National targets finalization workshop held at Lake Naivasha Resort
Naivasha, January 26, 2024 - The National Targets Finalization Workshop, aimed at aligning Kenya's National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF), was held at Lake Naivasha. The workshop, which took place from January 22nd to 26th, 2024, brought together a diverse group of experts and stakeholders.
Introduction
Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) made a historic deal in December of 2022, when they agreed to the Post-2020 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). It aims at halting the loss of biological diversity by 2030 while pursuing a vision to live in harmony with nature by 2050. The Government of Kenya (GoK) has affirmed its support towards this goal and is strategizing on how to achieve it. This involves aligning the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) to the KMGBF and setting national targets for effective implementation of the framework.
The NBSAP is a comprehensive strategic document that outlines Kenya’s approach to
biodiversity conservation. It sets targets and priority actions for biodiversity conservation,
sustainable use of natural resources, and benefit-sharing. It further integrates the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity and provides a roadmap for biodiversity conservation efforts at the national level. In that respect,
Kenya has been actively working towards aligning its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan with the KM-GBF since the adoption of the framework at the Convention of Biological Diversity's 15th Conference of Parties (COP 15) in Montreal, Canada, in December 2022. The technical team, organized into three thematic working groups and further subgroups, initiated the drafting process for national targets aligned with the 23 global targets, taking into account national circumstances and capabilities.
Objectives of the Workshop
The workshop aimed to achieve several key objectives, including the finalization of the NBSAP 2020–2030 National Targets, the review of the Rapid Baseline Data Collection Inception Report, and the review and finalization of the Early Action Support Consultancies Terms of Reference (TORS). Additionally, participants reviewed the biodiversity-related resolutions from the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) 6 and provided input into the positions. The National Biodiversity Coordination Mechanism was also under scrutiny.
Programme Highlights
Day 1 The first day commenced with arrivals and registrations, followed by introductions and an overview of the workshop's objectives by Faith Nyokabi and
Opening remarks were given by various organizations, including Wetlands International, IUCN, WWF, Conservation International, UNEP, and TNC. The day included sessions on the recap of the target-setting process, baseline data collection, and a review of national target gaps.
Day 2 Activities on the second day included an overview of UNEA 6 draft resolutions, group work to finalize NBSAP National Targets, and a stock take plenary.
Group3 members looking at means of implementation
Day 3 The third day focused on the review and finalization of Early Action Support TORS, group work on finalizing NBSAP National Targets, and reporting on UNEA 6 resolutions with input into positions.
Day 4 Day four involved the review of the National Biodiversity Coordination Mechanism and plenary sessions for the final compilation of the National Targets Document.
Day 5 The last day featured presentations for the adoption of the compiled final National Targets Document, with a focus on the way forward and closing remarks by Dr. Luncy Nganga and partner organizations.
The workshop provided a platform for collaborative efforts in shaping Kenya's biodiversity strategy and action plan in alignment with global frameworks, fostering a sustainable future for the nation's rich biodiversity.
