National Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (NPBES) in Kenya
| Project title | National Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (NPBES) in Kenya |
| Implementing Institutions |
1. National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI)
|
| Country(ies) | Kenya |
| Abstract | This project aims to develop a national science-policy platform on biodiversity and ecosystem services in Kenya. It shall identify and address knowledge, capacity and financial gaps to effectively implement regional, national and sub-national biodiversity and ecosystem services assessments; enable better Information and knowledge management; and ensure the coherence and alignment of interventions through multi-stakeholder engagements. This project will be undertaken in 3 years by government, institutions of higher learning and research, civil society, local communities and the private sector. |
| Project Description | Biodiversity underpins Kenya’s national development goals enshrined in the Kenya Vision 2030 and the Kenya Green Economy Strategy, particularly for key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, health and forestry. Yet, the country faces serious challenges to conserve and sustainably manage its biodiversity due to several factors, including extensive land conversion, loss and degradation of renewable natural resources, and the negative effects of climate change.. The forthcoming "Kenya's Natural Capital - A Biodiversity Atlas" – a collaborative effort by multiple stakeholders - will showcase Kenya's wealth of species and ecosystems, their associated status, threats and policy responses as well as the gaps and needs towards their conservation and sustainable use as per national constitution, priorities and the country's international obligations. Although there are strong legal, policy and institutional frameworks and initiatives, their effective implementation is hampered by capacity weaknesses and knowledge gaps, especially in the areas of a) research approach and assessment, b) information, data analysis packages and knowledge management c) coordination and alignment of interventions through multi-stakeholder engagement processes. This project aims to get a solution to these challenges through the establishment of a National Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (NPBES) and provide an interface between the scientific community, policy makers at the County and National level and other stakeholders. |
| Project Objectives and expected Achievables | The project objectives are: 1. To set up a national science-policy platform on biodiversity and ecosystem services (NPBES) in Kenya 2. To assess existing institutional capacity and identify needs, gaps for a comprehensive national and county-level BES assessment 3. To develop capacity among policymakers at both national and county levels / use assessment findings in policy development and decision-making 4. To assess current investments and gaps between identified needs and available resources for the effective strengthening of the science-policy interface on biodiversity and ecosystem services We will email a table with detailed information about the objectives, achievables, monitoring and milestones. |
| Timeframe | 3 years |
| Geographic Scale | National |
| Seeking Resources for: | Project implementation |
| Type of Resources/Support needed: | Financial |