Wildlife Works is supporting Kenya’s recent action to submit its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) for 2031 to 2035.
According to the updated NDC, Kenya has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent by 2035 compared to a business-as-usual scenario, meaning that the country has committed to reducing its emissions by 72.25 million tonnes of CO2e by 2035.
Last week, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, Dr. Deborah M. Barasa, announced that the country met its submission deadline of April 30 and pointed out that Kenya is demonstrating its unwavering dedication and commitment to advancing global action.
Wildlife Works Climate Policy Director for Africa, Olivia Adhiambo, has welcomed the decision, stating that the country has demonstrated its commitment to being a leader in climate action on the continent.
“Over the decades, Kenya has faced significant challenges from climate change. This bold and ambitious initiative highlights the country’s intentional strategy for adapting to climate change while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” she stated.
The action plan focuses on protecting livelihoods, communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems from the impacts of climate change.
These NDCs, core to the Paris Agreement adopted in 2015, aim to limit global warming to well below 2°C, with a preferred target of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
Kenya estimates it needs approximately USD 56 billion for mitigation and adaptation within the stipulated timelines, with 19 percent of the funds raised domestically, while the rest is covered by international support, including the carbon markets.
Wildlife Works is a community-centered conservation company that implements market-based solutions to protect Earth’s threatened wilderness and wildlife and is recognized as a leader in the Kasigau Corridor Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD+) Project in Taita Taveta County, which serves as a critical wildlife corridor between the two halves of Kenya’s largest national park, Tsavo East and Tsavo West, and is the world’s first and longest-standing certified REDD+ project.
By Wangari Ndirangu
