The newly commissioned Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Research and Training Centre on Wednesday received conferencing and research equipment worth Sh6 million from the Regenerative Seascapes for People, Climate and Nature (ReSea) Project.
The equipment, which includes binoculars, cameras and marine equipment, is expected to strengthen the Malindi-based centre’s capacity to train and empower local communities in wildlife research and environmental conservation.
The donation was handed over to senior officials of the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI) by ReSea officials led by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Program Manager for Coastal and Ocean Resilience, Mr Francis Okalo,
It was officially received by WRTI board chairman David ole Nkedainye, the institute’s Managing Director and Chief Executive, Dr Patrick Omondi and the centre’s lead researcher, Dr Mohamed Omar.
Mr Okalo said the support had come through the ReSea project that is funded by Global Affairs Canada and jointly implemented by Mission Inclusion, ICUN, and the Grassroots Organisations Operating Together in Sisterhood (GROOTS) Kenya.
He noted that the ReSea initiative is designed to build socio-economic resilience among marginalized communities affected by climate change, especially women and the youth.
“Through ReSea, we aim to equip women and youth with practical research skills and professional knowledge so they can contribute meaningfully to conservation and community development,” said Mr Okalo, adding that WRTI will serve as the central hub for delivering the project’s training programmes.
Dr Omondi welcomed the donation, highlighting its impact on the institute’s research and teaching capabilities by elevating the institute’s ability to deliver world-class training on coastal and marine research.
“This donation elevates our ability to deliver world-class training to students, researchers, and conservation practitioners. We invite youth, scientists and stakeholders to use this institute as a platform for learning, innovation, and driving positive change in wildlife protection,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by Mr Nkedianye, who said the institute was working closely with other stakeholders to protect the existing marine ecosystem through data generation.
“We are also coordinating data collection and will wish to share it so that Kenya can plan better, the coastal region can plan better, Kenya Wildlife Service can protect the wildlife better and that is why we are excited,” he said.
Kilifi County Executive Member for Agriculture, Livestock and the Blue Economy, Dr Chula Mwagona, who witnessed the handing over of the equipment, said data posted by the institute would assist the county administration in the development of relevant policies.
He called upon women and youths interested in doing causes in marine and terrestrial ecosystems to apply for causes at the centre.
By Emmanuel Masha and Martin Mwangolo
