Researchers have been urged to take a leading role in identifying the threats facing the Mara River Basin, providing data-driven insights and recommendations to guide policy and conservation actions. Experts warn that without immediate action, the basin’s degradation will continue.
This call to action was highlighted during the 13th Mara Day Scientific Conference at Maasai Mara University. Julius Mwabu, Director of Productive and Services at the Ministry of East African Community, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), emphasized the critical role of research in addressing climate change impacts.
“In the face of climate change, your role is even more critical. Shifts in weather patterns, changing river flows, and the increased frequency of extreme weather events pose significant risks to the biodiversity and communities that rely on the Mara ecosystem,” Mwabu said. “Your research not only helps us understand the scale of these challenges but also equips us with the tools and knowledge to mitigate them and build resilience.”
Mwabu highlighted several unprecedented challenges afflicting the Mara Basin, including deforestation, habitat loss, pollution, and climate change impacts. He stressed that these threats transcend borders and necessitate a collective response.
Masinde Bwire, Executive Secretary of the Lake Victoria Basin Commission, described the conference as timely, noting that it offers an opportunity to showcase the latest scientific research and technological innovations that can inform policy and promote sustainable practices.
“The exchange of knowledge and experiences here will be instrumental in guiding our collective efforts to protect and restore the Mara River Basin,” Bwire said. He pointed out that the basin is under growing pressure from climate change, population growth, and unsustainable land-use practices, which threaten its delicate ecological balance.
Bwire emphasized the need for concerted efforts to address these challenges, noting that the commission has prioritized the integrated management and sustainable use of transboundary water resources. Renowned scholar PLO Lumumba served as the keynote speaker at the conference.
Others who attended the one-day scientific conference were Narok Deputy Governor Tamalinye Koech, Narok County Assembly speaker Davis Dikkir, Maasai Mara University Vice Chancellor Peninah Obudho, and EALA MP David Sankok.
Mara Regional Commissioner Evans Mtambi led the delegation from Tanzania.
Uganda’s PS for EAC Ministry Edith Mwanje also graced the occasion.
Lumumba asked the governments of Tanzania and Kenya to implement the outcomes of the conference.
“This should not just be an annual jamboree. To save this ecosystem, the outcomes of this conference should be implemented. We must make deliberate efforts to save this ecosystem,” Lumumba said.
Lumumba further noted that effluent from industries and unregulated use of pesticides were some of the threats facing the basin.
