Alarm Over Wetlands Destruction
Implementing partners of the European Union funded Water Tower programme are raising concern over the adverse impact of human activity and climate change on Kenya’s wetlands as drought sweeps through the country.
Wanjiku Manyatta, the Coordinator Water Tower Programme says soil erosion, over-fishing, grazing and pollution threaten the future of wetlands and exacerbate the impact of climate change.
Among other objectives, the Water Tower programme aims to support community-based actions to build resilience to climate change.
Wanjiku points out that wetlands are being destroyed at an alarming rate and has stressed the urgent need for the fragile ecosystems to be restored.
“Wetlands support various key economic pillars such as water services, agriculture and tourism. Human activity and the undisputable threats of climate change will adversely affect the wetlands and the economic and social wellbeing of Kenyans,” she said.
McKay Savage