Prof. B. E. L. Wishitemi, B.Ed(Sc), M.Sc., Ph.D. Department of Tourism & Tour Operations Management, School of Business & Economics, Moi University
Conservation of biodiversity outside designated protected areas in Kenya is becoming impossible due to declining available land space, increasing human populations, alienation of the local people, lack of socio-economic incentives for conservation and lack of suitable models to be adopted. The Traditional National Park Model, although having led to establishment of key Kenyan parks and reserves, cannot be adopted any further as it mainly emphasizes wilderness and its biological resources, and concentrates less on local expertise, needs and development. Thus the current network of protected areas is under many threats, is unpopular and resented by local communities. Biodiversity resources outside Kenyan parks and reserves are under danger of extermination unless communities are brought back to the centre of conservation and an appropriate protected area model outside this current network of protected areas explored. This protected areas model must incorporate local wishes and succeed in working with lived-in landscapes that present a meeting place for human needs and conservation of natural resources, especially in wildlife dispersal areas and pastoral community rangelands of Kenya. There is therefore the need to discuss the weaknesses of the National Park Model, present the threats facing biodiversity resources in protected areas, and advocate a Protected Landscape Model approach through the promotion of resource-based enterprises, development and conservation. For More Information, Contact:
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