Economic activity in and around Lake Naivasha, and the rapidly growing population, have placed mounting environmental pressure on this important source of freshwater in central southern Kenya.
The lake provides an income for local fisherfolk, supports a vast array of flora and fauna, including waterbuck, hippos and some 350 species of water birds, and is a draw for local and international tourists. It also supports nearby flower and vegetable farms, a significant contributor to Kenya’s economy.
Its health, therefore, is vital and the first step in preserving this ecosystem is to measure it.
Working within the Global Partnership on Nutrient Management, UN Environment organized a technical exchange in September 2018 between experts from the Philippines, India and Kenya on how best to preserve the lake’s environment and water quality. The partnership involves governments, scientists, policy-makers, the private sector, as well as non-governmental and international organizations.