China donates towards Kenya's wildlife protection

Kitili Mbathi, KWS Director General (left) and Zhang Haifeng, Chairman, Kenya-China Economic and Trade Association (left), signing a sponsorship contract at KWS headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya on November 8. At the centre, Liu Xianfa, Chinese Ambassador to Kenya. LIU HONGJIE/CHINA DAILY

He added that protective fences have been erected on animal routes in the national parks to protect animals from traffic peril.

Chinese volunteers had also come to Kenya to devote themselves to the cause of wildlife protection, he said.

"Last year, Chinese young volunteers from Tsinghua University visited the Maasai Mara National Reserve and tracked down the positions and routes of lions and elephants using the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System," he said.

The team worked in partnership with the local communities to conduct anti-poaching patrols and wildlife rescue.

Liu said the recently launched Sino-Africa Research Centre in Kenya aimed at tackling environmental protection challenges in Africa and the Chinese government was committed to making it a success.

Zhang Haifeng, the KCETA chairman, said the association was committed to helping relevant programs launched by civil organizations in Kenya, and to contribute to helping teach about wildlife conservation.

"Teenagers' wildlife conservation education is a priority in the social development of Kenya," he said.

Kitili Mbathi, who heads the Kenyan Wildlife Service, thanked KCETA and the Chinese government for their continued support.

He said the Kenyan government was grateful for the initiative by the Chinese government to declare it will be closing down domestic markets for ivory and rhino horns.

"This is important for Kenya because we are working hard to stop poaching and as long as there is a market, the vice will continue. This move is encouraging to us," said Mbathi.