Kenyan and Chinese communities join hands for wildlife conservation

Chinese conservationists and the business community in Kenya are expected to contribute more to wildlife conservation for posterity in the East African country.

At a China-Kenya forum on wildlife conservation held in Kenya's capital of Nairobi over the weekend, the conservationists and the business community explored various wildlife conservation opportunities in the East African country.

Vincent Obanda, principal research scientist at the Wildlife Research and Training Institute, based in Nairobi, expressed gratitude that Chinese are coming to collaborate with the sector players as opposed to sending experts and resources.

He said the forum sent a message to both the Chinese and Kenyans that they can work together towards wildlife conservation.

Obanda said the institute will collaborate with the Chinese community on training of conservation activities and how to develop their businesses in the area of conservation.

He said his institute is looking at collaborations on internships and postgraduate studies, laboratory infrastructure, data collection technologies and tools, as well as wildlife economy or bio-enterprises.

Gao Wei, chairman of the Kenya Overseas Chinese Association, urged the Chinese community in Kenya to get involved actively in wildlife conservation.

He also advised Chinese tour guides to pursue training in wildlife conservation institutions to get basic information and knowledge, which will be vital for success of their businesses as well as be in a position to offer the right information to tourists.

The East Africa Wildlife Society and the Prime Research Institute also highlighted areas they would like to collaborate with the Chinese community to effectively carry out their mandate.

At the event, the Kenyan Hunan Chamber of Commerce, Real Estate Association, and Sichuan and Chongqing Chamber of Commerce contributed a total of $3,300 to help in wildlife conservation in Kenya.