The annual event, held on a rotational basis between Kenya and Tanzania, focuses on conserving the Mara River Basin, a critical ecosystem for the Maasai Mara and Serengeti regions.
As the 13th Mara Day approaches, Kenya is ramping up efforts to ensure the success of this significant event, which highlights the importance of preserving the Mara River Basin.
The theme for this year’s celebration, “Flowing Forward Together: Conserving Mara Basin Ecosystem for Sustainable Biodiversity and Climate Resilience,” underscores the need for collaborative efforts to protect this vital resource.
Kenya’s Ministry of East African Community (EAC), the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), and Regional Development have confirmed their readiness to host the event, which will feature a variety of activities including a scientific conference, tree planting, exhibitions, and competitions.
In a letter to Lake Victoria Basin Commission Executive Secretary Masinde Bwire, the ministry detailed the ongoing preparations, emphasizing the significance of the event.
The Mara Day celebration serves as a platform to recognize and safeguard the shared Maasai Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, which is not only a cornerstone of tourism in Kenya and Tanzania but also a critical habitat for diverse wildlife.
The Mara River Basin, one of the ten major rivers feeding into Lake Victoria, plays a crucial role in sustaining this ecosystem.
Last year, Tanzania hosted the 12th Mara Day in Mugumu, Serengeti district, where Kenya and Tanzania signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on transboundary water resources management for the Mara River Basin.
This agreement, along with the formation of the Mara River Transboundary Water Users’ Forum, exemplifies the positive outcomes of past celebrations.
This year’s event is expected to draw several dignitaries from East African partner states, reflecting the continued commitment to regional cooperation in environmental conservation.
Additionally, the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) has partnered with Maasai Mara University to host a scientific conference on September 14th.
The conference will bring together researchers, students, and government officials from the East African Community partner states, as well as international researchers working on issues related to the Mara Basin Ecosystem.
Calls for papers, posters, and exhibitions have already been issued, inviting contributions from across the region and beyond.
The conference aims to address critical issues affecting the Lake Victoria Basin, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance the sustainability of the Mara Basin.