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The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) achieved a major milestone in its quest to enhance e-waste management in the country.
 
The Authority on 14th March, 2024 received the title for the plot it was allocated by the Konza Technopolis Development Authority. The delegation was led by the NEMA Chairman, Emilio Mugo and Director General, Mamo B. Mamo, EBS, Vice Chair, Ms. Sophia Matura and the project team.
 
The Konza team was led by the Chief Manager-Strategy, policy and Research, Stella Muhoro, who was representing the Konza Chief Executive Officer.
 
“Authority will be developing an e-waste demonstration pilot and a National Environmental Reference Laboratory with support from Global Environment Facility through the World Bank’s Africa Environmental Health and Pollution Management Project,” NEMA Chairman, Emilio Mugo said.
 
The Chairman added that the project is seeking to bring new approaches in e-waste management popularly known as circular economy which will indeed create major transformative change in the sustainable management of solid waste in Kenya thereby promoting environmental conservation and management.
 
The Director General echoed the Chairman sentiments that e-waste continues to be one of the major emerging solid waste streams and only sound management strategies will get us out of the challenge. He pointed out that e-waste will grow exponentially once Konza Technopolis City is up and running fully. The DG further postulated that Kenya generates 17,000 tonnes of e-waste annually. As a result, the e-waste facility at Konza will be a step to address the e-waste in the country.
 
The significance of the facilities to be developed at the NEMA site in Konza will help to advance sound management of e-waste. Generally, e-waste continues to be one of the major emerging solid waste streams and only sound management strategies will get us out of the challenge.
 
The team also planted trees around the NEMA plot at the Konza.
 
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The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) hosted a side event on the sidelines of the Sixth united Nations environment Assembly (UNEA-6) on 29th February, 2024. The side event was themed, “circular economy and Extended Producer Responsibilities in addressing pollution control.”
 
The Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Eng, Festus Ngeno informed the delegates that all producers in Kenya have begun the process of depositing their Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) plans with NEMA. Further, the government has commenced punishment for those whose products are found polluting our rivers.
 
This is in line with the SWM Act (2022) that commits to promote use of recyclable items by requiring all producers to bear mandatory extended producer responsibility (EPR) obligations to prevent pollution and environmental impacts of the products they introduce into the Kenyan market and waste arising therefrom. He remarked that the radical shift to circular economy model will help to recover over 95% of its waste through segregation at source, further sorting at material recovery facilities and recycling.
 
He expressed Kenya’s commitment to managing pollution as was strongly demonstrated in 2017 when the ban ban on the use, manufacture and importation of plastics bags for commercial and household packaging was gazetted.
 
Subsequently, in 2019, the government expanded its efforts by banning single use plastics bottles, straws and related products within protected areas, demonstrating our commitment to preserving our natural heritage.
 
The PS was representing the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Hon. Soipan Tuya.
 
According to NEMA Director General, Mamo B. Mamo, the government through NEMA has developed and implemented a host of robust guidelines, standards, and permits aimed at promoting circular economy practices such as waste reduction, recycling, and sustainable resource management. In addition, through the Sustainable Waste Management Act, 2022, the Authority has brought producers together to deal with Extended Producer Responsibility to ensure a clean and healthy environment for all.
 
He added that the Kenyan Constitution, Article 42 gives Kenyans the right to a clean and healthy, however, he noted that the right comes with responsibilities for citizens to keep the environment clean. We have to take responsibility for our waste as we are the waste generator.
 
“United, we are a formidable force for good. Let us unite in our commitment to support national initiatives, paving the way for a future where sustainability is not just a choice but a fundamental principle guiding every action and decision,” Eric Lindebjerg from WWF International stated.
 
Board Director, Kenya Association of Manufacturers- Mucai Kunyiha stated that the journey towards a circular economy is not without challenges, but it is worth undertaking for benefit of all Kenyans.
 
“By aligning profit with purpose and embracing circular economy principles, we can create a future where prosperity is synonymous with sustainability of the environment and the economy in general,” Ms. Emilly Waita, KEPSA
 
“True change begins at the grassroots level. In the heart of our communities lies the pulse of transformation. She urged the participants to empower them with the knowledge, resources, and tools to become champions of environmental stewardship and guardians of our planet's future,” Ms. Mary Mwiti, Chief Executive Officer, Council of Governors.
 
UNEP Africa Regional representative, Dr. Cyrille-Lazare Siewe stated that bearing in mind that climate change poses an existential threat, then the circular economy and greening imperative should equally be prioritized and justified by evidence-based research that builds on change from business-as-usual scenario, and its GHG emissions and the 1.5°C scenario by 2040. It is now time for investors, Multinational Corporations and technology companies to shift strategic investments to reduce their pollution footprint.
 
