Kenya has signed a transboundary memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Uganda to safeguard Mt Elgon Biosphere Reserve.

The signing and launch of the MoU is expected to foster crossborder cooperation between the two countries, was done at Suam Border Post, witnessed by representatives from the two countries.

Representing the Kenyan government was the Principal Secretary State Department for Wildlife Silvia Museiya and her counterpart in the State Department for Forestry Gitonga Mugambi.

On the other hand, the Ugandan government was represented by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Moreen Katusiime.

Speaking after signing the deal, Museiya termed the initiative as a significant step towards the conservation and sustainable management of the Mt Elgon ecosystem, which she explained will go a long way to foster cross-border cooperation between Kenya and Uganda.

She hailed the pact as a fulfilment of a dream whose journey started 10 years ago, revealing that it takes into account the interests and aspirations of the border communities, who were widely consulted before the draft was finalised.

The Wildlife PS said there was need for the two countries to collectively enact policies and laws, which will ensure protection of shared national reserves for posterity.  However, Museiya said there is need for policies that are friendly to the existing communities, if positive results are to be achieved.

“We do not have to move people for the mountain to exist. As a government we are out to explore avenues where both can co-exist. The MoU we are signing today calls for nothing but action,” she said, emphasising the critical role the border communities will play in the implementation of the deal to protect Mount Elgon Biosphere Reserve.

On his part, Mugambi hailed the economic importance of the Mt Elgon ecosystem, citing encroachment and logging, as the two main activities derailing the protection and conservation efforts.

“Mount Elgon has since been a great asset to the surrounding communities and the two states. The mountain is a source to many rivers in the region and a source of fresh air essential for sustenance of livelihoods. For this reason, I challenge the border communities to own and ensure full implementation of all efforts geared towards protecting the Mount Elgon ecosystem,” he said.

Mugambi said the MoU will provide a framework on how the two neighbouring countries will collectively join hands to safeguard the reserve for the economic benefits of the people.

Uganda’s Katusiime who pledged commitment of her government to the deal, warned that climate change is a reality, which requires a joint action by nations in an effort to mitigate the effects.

“Signing of this MoU is a great milestone in the conservation of Mt Elgon transboundary biosphere reserve, which is our greatest water tower. The biggest responsibility remains in the implementation which all of us I are ready to accomplish,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Ugandan PS said there was need for more economic policies to be drafted by the two nations in an effort to strengthen cooperation.

The Kenya ambassador to Uganda Joash Maangi who also witnessed signing of the deal echoed, Katusiime sentiments, while hailing the close working relationship between the two countries, adding that strategies were already in place to deliberately strengthen the ties even further.

Meanwhile, the implementation of the signed Mt Elgon Transboundary Biosphere Reserve deal, expected to change the lives of the border communities and ensure full protection of the ecosystem, will be overseen by the two states in collaboration with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

UNESCO Regional Director for Eastern Africa and Representative to Uganda Louise Haxthausin affirmed the organisation’s commitment towards protection of the Reserve, while challenging the two states to walk the talk.

• A Tell Media / KNA report By Isaiah Nayika