The Role of Environmental Diplomacy in the Conservation of the African Elephant-a Case Study of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora in Kenya

Abstract

Biodiversity is important to humans for many reasons including economic, ecological, recreational, scientific and cultural among many others. Despite these values, human activities have continued to adversely impact both flora and fauna leading to loss (extinction) and deterioration in the condition and a corresponding loss of the values and services therein. These challenges on biodiversity protection, conservation and management usually transcend national boundaries, and therefore require transnational and international cooperation to resolve. The objective of this study is to analyze the role of diplomacy in the conservation of the African elephant, focusing on the Convention on International Trade on Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES) in Kenya. The study has established that despite certain challenges in negotiations, capacity, interplay of national, regional and global politics among others, CITES has played a crucial role in the protection of the African elephants in Kenya. The CITES trade ban in ivory in 1989 led to a dramatic drop in ivory prices globally which consequently reduced pressure from poaching. This allowed for legal and institutional reo-organization aimed at building capacity for wildlife management including enhanced wildlife protection capability. Through rigorous environmental diplomacy, the ban on international ivory trading has been sustained and extended to include domestic ivory markets. The study acknowledges that the most of the African elephant populations are trans-frontier and therefore requires trans-boundary protection and management strategies. The study further notes that the sharp differences between the Southern block of African elephant range countries and the African Elephant Coalition is inimical to the long-term protection and management the African Elephant. The study therefore recommends a re-think of our country approach and strategy in environmental diplomacy to enhance inclusivity and regional cooperation, taking account of the inter-linkages with other economic interests.