The UN Environment Assembly is the world’s highest decision-making body on the environment. Its membership includes all 193 UN Member States. It meets biennially to shape global environmental policy.
 
The theme for the UNEA-6 is “Effective, inclusive and sustainable multilateral actions to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution”, which offers a moment to advance the global environmental agenda, building on the pledges made at the fifth session (UNEA-5).
 
More than 7,000 delegates from 182 UN Member met for UNEA-6. The Assembly has 19 resolutions and two decisions under discussion that covers a range of issues, including circular economy; effective, inclusive, and sustainable multilateral actions towards climate justice; solar radiation modification; sound management of chemicals and waste, and sand and dust storms.
 
“This is where the global community gathers to think big and dream bigger. To reimagine how we can work better, smarter, harder and faster – together. To hold the future that we want in our mind’s eye and make it happen”- Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP.
 
The side event was organized by the NEMA, Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

The Clean Development Mechanism is coming to an end on 31st  December, 2023

Kenya has several CDM projects and programs. Those who implemented these projects may chose to move to the new carbon markets under Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement. However one must apply to transition from CDM to 6.4. 

The Parties to the ? Paris Agreement have agreed on a process for CDM activities to request transition to the new UNFCCC carbon market mechanism, established in Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement. All CDM activities with a crediting period active as of January 2021 are theoretically eligible, even though a successful transition will require the approval of both the host country, as well as the A6.4 Supervisory Body (A6.4SB).

Yet, the project participants running CDM activities can only request the transition until 31 DECEMBER 2023 at the latest. This is a hard deadline, and once that window closes,** no CDM activities will be able to transition to the new mechanism anymore.** Detailed information on the transition to the Article 6.4 mechanism is contained in the A6.4SB Standard and Procedure (the procedure also contains a very simple 2-page form for the transition request in Appendix 1 à just follow the link!). Any inquiries can be directed to UNFCCC Secretariat This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

While all eligible CDM project participants should have received an email from the UNFCCC secretariat with specific instructions to request the transition, some CDM documents may contain outdated contact information. As the deadline is now ⏰approaching quickly, it will be important for host countries and other stakeholders to raise awareness for the opportunity to transition, in particular for those CDM activities that make important contributions to national climate targets. ?

We encourage in particular CDM activities in countries that have historically struggled to access the CDM to ensure that registered activities don’t miss the chance to join the new UNFCCC mechanism!

For more information please visit➡️ https://lnkd.in/eMEAD4Gh

For more information please visit: https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/article-64-mechanism/transition-of-cdm-activities-to-article-64-mechanism

#CDMTransition #CarbonMarkets #Article6

On the shores of Lake Narasha, nestled within the landscapes of Uasin Gishu and Baringo County, a significant gathering unfolded on World Wetlands Day. It was a day to honour and celebrate the invaluable ecosystems that wetlands provide and to reaffirm commitment to their restoration and conservation.

Leading the ceremony was Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Hon. Soipan Tuya, embodying the government's dedication to environmental preservation. Alongside her stood Environment and Climate Change PS Eng. Festus Ng'eno, a strong advocate for sustainable development. The event, organised by NEMA and supported by Uasin Gishu County leadership led by Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii and Senator Jackson Mandago, drew a distinguished assembly of government leaders and other private stakeholders.

Among them were Hon. Julius Rutto, the esteemed MP of Kesses Constituency, and Hon. Musa Sirma, representing the neighbouring Eldama Ravine Constituency. The presence of members from the National Assembly Committee on Environment, Forestry, and Mining underscored the national significance of the occasion.

As the ceremony began, CS Hon. Soipan Tuya, flanked by Governor Bii, officially commissioned the fencing of Lake Narasha/Timboroa Dam. This critical step was pivotal in protecting the wetland from encroachment and littering, ensuring its natural regeneration and enhancing its benefits for surrounding communities.

The CS stated that NEMA's effort to conserve wetlands is giving very promising results. She gave examples of two wetlands that have regenerated in Chalbi after NEMA’s intervention to fence including Toniqo and Horri Ghuda as well as Kalacha. Fencing is critical as it protects the wetlands from human and animal encroachment.

In his poignant address, NEMA Director General, Mamo B. Mamo, EBS underscored the importance of wetlands, highlighting the conservation efforts undertaken across the country. The strategic restoration initiatives, guided by comprehensive policy frameworks, aimed to safeguard these vital ecosystems and raise awareness among communities.

"NEMA has mapped out 10,000 wetlands countrywide -the conservation of these wetlands has been guided by various wetlands restoration policy frameworks developed by the Authority and stakeholders. Moreover, the Wetlands and ecosystem restoration strategy seeks to protect the wetlands through fencing them and creation of awareness to help Communities protect wetlands," NEMA DG stated.

The DG informed the gathering that NEMA has developed robust environmental framework to manage wetlands including; wetlands regulations, Wetlands management plans, National Marine Litter Action Plan among others.

