Workshop :Aligning Sectoral Public Policy Instruments in Agriculture, Livestock and Forestry with Kenya’s NBSAP and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
Date: 24th July 2025
Venue: Pullman Nairobi Upper Hill Hotel
Organizers: IUCN and Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry (MoECCF)
Supported by: French Development Agency (AFD), Expertise France
1. Introduction

The workshop was convened as part of Phase II of the BIODEV2030 project, implemented by IUCN in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry (MoECCF), and funded by the French Development Agency (AFD). The project seeks to align Kenya’s sectoral public policy instruments with its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), with a focus on the agriculture (small-scale and horticulture), livestock (pastoralism), and forestry (charcoal production) subsectors.
2. Objectives of the Workshop

The main objectives of the workshop were to:

1.    Present and validate draft policy briefs for agriculture, livestock, and forestry subsectors.
2.   Refine recommendations to enhance alignment with Kenya’s NBSAP and KMGBF.
3.   Engage stakeholders in identifying strategic next steps and pathways for implementation.
4.   Explore strategies for achieving maximum political support for policy reforms.

3. Opening Session

The session began with an opening prayer, self-introductions, and welcome remarks from:

1.    Mr. Innocent Kabenga, Regional Director, IUCN ESARO
2.   Mr. Mathieu Ecoiffer, Cooperation Attaché, French Embassy
3.   Dr. Eng. Festus K. Ng’eno, Principal Secretary, State Department for Environment and Climate Change

Workshop Overview:

Ms. Catherine Mungai (IUCN) provided a comprehensive overview of the BIODEV2030 project and highlighted the workshop’s role in shaping actionable reforms in biodiversity-relevant sectors.
4. Technical Presentations
Spatial Insights

   Jackline Karimi (RCMRD) presented the RCoE-ESA MapBook showcasing spatial data to support ecosystem management, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land use planning.

Presentation of Draft Policy Briefs

   Agriculture (Small Scale and Horticulture):
   Presented by Dr. Macharia, who emphasized aligning agricultural inputs, pest control policies, and incentives with biodiversity targets.

   Livestock (Pastoralism):
   Presented by Dr. Kaigongi, highlighting the need to secure grazing corridors, recognize mobility rights, and incorporate indigenous knowledge.

   Forestry (Charcoal Production):
   Also led by Dr. Kaigongi, who emphasized formalization of charcoal value chains, enforcement of regulations, and community-based forest management.

Plenary Discussion

Participants gave initial feedback on the policy briefs, emphasizing the need for cross-sectoral coherence, practical implementation strategies, and county government involvement.
5. Thematic Breakout Sessions

Participants were divided into three groups to deepen the discussion:
Group 1: Agriculture (Small Scale and Horticulture)

•    Proposed the adoption of agroecological practices.
•   Recommended incentives for biodiversity-friendly farming.
•   Suggested integrating biodiversity in county agriculture plans.

Group 2: Livestock (Pastoralism)

•    Emphasized protection of migratory routes and drought resilience.
•   Supported inclusion of traditional knowledge and rangeland mapping.
•   Proposed land-use harmonization between pastoral and agricultural communities.

Group 3: Forestry (Charcoal Production)

•    Called for fast-tracking enactment of the charcoal regulations.
•   Recommended finalizing the Kenya Timber Tracking System.
•   Advocated for incentives for clean energy and local wood processing.

Each group proposed pathways for reform and identified relevant stakeholders to lead or support implementation.
6. Key Recommendations

Across all subsectors, the following overarching recommendations emerged:

1.    Mainstream biodiversity goals into sectoral development plans and strategies.
2.   Use spatial planning and data tools for informed decision-making.
3.   Strengthen enforcement of biodiversity safeguards through regulations and land-use zoning.
4.   Provide financial and policy incentives for biodiversity-positive practices.
5.   Enhance capacity of local institutions, communities, and counties.
6.   Integrate carbon finance and climate adaptation co-benefits in biodiversity policy.

7. Political Support Strategies

Participants proposed the following strategies to build political momentum:

•    Position reforms as contributing to the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
•   Emphasize job creation, rural development, and climate resilience.
•   Engage county leadership and parliamentary committees early in the process.
•   Leverage public campaigns and success stories from communities.
•   Embed biodiversity KPIs into sectoral scorecards and performance contracts.

8. Roadmap and Next Steps

   IUCN will incorporate feedback from the workshop into the final policy briefs.   A refined implementation roadmap will be shared with sector ministries and county governments.   Continued stakeholder engagement will support the development of:

•        A national alignment action plan
•       Sector-specific training modules and pilot interventions
•       Policy dialogues with treasury, planning, and political actors

9. Closing Remarks

In closing, Ms. Catherine Mungai (IUCN) thanked participants for their active engagement and reiterated IUCN’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s biodiversity policy reform journey. The event concluded with a call for collaboration, innovation, and political will in safeguarding Kenya’s biodiversity.
Annexes