Experts push to save fragile Mara ecosystem

Experts believe the turn of events is threatening to choke life out of at least 1.2 million residents who depend on the ecosystem for survival.

In a resolution signed by delegate representatives from Kenya and Tanzania, partners are eyeing a change in strategy, with a focus on technology, innovation, partnerships, and joint transboundary efforts to address the problem facing the ecosystem.

Their declaration was endorsed during the 12th Mara Day celebrations in Mugumu, Tanzania, and highlights the dedication and the rush against time to conserve the ecosystem.

According to Dr Masinde Bwire, Executive Secretary, Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC), cooperation and eco-diplomacy are vital to ensure the Mara's resources are used wisely and equitably.

"It is vital for us to explore innovative approaches, data, science, and emerging technology to harness the ecosystem's potential while conserving its long-term prosperity," said Dr Bwire.

Experts are optimistic that full implementation of the proposals will be a game-changer in the relentless effort to conserve the ecosystem.

In the new proposals, delegates have proposed the identification and mapping of all the major point sources, pollution hotspots and a prepared water quality investment plan for the Mara River.

Pollution is among the teething problems experts believe are slowly killing the fragile ecosystem.

"We hereby agree and recommend partnerships for the application of Artificial Intelligence, Earth Observation, and other innovative technologies to support knowledge generation and ecosystem monitoring for decision support and sustainable management of the shared ecosystem," read their resolutions in part.

The delegates have also fronted the promotion of climate-smart agriculture to mitigate the negative effects of climate change on riparian communities.

As part of the efforts to save the ecosystem, experts have also made a call for the two countries to initiate a Water Fund (Watershed Investment Programme) for the Mara River Basin.

This, they argue, will optimally support the conservation of the transboundary Masai Mara Serengeti ecosystem while at the same time empowering women, youth and other marginalised groups for more inclusive and sustainable development.

They are also proposing the establishment of a Joint Transboundary Water Project and institutionalising the Mara River Basin Scientific Conference to help unearth more interventions.

The delegates also agreed to intensify and diversify resource mobilisation initiatives for a broad-based multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder transboundary programme to catalyse sustainable management and development of the Masai Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.

The delegates are optimistic that the two national governments, county governments and local authorities, development partners, conservation agencies and local communities will participate in the implementation of the new proposals.

Uganda's Permanent Secretary for EAC Affairs Edith Mwanje, who was the chief guest at the event, challenged partners to embrace concerted efforts to save the ecosystem.

"By coming together as sister EAC States, we not only promote people-to-people integration but also pave the way for attracting sustainable investments," she noted.

In the plan to save the ecosystem, stakeholders believe the incorporation of the private sector in activities targeting proper resource management is vital for the survival of the ecosystem.

Kenya's Principal Secretary for EAC, Asals and Regional Development Julius Mwabu said the efforts to conserve the Mara ecosystem is a priority for President William Ruto's administration.

"The Kenyan government, on its part, has put in place adequate policy, legal and institutional mechanisms geared towards saving the Mara River Basin, key among them being the protection of the Mau Forest which is the source of River Mara," he said.

Dr Ali Said Matano, an advisor on climate change issues at PriceWaterhouseCoopers and the immediate former LVBC Executive Secretary challenged the stakeholders to embrace research.

The Mara River basin covers a surface of 13,504 sq km, of which about 65 per cent is located in Kenya and 35 per cent in Tanzania. From its sources in the Kenyan highlands, the river flows for about 395km, draining into Lake Victoria in Tanzania's Mara region.