The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by officials from both countries, with the ecosystem playing a crucial role in the livelihoods of millions across East Africa and beyond.
The ecosystem is a vital water tower, feeding into the Great River Nile and various other river systems that serve Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, and Egypt.
Leading the Kenyan delegation were Principal Secretaries Ms. Sylvia Museiya (Environment and Forestry) and PS Gitonga Mugambi (Tourism, Wildlife, and Heritage). Uganda’s delegation was led by PS Doreen Katusiime from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife & Antiquities.
Ms. Museiya emphasized the biosphere's importance in balancing the relationship between flora, fauna, and human life.
“It is possible to ensure that both the ecosystem and people thrive together. If we take care of nature, it will take care of us as well. This is a new era of enhanced cooperation and coordination in conservation between Kenya and Uganda,” she said.
Uganda’s PS Katusiime echoed the sentiment, highlighting the shared benefits of the ecosystem.
“We understand the profound impact this ecosystem has on the livelihoods of people across borders, and thus, the urgent need for its conservation,” she remarked.
The partnership stems from years of collaborative efforts. The initiative began in 2014 under UNESCO’s guidance and was officially approved as a biosphere reserve in 2023, marking a significant milestone for both nations.
During the signing ceremony, the PSs noted the invaluable resources that people rely on, such as water, soil, and forests.
“This milestone is significant not only because it fosters conservation and biodiversity protection but also because it aligns community livelihoods with poverty alleviation programs,” said Ms. Museiya.
The MoU outlines a comprehensive approach to ensure the sustainable management of the Mt Elgon ecosystem.
Both governments have committed to bolstering institutional capacity and jointly allocating resources for its protection and conservation.
The agreement is a call to action for all stakeholders to collaborate for the well-being of both the environment and the people in the region.
To commemorate the occasion, a symbolic tree planting ceremony was held, with 50 trees planted on either side of the border as a sign of unity and commitment to environmental stewardship.
The signing of this MoU marked historic step in safeguarding one of Africa’s most significant ecological treasures, highlighting the critical need for collaborative efforts in the face of climate change and its impacts on both agriculture and wildlife.