Policy framework for utilization and conservation of below-ground biodiversity in Kenya = Estrategias para la utilización y conservación de la biodiversidad del subsuelo en Kenia

Abstract

The reasons for the lack of inclusion of below-ground
biodiversity in the Kenyan policy and legal framework
were sought. Gaps were identified in the relevant
sectoral policies and laws in regard to the
domestication of the Convention on Biological
Diversity (CBD). Below -ground biodiversity had no
specific schedule in any of the sectoral laws. Most
sectoral laws were particular about the larger
biodiversity and soils but had no mention of belowground
biodiversity. Material Transfer Agreements
and Material Acquisition Agreements that are
regarded as tools of domestication of the CBD to
guide transfers, exchanges and acquisition of soil
organisms lacked a regulating policy. The lack of
regulating policy could be attributed to the delay in
approval of draft regulations by the Ministry of
Environment while the lack of inclusion of belowground
biodiversity in Kenya’s legal and policy
framework could be as a result of lack of awareness
and appreciation among stakeholders.