International Day for Biological Diversity: A Kenyan Perspective

On May 22, 2025, the world commemorated the International Day for Biological Diversity, a moment to celebrate the variety of life on Earth and reflect on the urgent need to conserve it. This global observance served as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to safeguard the ecosystems and species that sustain humanity. The 2025 theme, “Be part of the Plan,” emphasized the importance of collective action to realize the targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. For Kenya, a nation globally recognized for its rich natural heritage, this day held deep meaning.

Kenya stood out as one of Africa’s most biologically diverse countries. Its landscapes ranged from the lush Aberdare forests and Lamu’s coastal mangroves to the savannahs of the Maasai Mara and the wetlands of Lake Victoria. These ecosystems supported over 25,000 animal species and more than 7,000 plant species, many of which were either endemic or threatened.

Biodiversity remained central to Kenya’s economy and the livelihoods of its people. The tourism sector, a vital source of income and employment, relied heavily on the nation’s wildlife and natural beauty. Agriculture, which supported millions of Kenyans, depended on healthy ecosystems for essential services like pollination, water supply, and soil fertility. Forests continued to provide food, medicine, and fuel, especially for rural communities. Moreover, biodiversity was intricately connected to the spiritual and cultural practices of many communities.

However, despite its ecological wealth, Kenya faced significant threats to its biodiversity. Deforestation, urban expansion, and infrastructure development continued to destroy habitats. Climate change was shifting rainfall patterns, increasing the severity of droughts and floods, and placing immense pressure on both wildlife and human populations. Pollution, particularly in water bodies like Lake Victoria and the Nairobi River, severely impacted aquatic ecosystems and public health.

Although efforts to reduce poaching and illegal wildlife trade had shown progress, these threats persisted. Invasive species, unsustainable farming, and poor land-use practices further degraded ecosystems across the country. These challenges called for urgent, well-coordinated efforts at every level.

In response, the Kenyan government, along with civil society, community organizations, and international partners, continued to champion conservation. Laws and strategies like the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, and expanded protected area networks were key milestones in safeguarding biodiversity. Kenya also reaffirmed its commitments under international frameworks such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and Agenda 2063 of the African Union.

Importantly, the role of youth, indigenous peoples, and women in conservation was increasingly recognized. Community-led projects from tree planting under the 15 Billion Tree Campaign to climate education initiatives and the growth of community conservancies demonstrated a collective will to protect nature.

As Kenya marked the International Day for Biological Diversity, citizens were reminded to “be part of the plan” by supporting sustainability policies, making nature-conscious decisions, and nurturing a new generation of environmental stewards.

The country not only celebrated its biodiversity but also renewed its commitment to action because protecting nature today means safeguarding Kenya’s future environment, economy, and wellbeing for generations to come.