Kenya Assumes Presidency of The 13th Governing Council Of The Lusaka Agreement – 29/6/2023

Kenya, through the Cabinet Secretary (CS), Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage, Peninah Malonza, has assumed presidency of the 13^th Governing Council of the Lusaka Agreement, during its Ministerial session today, in Nairobi. The Attorney General of the Republic of Kenya, Mr. Justin B. Muturi, was present to witness the assumption.

“I extend my deepest appreciation to my esteemed colleagues and fellow Honorable Ministers for bestowing upon me the tremendous honor of serving as the first ever female President of the 13^th Governing Council of Parties to the Lusaka Agreement. Together, we represent countries bound by shared economic, social and cultural ties, and we have enjoyed a longstanding friendship that has strengthened our resolve in the face of adversity,” said CS Malonza.

The Lusaka Agreement assumes a pivotal role in global biodiversity conservation, with specific focus on combating wildlife and forest crimes and addressing the threat of climate change.

In 2016, world leaders united in the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a collective effort to eradicate poverty, combat inequalities, and tackle climate change while ensuring inclusivity. SDG 15 emphasizes on the sustainable management of forests, the fight against desertification, the reversal of land degradation, and the halt of biodiversity loss.

“Let us reflect upon the genesis of the Lusaka Agreement, a visionary endeavor conceived by our great leaders who recognized the urgent need to protect Africa’s rich natural resources from the clutches of organized criminals. They understood that homegrown solutions would provide the most effective remedies to the challenges we encounter.” Added Malonza.

Kenya steps into leadership of the Task Force at a time when Africa is embracing transformative conservation practices and pioneering innovations to protect her invaluable environmental heritage.

“Together with our partners, we will put more effort to seek support for mainstreaming of the Lusaka Agreement within the African Union to grow membership,” said Malonza.

Among those present were; Honorable Ministers from member states, members of the diplomatic corps, the Principal Secretary State Department for Wildlife, Ms. Silvia Museiya, the Principal Secretary State Department for Tourism, Mr. John Ololtuaa, representatives from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), among others.