Environment And Natural Resources Management
USAID
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Abstract: USAID is charged with managing and achieving results in Kenya under two high-level U.S. Government efforts: President Obama's Global Climate Change Initiative and the new Agency Biodiversity Policy and Congressional Biodiversity earmark. Kenya is a priority country for these highly-visible and important initiatives. Given Kenya's significant biological diversity and current threat climate, it is one of only three bilateral programs in Africa designated as a Tier 1 Biodiversity country under the new policy. Kenya is also a key partner for the U.S. Government's commitment under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change to advance Low Emissions Development and support adaptation to destabilizing climate impacts. In February 2014, President Obama’s Advisory Council on Wildlife Trafficking released the U.S. National Strategy for Combating Wildlife Trafficking. USAID/Kenya is taking bold and swift action to advance anti-trafficking in Kenya, particularly given the country’s world class wildlife resources. Kenya’s rich biodiversity attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. Tourism is the second highest revenue earner, accounting for 12 percent of gross domestic product. Conservation and sustainable management of this natural capital is an important strategy for Kenya’s economic growth. They are also critical components of the Vision 2030 development strategy and Kenya’s goal of attaining a clean, secure and sustainable environment.