By Ismael Kasooha

Uganda and Kenya have signed a historic Transboundary Biosphere Reserve Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the conservation of Mt. Elgon Ecosystem.

Doreen Katusiime, the Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities signed on behalf of the Ugandan government while Silvia Museiya, the Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and heritage from Kenya signed on behalf of Kenya.

Silvia Museiya (2nd left) welcoming Doreen Katusiime at the Kenyan border

The signing ceremony  took place at the Suam border, in the Trans-Nzoia county of Kenya on Friday.

The MoU aims to:

  • promote joint actions aimed at protection, conservation and sustainable management of Mount Elgon Ecosystem as a transboundary Biosphere reserve;
  • Set up institutional arrangement for the joint action and management of Mt. Elgon Biosphere reserve; and
  • support eco-economic development through enhanced joint-tourism development and promotion, development of business opportunities and strengthening political ties.

The MoU lists areas of cooperation that include that the parties will collaborate and enhance joint action through;  Strengthening capacity of relevant institutions involved in the implementation of the MoU, formulation of joint plans, programmes, projects and undertaking to jointly allocate resources to facilitate the implantation of the MoU.

Doreen Katusiime, the PS Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities from Uganda and her Kenyan counterpart Silvia Museiya unveilling the markstone for the MoU signing at the Kenyan side

The MoU will also promote the management of Mt. Elgon Ecosystem as a water tower supporting the development and implementation of integrated water resource management for the good of the two countries; Develop and implement coherent and harmonized transboundary strategies for the management and conservation of Mt. Elgon Ecosystem through joint collaborative strategies as enlisted below:

  • Land degradation control, pollution and waste particularly plastics management, responding to matters of climate change, protection, conservation and restoration of degraded catchment areas along water bodies and wetlands and finally the restoration of biodiversity loss in the transboundary landscape.

Doreen Katusiime, who was the Chief Guest at the signing ceremony said that the Ugandan Government is committed to preserve the Mt. Elgon Ecosystem for sustainable use.

“The authorities from the two countries have informally collaborated for quite some time but the appending of the signature on the MoU marks a significant step in the formulation of joint economic and development strategies and policies that are inclusive and promote regional economic-integration and strengthen our connectivity,” said Katusiime.

Doreen Katusiime, the PS ministry of Tourism from Uganda planting a memorial tree in Kenya

She highlighted a number of challenges affecting the Mt. Elgon Ecosystem and appealed for cooperation between the two sister countries.

“Cooperation and coordination are essential to address the threat from climate change and all other human induced forces that seek to undermine and divert our attention,” noted Katusiime.

Silvia Museiya, the Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage from Kenya who signed on behalf of Kenyan government thanked the two Presidents for maintaining a good relationship which has seen the achievement of such collaboration.

Museiya said that the MoU process has taken over 10 years but is grateful that it is now being realized.

“What makes sense to the common person is rain so that their crops can grow, it is water, clean air, it is food. This mountain Elgon provides exactly that,” said Museiya.  She said that God created man as a superior creature to manage nature sustainability.

“As the government of Kenya, we have embraced a community-based natural resource management perspective. We do not have to remove people from Mount Elgon for it to thrive. It is possible that Mount Elgon thrives and People live in there. So when we launch this MoU it is not that one time we shall come one day come and evict people forcefully,” said Museiya.

She added that government will talk to the people surrounding Mt. Elgon Ecosystem on how best they can co-exist for sustainable development.

Background

In a significant stride towards environmental conservation, the Mount Elgon UNESCO Transboundary Biosphere Reserve has been designated as the second of its kind in Africa during the 35th Session of the UNESCO MAB International Coordinating Council held on 12-14th June 2023 in Paris, France.

This remarkable achievement marks a milestone in preserving the unique biodiversity and rich ecosystems associated with this majestic mountain ecosystem located on the border of Kenya and Uganda.

The Mount Elgon Ecosystem is important in providing a stream of ecosystem services such as climate change mitigation, carbon sequestration, hydrological cycle and watershed functions, soil protection, habitat for species of global conservation concern, recreation and spiritual well-being, food among others.

Conserving this ecosystem is important if these benefits can be sustained for perpetuity as part of efforts to promote sustainable conservation.

With a total Core zone of 165,575 Ha, a Buffer zone of 125,142 Ha and a Transition of 297,630 Ha, this new designation provides sufficient habitat for species with a large geographical ranging behaviour and support ecological processes including that are range restricted or globally threatened species.

The designation of Mount Elgon Transboundary Biosphere Reserve reaffirms the commitment of both Kenya and Uganda towards developing a joint framework in conservation efforts.

The reserve will serve as a hub for scientific research, education, and sustainable development. Local communities will play an integral role in the management and governance of the reserve, ensuring that their livelihoods are harmonized with nature and cultural preservation through their activities especially within the Transition zone.

The designation of the Mount Elgon Transboundary Biosphere Reserve is a result of close collaboration between Kenya and Uganda, demonstrating their shared commitment to conserving this unique natural treasure.

This designation also strengthens Africa’s global recognition as a frontrunner in sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.

The designation of the Mount Elgon Transboundary Biosphere Reserve as Africa’s second Transboundary biosphere reserve is an inspiring development in the realm of environmental conservation.

This accolade not only safeguards the diverse ecosystems and endemic species found within the region but also nurtures sustainable development and fosters community engagement. As Mount Elgon proudly joins the coveted list of UNESCO Transboundary Biosphere Reserves, it serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to the invaluable partnership between human and nature. It is the second Transboundary Reserve in Africa and the first in Eastern and Southern Africa and brings the total number of Biosphere Reserves on the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves to 748 sites in 134 countries, including 23 transboundary sites.

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