Failure to save wetlands puts lives at risk, say experts

• Expert faults the government, saying it has not provided conservation funds

Needs survey

“The process of demarcation and gazettement of wetland areas is the only way we can protect wetlands for future generations,” he said.

Mr Dienya further said Gwasi Hills, a major water catchment area in Nyanza, was one of the areas seriously threatened and therefore needs survey, demarcation and gazettement.

An environment officer at the Kisumu provincial office, Ms Stella Kamwasir, said the recent regulation on polluter pay principle (PPP), which is part of 2008 rules by Environment minister John Michuki, will discourage people from destroying wetlands. The PPP is a concept whereby those who are found polluting wetlands are fined for the offence.

She said the new law would help in conserving wetlands and enhance sustainable use of the resource.

Provincial commissioner Francis Mutie welcomed measures which have been put in place by environmental players that had shielded Nyando District from floods.

“Despite the heavy rains experienced recently, we did not have the usual flooding in Nyando because every stakeholder had played their roles in preventing the floods,” Mr Mutie said.

The PC said wetlands support thousands of livelihoods, adding that the Provincial Administration will do all it can to ensure that the resource is protected.

The PC was speaking on Monday at Karanda Primary School in Nyando during the World Wetlands Day celebrations, whose theme was: “Caring for wetlands an answer to climate change”.

The main event will he held in Naivasha on Tuesday.