Efforts to tackle the impact of climate change

Migori,

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

KNA by George Agimba 

A non-governmental organization has initiated efforts to tackle the detrimental effects of climate change in certain regions of the Nyanza.

Nyanza Gulf Ecosystem Association, a group of scientists from Rongo University, plans to educate the public on mitigation measures for climate change with hopes of exploiting arising opportunities.

Speaking to community self-help groups in Migori, the organization chairman Mr. Jacob Ochoo announced that his outfit will work in five counties in Nyanza in a bid to promote environmental protection efforts aimed at protecting the region’s biodiversity. Thus, Counties to benefit from this multi-million program include, Migori, Homa Bay, Kisii, Kisumu, and Nyamira.

Mr. Ochoo stated that global partners are offering millions of shillings in grants to restore, conserve, and ensure sustainable environmental management, particularly in wetlands. The threat to biodiversity is severe, involving habitat destruction, human-wildlife conflicts, invasive species, and pollution, high population clearing for agriculture, soil erosion, bio-piracy, and overexploitation. Consequently, the Nyanza Gulf Association aims to enhance climate change resilience by enhancing population adaptability and implementing key mitigation measures to protect the environment. The chairman announced that the mapping of destroyed wetlands in five counties is underway, and donors will soon be engaged to initiate rehabilitation programs worth millions of shillings.

The program will evaluate climate change impact in specific locations, recommend adaptations, and mitigation measures, and develop action plans, resource mobilization plans, and robust monitoring and evaluation plans.

 At the end of it, we hope to create wealth through various business opportunities to jobless youth by helping them start fish pond/cage farming, raising fingerlings, tree nurseries and producing fish foods among other income-generating activities from the rehabilitated wetlands. 

Courtesy; KNA