As the world grapples with the far-reaching consequences of climate change, Kenya has made a compelling case for including wildlife protection in international climate negotiations. Wildlife, particularly iconic species like elephants, rhinos, and zebras, suffers severely from the impacts of climate change, and Kenya is advocating for their needs to be addressed within the broader climate agenda.
Shadrack Ngene, the Wildlife Secretary in Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism, highlighted the devastating effects of climate change on the country’s wildlife, particularly during the 2022 drought. “Wildlife discussions should be part of the agenda as they suffer the impacts of climate change as we do,” Ngene emphasized. His remarks came during a session titled ‘Boosting Nationally Determined Contributions; Protecting Animals and Transforming Food Systems,’ which was held to explore practical steps for aligning food systems, biodiversity, and climate targets in national strategies.
Kenya is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, with a census conducted in 2021 showing substantial populations of species such as 36,280 elephants, 2,589 lions, 41,659 buffalo, and 66,709 Grant’s gazelle. These species, alongside others like Grevy’s zebras, giraffes, and cheetahs, play a crucial role in the country’s ecosystems and tourism industry. However, the impacts of climate change, particularly through extreme weather events such as droughts and unpredictable rainfall, have left many species vulnerable to extinction.
In 2022, the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI) released a report that outlined the dire consequences of drought on Kenya’s wildlife. The country experienced consecutive seasons of below-average rainfall from October 2021 to May 2022, leading to the death of over 1,000 animals. The most affected species included wildebeests, zebras, elephants, and buffalos, with ecosystems like Amboseli, Tsavo, and Laikipia-Samburu being particularly hard hit. This loss highlights the urgent need for climate action that also addresses the well-being of wildlife, which is intricately linked to the health of the planet.
Kenya’s government is already taking steps to address these challenges. It has protected 19 percent of its land, including parks, reserves, and community conservancies, which are essential for biodiversity and contribute to climate goals. Ngene emphasized that these protected areas help mitigate climate change by preserving natural vegetation that acts as a carbon sink. Additionally, the government has set ambitious plans to expand community conservancies from 11 percent to 20 percent by 2030, further fostering sustainable tourism and promoting land-use practices that help conserve biodiversity.
Kenya’s wildlife sector is not only crucial for ecological balance but also plays a significant role in the country’s efforts to combat climate change. By conserving ecosystems and their inhabitants, Kenya can make meaningful contributions to its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which outline the country’s plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In a study presented during the session, experts revealed that forest elephants in the Congo Basin could increase carbon sequestration by up to 7 percent, demonstrating the importance of wildlife conservation in mitigating climate change.
The ongoing second phase of the national wildlife census is expected to provide updated data on Kenya’s wildlife populations and the pressures they face. The results will help guide future conservation efforts and reinforce the importance of integrating wildlife protection into national and international climate action plans.
Kenya’s call for the inclusion of wildlife in climate discussions underscores a broader global need to recognize the interconnectedness of climate, biodiversity, and sustainable development. As the country strives to balance its climate goals with the protection of its natural heritage, the international community must take into account the critical role that wildlife plays in achieving a sustainable, resilient future for all. The fate of Kenya’s wildlife is not just a national issue but a global concern, and it’s time for their survival to be placed at the heart of climate change negotiations.
