| dc.description.abstract | Concern for the well being of the environment is a phenomenon whose history is as old as the
history of man himself, and efforts to conserve and preserve various aspects of the environment
have been undertaken at various stages of human development. These efforts have crystallized
into a body of norms, principles, and regulations, embodied in international environmental
conventions to govern the use of our natural resources. States that agree to be bound by these
norms, principles and regulations, agree to do fulfill their obligations to ensure that the objectives
of these conventions are met. However, the loss of our natural resources is increasing, and this
sharply marks a gap between commitment and implementation.
This research project examines the reasons behind this gap in Kenya in relation to the
Convention on Biological Diversity, and how practitioners would close it. Using information
drawn from policy experts, and implementers in the country, the study explores the constraints
that contribute to this gap and suggests possible solutions. While these constraints are not
germane to the CBD, the findings from this case study can be used to give useful pointers to
other regimes since the analytical framework adopted is broad enough to permit linkages.
The study concludes that policy formulation should take into account lessons from past related
policies. Kenya needs to draw up a compliance action plan to address the issues of inadequate
funds, low capacity, lack of coordination mechanisms for implementation of the CBD, and.
awareness, so that these constraints do not appear like a 'cut and paste' exercise in every
national reporting for the CBD. Until these issues are taken seriously, a gulf will always exist
between what the country aims to do and what it actually achieves. | en |
