The World Wetlands Day 2026 national celebrations was held at Merire Wetland in Isiolo County.

Start Date

2026 Feb 03

GBF Targets

SDG's

Countries

Kenya

Thematic Areas

Ecosystem RestorationOutreach and EducationTraditional Knowledge, Innovations and Practices

Start Date

2026 Feb 03

GBF Targets

SDG's

Countries

Kenya

Thematic Areas

Ecosystem RestorationOutreach and EducationTraditional Knowledge, Innovations and Practices

The World Wetlands Day 2026 national celebrations was held at Merire Wetland in Isiolo County.

The Chief Guest was CS Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Dr. Deborah Barasa, EGH accompanied by Hon. Beatrice Askul, CS Ministry of EAC, ASALs and Regional Development, Isiolo Governor, Hon. Abdi Guyo, NEMA Board led by Chairman, Mr. Emilio Mugo and Director General, Dr. Mamo B. Mamo, EBS among heads of other institutions.

The event was held under the theme, "Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage," emphasizing the integration of indigenous knowledge with modern scientific practices to enhance wetland resilience and cultural heritage preservation.

The CS called for cooperation and contribution by all actors in safeguarding wetlands and the environment in general. " Wetlands restoration efforts each of the actors is undertaking are expected to yield immense benefits in the long term such as contribution to the attainment of the 15 billion trees national target by 2032; improved wetlands ecological integrity; as well as improved provision of ecosystem services among other benefits," CS Barasa stated. She assured stateholders that her Ministry will continue to put in place and enforce necessary measures to ensure that wetland resources are restored and protected from further degradation and loss.

NEMA Chairman, Emilio Mugo stated that Kenya boasts of diverse wetlands that provide essential ecosystem services. Merire Wetland is one of the 30 wetlands in Isiolo County. They serve as natural water reservoirs and biodiversity hotspots that need protection and sustainable management. He urged the locals to conserve the wetlands to enhance water security and agricultural sustainability. The Chairman was speaking during the World Wetlands Day 2026 national celebrations.

NEMA DG Dr. Mamo B. Mamo, EBS stated that NEMA is actively involved in the conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of wetlands, including developing and enforcing policies and regulatory frameworks for wetland protection.

The DG added that there is a pressing need to implement wetland conservation strategies within national and county development planning to prevent further degradation and promote ecosystems health to advert climate change related risks.

The CS also launched the Carbon Markets community guide. The guide has been developed by NEMA in partnership with Wild Wide Fund for nature (WWF). It will help the communities to understand issues around carbon markets trading and conservation. She also awarded various environmental conservation groups for their efforts in environmental protection within Isiolo County.