The Nairobi National Park is an iconic nature and wildlife sanctuary. The park affords Nairobi global bragging rights as the only city with such an enviable facility. But this park has of late sparked media headlines for all the wrong reasons.
There is an intense debate about the park's future after some pronouncements by high ranking officials proposing that it be abolished for the city to expand.
While the debate ranges, it is worth reminding the proponents of the park being abolished to create room for the city's expansion that Nairobi happens to be the global headquarters of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and other key United Nations agencies.
The park is also a popular tourist hotspot and very complimentary to conference tourism. Even airline passengers on transit chose to spend a few hours visiting the park before connecting to their next flights.
A serious re-think by the proponents about degrading such a priceless heritage is absolutely necessary
We need to collectively Support Environmental Conservation, and Ecosystem Restoration for biodiversity to thrive and to boost sustainable livelihoods for current and future generations.
It is not just a Kenyan park anymore; but a model global heritage that needs to be protected.