• They say the situation can be salvaged if the country invests in raising awareness and restoration of degraded landscapes.
• The experts said the rate at which biodiversity is being lost threatens sustainable development.
Image: HANDOUT
Excessive use of pesticides has heightened the loss of crucial species such as pollinators, experts have said.
The experts, among them, scientists and researchers from Kenya and other African nations, said crucial species such as bees are on sharp decline due to use of pesticides. Bees are crucial in pollination.
The experts included Dr Taita Terer, the director national repository and research, and Dr Muo Kasina, the chairman Association of Kenyan Entomologists.
The scientists and researchers said wildlife population is also on a downward trend due to loss of their natural habitats.
They say the situation can be salvaged if the country invests in raising awareness and restoration of degraded landscapes.
The experts said the rate at which biodiversity is being lost threatens sustainable development.
They spoke at the National Museums of Kenya on Monday during the first joint international scientific conference.
The conference themed ‘Utilisation of Biological Resources for Sustainable Development, Nature Conservation, and Climate Resilience’ runs from June 3 to 6.
The National Museums of Kenya, in collaboration with the Association of Kenyan Entomologists, organised the conference. It has brought together more than 300 scientists, researchers and industry experts from around the world.
The conference will be followed by training workshop sessions for students and early career researchers from June 6 to 7 at the same venue.
Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei presided over the opening ceremony.
He said the rising human population has led to degradation of the environment and overexploitation of natural resources.
Koskei said there is a need to build ecosystem resilience, protect natural and cultural facilities and forge a sustainable future for Africa and the world.
He said experts have predicted that more than half of Africa's species could be lost in the coming years.
“From prolonged droughts and extreme weather events, to rising temperatures and sea levels, the effects of climate change are already being felt across the continent,” Koskei said.
Koskei said human-wildlife conflicts have also increased.
“The fact that global warming is manifesting itself cannot be overemphasised,” he said.
Koskei urged scientists to be at the decision-making table.
Wildlife PS Sylvia Museiya said the contribution of natural resources to the growth and development of the country is yet to be evaluated.
“Part of the resources we have are genetic resources. A number of institutions and departments in this country manage it,” she said.
The PS challenged scientists to share their research findings to inform decision-making.
She said the state is looking at how to improve the permitting system for research work.
National Museums of Kenya director general Mary Gikungu said the institution is undertaking research on medicinal plants and biofertilisers to improve soil fertility.
She said there is a need for those undertaking research projects to adhere to international authorities and treaties.
Gikungu said communities must not only benefit from such ventures, but researchers must also seek prior informed consent.
Koskei said the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development sets out an ambitious framework of universal and indivisible goals and targets to address a range of global societal challenges.
Biodiversity and ecosystems feature prominently across many of the SDGs and their targets are also at the centre of medical activities.