildlife Service representatives and other stakeholders.
Madam Agwa emphasized the importance of protecting the environment to curb climate change risks, noting that the county government in collaboration with other stakeholders, has secured riparian land of land around Dunga in a bid to protect the area which is a breeding ground for the tilapia species and a home to many other forms of aquatic life.
As a County government, Kisumu actively supports the conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of wetlands. The county supports initiatives including tree planting, food security and agriculture, fisheries, water and climate change.
The national celebration was marked at Lake Narasha (Timboroa Dam) in Timboroa Primary School, Uasin Gishu County, led by the CS for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Hon. Soipan Tuya
The celebrations served as a reminder of the need to protect and restore Dunga wetlands for the benefit of both people and the environment.