Efforts to protect the Ondiri Wetland have gained momentum as the world enters International Wetlands Day.
PS Engineer Festus K. Ng’eno launched the Ondiri Wetland Integrated Management Plan today. He was accompanied by NEMA Chair Eric Mungai, DG Mamo B. Mamo, Kiambu David Kuria, CEC Environment, and Board Member Charles Mulila, among other NEMA dignitaries.
DG Mamo B. Mamo stated during the launch that the Management Plan will aid in the conservation of the ecosystem from further destruction and encroachment.
The National Environment Management Authority director general Mamo Mamo said plans of the Authority to work with the Ministry of Environment Climate Change and Forestry to gazette the swamp to give it formal protection status are at an advanced stage.
Prior to the launch, there was award of medals at the Ondiri Wetland Conservation Run today which took part in the 10km of the 2nd Edition of the Ondiri Wetland Conservation Run in Kikuyu, Kiambu County.
The dignitaries participated in the 10 km and 5 KM races.
Authorities say the swamp is unique and there is a need to protect it for prosperity.
The wetland supports an estimated population of 94 species of resident and migratory birds such as Cattle Egret, Sacred Ibis, Hadada Ibis, Kingfisher, Hammer kop, Jackson’s widow, Grey crown cranes (endangered), and African marsh harrier as well as approximately 68 plant species and 26 species of macroinvertebrates.
It provides a range of critical ecosystem services and products that are indispensable to human survival, health, and welfare.
The area around the wetland has a fast-growing population as a result of the urban influence of nearby Kikuyutown that is characterized by high in-migration thus pausing numerous threats and challenges to the wetland.
