RCMRD Director General Dr. Emmanuel Nkurunziza today graced the launch of a project entitled, 'Geo-mapping riparian zones/lands for catalyzing sustainable development in the designated special economic zones in Kenya.'
Dr. Nkurunziza joined his counterpart at the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Professor Geoffrey Wahungu at the Panari Hotel in Nairobi for this event.
The event was also attended by representatives from the National Land Commission and the National Research Fund. The RCMRD, NEMA and NLC collaboratively won a grant worth USD 80,000 to map riparian areas in selected special economic zones in Kenya.
Speaking at the launch of the project, Dr Nkurunziza reiterated the need to embrace the use of Earth observation data and GIS for evidence based decision making. Professor Wahungu echoed these sentiments and underscored the need for institutions to work together and build synergies in their work, for better management of natural resources. Dr Robinson Mugo, RCMRD/SERVIR-E&SA's Project Manager also attended the event.
Both leaders thanked the Government of Kenya for providing resources to address an important issue on management and conservation of riparian zones. In attendance also were officers from NEMA, representatives from Wetlands International and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).