The Western Wildlife Conservancies Association (WWCA) is participating in a meeting convened by the Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association (KWCA) to discuss the Draft Wildlife Bill 2025. The meeting, brings together key stakeholders, including KWCA National Conservancy Council members, CEOs of landscape associations, and other conservancy stakeholders. This crucial gathering is hosted in partnership with WWF-Kenya.
WWCA’s engagement in this meeting represents a vital step forward in advocating for policies that reflect the unique needs and challenges of conservancies within the western Kenya region. As part of the collective advocacy effort, WWCA will focus on several strategic areas that directly impact its member conservancies:
1.Definition and Registration of Conservancies:Ensuring that the Bill clearly defines and streamlines the registration processes for conservancies, recognizing the distinct characteristics and management structures of community-based conservancies in Western Kenya.
2.Matters of Conservancy Rangers: Advocating for enhanced recognition, protection, and capacity building for conservancy rangers who serve as the frontline defenders of wildlife and habitats in the region.
3.Role of County Governments in Wildlife Conservation: Emphasizing the need for clear guidelines that outline the responsibilities and support mechanisms from county governments to effectively implement conservation strategies.
4.Incentives for Conservation:Pushing for the inclusion of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to encourage local communities to actively participate in conservation efforts.
5.Wildlife Economy:Highlighting the significance of creating frameworks that ensure fair benefit-sharing from wildlife resources, aligning with the unique socioeconomic dynamics of the western region.
6.Wildlife Governance Framework: Advocating for a governance structure that promotes inclusivity, transparency, and accountability in wildlife management at both the national and county levels.
7. Ecosystem and Management Plans: Supporting the establishment of robust management plans tailored to the distinct ecosystems within Western Kenya, including critical wetlands, forests, and other biodiversity hotspots.
WWCA remains committed to advocating for community-led conservation and ensuring that the voices of its member conservancies are effectively represented in the ongoing policy review. As the public consultation process progresses, WWCA will continue to engage with its members to gather further input and mobilize participation to ensure that the resulting legislation effectively addresses the unique challenges and opportunities within Western Kenya’s conservation landscape
