Kenya’s Untapped Biodiversity Faces Threats of Biopiracy and Climate Change

Kenya, a nation renowned for its rich biodiversity, stands as a global beacon for unspoiled ecosystems that play a vital role in climate change adaptation and mitigation. However, this natural wealth is increasingly under threat from both biopiracy and the growing impacts of climate change. While the country remains a custodian of a vast array of plant and animal species, the exploitation of these resources without fair compensation to local communities is a rising concern.

Biodiversity, which refers to the variety of life forms within a specific habitat and their intricate interactions, is the cornerstone of life in Kenya’s ecosystems. From the majestic savannas to the lush forests, Kenya’s diverse habitats support a myriad of species that have coexisted for centuries. President William Ruto has frequently highlighted Kenya’s exceptional biodiversity on international platforms, stressing its importance in the global fight against climate change. Yet, beneath this global recognition lies a troubling reality—biopiracy, the illegal exploitation of indigenous biological resources, is robbing local communities of their natural heritage.

During a recent visit to Baringo County, the extent of biopiracy became alarmingly clear. The residents of Baringo have witnessed their communal resources being commercially exploited without their consent—a practice known as biopiracy. This illicit activity involves the unauthorized collection of plants, animals, or microbes from their natural habitat for profit, often without any benefit returning to the local communities who have traditionally protected these resources.

In the small town of Kapkun, near the Mangar Geo Site, the Tugen community’s hospitality and cultural vibrancy were on full display as they welcomed visitors with traditional music and dance. However, behind this warm reception lies a plea for help. The community hopes that increased media coverage will not only deter the exploiters but also attract legitimate investors who can work with them to sustainably harness their resources.

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Daniel Kibet, the manager of the Mangar Geo Site, shed light on one of the most targeted resources in the region: aloe vera. This 20-acre plot of natural aloe vera is highly prized for its medicinal properties and is sought after for use in a wide range of products. However, the local community lacks the means to fully capitalize on this resource. According to Kibet, outsiders, often posing as visitors, stay in nearby towns like Koriema before enlisting unsuspecting locals to harvest valuable resources such as aloe vera, indigenous herbal trees, and even rare species. These biopirates then disappear with their ill-gotten gains, leaving the community with nothing.

The problem extends beyond aloe vera. The Mangar Geo Site is also home to rare species such as the Red Patas monkeys and Greater Kudus, which are under constant threat from illegal exploitation. The Endorois community, another indigenous group in the area, has previously suffered losses from biopiracy. In 1992, a British scientist secretly profited from a microbe taken from Lake Bogoria without compensating the community. Johanna Karatu, a respected elder, lamented that “researchers secretly profited from the bacteria at Lake Bogoria and only revealed their earnings later. We have seen numerous resources taken without our knowledge, and a recent attempt to steal Greater Kudus was foiled.”

Another hotspot for biodiversity in the region is Kamgoin Conservancy, located just 4 kilometers from Kabarnet town in Kapropita Ward. Spanning 35 acres, the conservancy is a sanctuary for wildlife and indigenous trees, including the African Oak and Sandalwood. However, these valuable species are also under threat from illegal harvesting, further endangering the region’s rich biodiversity.

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Kenya’s biodiversity is not only a national treasure but also a critical resource in the global effort to combat climate change. Yet, the twin threats of biopiracy and climate change pose significant challenges to its preservation. Protecting these natural resources requires a concerted effort from both the government and local communities, along with international support to ensure that Kenya’s biodiversity remains intact for future generations. The time to act is now, before these invaluable ecosystems are lost forever.