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In a move to bolster wildlife conservation, Dr. Erustus Kanga, Director General of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), held a meeting with Israel’s Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Michael Lotem. The Ambassador was accompanied by Dr. Simon Nemtzov, Wildlife Ecologist and Head of International Relations at the Israel Nature and Parks Authority. This meeting marked a continuation and expansion of the over 40-year collaboration between Israel and Kenya in wildlife conservation.
Israel has been a crucial partner to KWS, providing extensive technical support across various domains:
- KWS Air Wing Support: Enhancing aerial surveillance and anti-poaching operations.
- Forensic Laboratories: Establishing labs that play a vital role in investigating wildlife crimes.
- Canine Unit: Strengthening the capabilities of the unit in tracking and apprehending poachers.
- Ranger and Pilot Training: Offering specialized training for KWS personnel to combat poaching effectively.
- Staff Capacity Building: Continuous development programs to keep KWS staff updated with the latest conservation techniques.
The Israeli Government, through the Nature and Parks Authority, also collaborates with KWS on numerous international initiatives. These include pivotal environmental treaties such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the Convention on Migratory Species.
During the discussions, both parties acknowledged the need to review and update the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to incorporate emerging conservation challenges. Key focus areas include:
- Force Modernization: Upgrading equipment and methodologies for more effective conservation efforts.
- Capacity Development: Enhanced training and development programs for KWS staff.
- Sister Park Exchange Programs: Formalizing exchanges to facilitate mutual learning and sharing of best practices between parks in Kenya and Israel.
- Technological Transfers: Adopting advanced technologies to improve conservation strategies and operations.
- Tourism Investment: Promoting sustainable tourism investments to support conservation initiatives.
Dr. Kanga emphasized the critical importance of this partnership in addressing the increasing challenges faced by wildlife conservation efforts. Ambassador Lotem reiterated Israel’s commitment to supporting KWS, highlighting the shared goals of both nations in preserving biodiversity.
This strengthened partnership is expected to significantly enhance KWS’s ability to protect Kenya’s rich biodiversity, ensuring sustainable conservation practices that will benefit both current and future generations.