Nairobi, KENYA: First Lady Margaret Kenyatta today called for shutting down of all wildlife trophy markets in the world because they fuel poaching of precious species.
She said the war against poaching will never be won as long as there are countries that encourage and support trade in wildlife trophies.
“The war on poaching will not be won if the countries that drive the demand for these products do not shut the markets. We therefore call upon the international community to prevail upon the countries driving trophy demand globally to shut them down,” said the First Lady at the Kenya Wildlife Service Headquarters in Nairobi.
She made the statement when she led celebrations to fete Kenya’s wildlife conservation heroes who brave adversity and work long hours to protect the country’s unique wildlife.
This year’s Conservation Heroes Day was marked with pride as Kenya recorded a 90 percent reduction in rhino poaching, thanks to the sacrifice of rangers who are proud of their work.
The day also coincided with 72nd anniversary of the establishment of the Nairobi National Park.
A Global Rangers’ Survey conducted early this year showed that over 95% of Kenya’s wildlife rangers are very proud of their work of protecting wildlife heritage despite working over 8 hours in some of the most difficult terrain and remotest places.
“It is because of the constant sacrifices of the men and women keeping vigil over our wildlife, that we are not only reducing the popularity of wildlife trophies in their core markets, but also gradually enlightening the world about the importance of preserving our unique flora and fauna for future generations to enjoy,” said the First Lady in her address.
The work of rangers is unique in that they face mortal danger both from poachers and the wildlife they are dedicated to protect.
“Our people must play an inclusive role in wildlife stewardship and invest in nature based enterprises to reap sustainable benefits from our wildlife heritage,” said the First Lady.
She said wildlife heritage is pivotal to Kenya’s tourism sector which attracts at least sh.120 billion to the economy annually.
The First Lady said the Government is committed to the sustainable management of wildlife resources, in order to contribute to the country’s development and enhance the livelihoods of Kenyans.
She said Kenya’s unique wildlife species places it in an enviable position amongst other nations.
“On this auspicious Conservation Heroes Day, let us acknowledge that those who look after our wildlife deserve special mention for all that they do,” said the First Lady.
“To the families of the fallen heroes represented here today, mere words are inadequate to express the gratitude we feel towards our conservation heroes,” she added.
Many KWS officers were presented with awards for exemplary efforts to conserve wildlife.
Special mentions were also given to wildlife rangers who died in the course of duty.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala and the KWS Director General Charles Musyoki also spoke at the event.
CS Balala said children of heroes who lose their life in the course of duty while serving should be given jobs with KWS.
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