Margaret Kenyatta today describe the KWS annual conservation Heros day is a bitter-sweet occasion.
“While we congregate to pay homage to dedicated rangers who constantly face threats from poaching & the wildlife they protect, we also celebrate their selflessness in choosing to protect our natural heritage.”
The First Lady said that their sacrifice has seen our elephant and rhino populations rise, and I want to commend them for their bravery and dedication to national service. I am proud to announce today that this effort has led to over 90% reduction in rhino poaching in Kenya in the last 5 years
This year’s Conservation Heroes Day was marked with pride as Kenya recorded a 90 percent reduction in rhino poaching, thanks to the sacrifice of rangers who are proud of their work.
The day also coincided with 72nd anniversary of the establishment of the Nairobi National Park.
A Global Rangers’ Survey conducted early this year showed that over 95% of Kenya’s wildlife rangers are very proud of their work of protecting wildlife heritage despite working over 8 hours in some of the most difficult terrain and remotest places.
“It is because of the constant sacrifices of the men and women keeping vigil over our wildlife, that we are not only reducing the popularity of wildlife trophies in their core markets, but also gradually enlightening the world about the importance of preserving our unique flora and fauna for future generations to enjoy,” said the First Lady in her address.
The work of rangers is unique in that they face mortal danger both from poachers and the wildlife they are dedicated to protect.
The First Lady called on Kenyans to play active roles in conserving the country’s wildlife heritage. “Our people must play an inclusive role in wildlife stewardship and invest in nature based enterprises to reap sustainable benefits from our wildlife heritage,” said the First Lady.
She said wildlife heritage is pivotal to Kenya’s tourism sector which attracts at least Shs120 billion to the economy on an annual basis.