Echoing these sentiments, NEMA Chairman Emilio Mugo emphasised the transformative impact of wetlands and ecosystem restoration efforts. The commitment of NEMA to implement restoration strategies nationwide resonated strongly, emphasising community involvement as integral to success. The chairman added that rehabilitation of wetlands is a great achievement for NEMA. He noted that landscapes and ecosystem restoration efforts has impacted the environment countrywide. As the NEMA board, we will implement the wetlands and ecosystems restoration strategy countrywide by encouraging Communities to adopt a wetland near them

PS Festus Ngeno emphasised the importance of informed decision-making regarding land use changes, stressing the need to consider the diverse benefits and values that wetlands offer to both people and biodiversity. He advocated for prioritising the protection of naturally functioning wetlands in decision-making processes.

Senator Mandago extended a cordial invitation to CS Hon. Soipan Tuya, urging her to visit his county. Expressing his appreciation for the government's efforts in environmental conservation, he sought to enhance their collaboration by inviting the CS to witness first-hand the initiatives underway in his jurisdiction. Additionally, Senator Mandago requested bamboo seedlings from the CS to grow, supporting the President's initiative to further increase tree cover in Kenya, demonstrating his commitment to sustainable land management practices and biodiversity conservation in his county.

CS Tuya, CS Environment, emphasised the pivotal role of wetlands within the framework of the 10-year National Landscapes and Ecosystems Restoration Strategy, a cornerstone of the Government's ambitious 15 billion National Tree Growing Programme. She underscored the government's commitment to prioritising the restoration of wetlands due to their significant ecological benefits, which serve as vital sources of livelihoods for communities and catalysts for Kenya's socioeconomic advancement.

Under the banner of "Wetlands and Human Wellbeing," the theme emphasised the symbiotic relationship between healthy wetlands and thriving communities. As the fencing rose, it symbolised not just a physical barrier but a commitment to safeguarding nature's treasures for generations to come.

World Wetlands Day is an international celebration held every 2nd February to raise global awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and planet.

 

By J. Wango & S. Irungu

Dik Dik gardens wetland is located in the greenery Kileleshwa in Nairobi County. The wetland is among the few wetlands remaining in Nairobi and for some years been threatened by rapidly growing developments.

The wetland constitutes one of the main sources of water for Kirichwa Ndogo River that feeds into Nairobi River. The area was gazetted as a wetland in 2021.

NEMA in conjunction with the National Environment Tribunal (NET) and other stakeholders chose the wetland to host the launch of wetlands restoration in Nairobi County held on 22nd November, 2023. The launch was led by the Director General, Mamo B. Mamo, EBS on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Environment, climate Change and Forestry CS, Hon Soipan Tuya.

The launch is part of the ongoing Government’s efforts to plant 15 billion trees by 2032, restore and conserve wetlands and their associated catchments under the newly conceived “Adopt-a-Wetland Initiative” which seeks to catalyze the participation of various stakeholders in enhancing wetlands conservation in the country.

The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) are at the center of driving the agenda on behalf of the government. Wetlands are among Kenya’s most productive ecosystems and include lakes, swamps, marshes, rivers and their riparian zones.

Wetlands cover approximately 4% of Kenya’s land surface area. These ecosystems are important sources of construction materials, food, medicine, pasture for livestock and sources of water for domestic and industrial use. Ecologically, wetlands habour diverse habitats which provide feeding and breeding areas for wildlife some of which are endangered, vulnerable, threatened and range restricted. Many of them are also Important Bird Areas (IBA).

The Authority has already mapped over 10,000 wetlands countrywide and are earmarked for tree growing.

Wetlands are perhaps the most threatened ecosystems in Kenya today. They have been targeted for conversion to agriculture and settlement over the past five decades or so, partly due to lack of recognition of their crucial functions and values.

NEMA is rolling out the ‘Adopt-a-Wetland initiative’. The objective of the Adopt-a-wetland initiative is to enhance wetlands restoration and conservation through establishment of lead champions for wetlands conservation.

The stakeholders targeted in the adopt-a-wetland and catchments restoration initiative include government agencies; NGOs; private sector players and individual members of the public. A stakeholder interested in being a lead champion in conservation of a certain wetland will be the ‘wetland adopter’. A wetland adopter will be expected to take lead in mobilizing other stakeholders to plan and implement activities that enhance the ecological integrity and sustainable use of the wetland and catchment ecosystems.

The wetlands restoration efforts are expected to yield immense benefits in the long term such as contribution to the attainment of the 15 billion trees national target by 2032; improved wetlands ecological integrity; as well as improved provision of ecosystem services from targeted wetlands among other benefits.

The exercise to adopt a wetland and grow trees is being undertaken in all the Counties progressively

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