CS Rebecca Miano Championing Conservancies for Sustainable Development

   By John KariukiHon. Rebecca Miano, the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, has reaffirmed her commitment to supporting conservancies as a cornerstone of Kenya’s sustainable development. Her vision emphasizes the transformative role that community conservancies play in fostering coexistence between people and wildlife while driving socio-economic growth in the regions they serve.Under her leadership, the ministry has prioritized infrastructure development in conservancy areas. According to Hon. Miano, access roads are not just a means of transportation but critical enablers of development. By opening up remote areas, these roads allow communities to transport goods, access education, and seek healthcare. They also promote trade and tourism, creating economic opportunities for people living near conservancies.Hon. Miano has also highlighted the importance of water resource management in addressing conflicts between humans and wildlife. She notes that water scarcity often leads to competition, escalating tensions that are both costly and disruptive. To mitigate this, the ministry is actively supporting the development of water infrastructure within conservancies. By ensuring access to water for wildlife, agriculture, and daily needs, these initiatives reduce competition and foster harmony, benefiting both communities and ecosystems.Hon. Miano believes in proactive conflict prevention rather than relying on compensation for damages caused by wildlife. She underscores that compensation is often unsustainable and leaves victims in prolonged distress. Instead, the ministry is focused on creating systems that prevent such conflicts from arising, ensuring long-term coexistence and resilience.As the driving force behind these initiatives, Hon. Miano calls on stakeholders, development partners, and local communities to join hands with the ministry. She emphasizes that the success of conservancies is a collective responsibility and a vital investment in Kenya’s future.With her unwavering dedication, Hon. Rebecca Miano is championing a transformative approach to conservancies, ensuring they serve as hubs of opportunity, resilience, and sustainability for generations to come.  Read More