International Biodiversity Day: From Agreement to Action, Building Back Biodiversity

The United Nations Sanctioned May 22, as the International Day for the promotion of  Biodiversity Secretariat termed as International Biodiversity Day. It is commemorated annually to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues globally. 

Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) are required to participate in the annual celebrations by organising or hosting local and virtual celebrations. Kenya is a party to the Convention and has committed to the obligations and principles of the Convention among them create awareness and educating the public on biodiversity issues. 

The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Directorate Department of Multilateral Environmental Agreements hosted a webinar in partnership with Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association on 18th May as a build up activity to sensitise Kenyans on the value and role of Kenya’s biodiversity including its commitment to the CBD. 

The webinar was anchored under this year’s International Biodiversity Day  theme “From Agreement to Action: Build Back Biodiversity” to appreciate  the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and push for its urgent implementation. 

During the 1.5hrs webinar, four speakers who have been involved in the negotiations and discussions of the GBF helped the 98 participants in attendance to understand;

1. Kenya’s implementation strategy on the GBF
2. Strategic partnerships in implementation of the GBF
3. Media role in biodiversity reporting  
4. Inclusivity: The role of IPLC, youth and women in the implementation of the GBF

The Speakers

1. Cyrus Mageria-Director, Directorate of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry
2. Dr.Muhtari Aminu-Kano- Director Policy and Government Relations, The Nature Conservancy  
3. Lucy Mulenkei, Executive Director,  Indigenous Information Network 
4. Kiundu Waweru, Project Manager, Internews

Moderated by: Joyce Mbataru, Communications Manager, Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association