Inger Andersen Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme
LILIAN NYAEGA REGIONAL PROGRAMME OFFICER
The way our food systems work puts huge pressure on wetlands. We need to move to peat-free, drainage-free and deforestation-free supply-chains, through investing in nature-positive agriculture and sustainable land-use financing. As individuals we need to change our lifestyles and consumption patterns.
I am Lilian Nyaega, currently serving as the Regional Programme Officer at the Eastern Africa Office of Wetlands International. Over the past six years, I have had the privilege of working closely with communities that directly interact with the ecosystems we strive to conserve and restore. Working at Wetlands International brings me immense satisfaction as our efforts have a tangible and measurable impact on wetland conservation. Witnessing the positive outcomes of our work fuels my passion for protecting these crucial ecosystems. Moreover, the collaborative and diverse nature of our team fosters an environment that challenges and rewards personal and professional growth. My expertise lies at the intersection of environment, development, and policy, with a specific focus on understanding the dynamic relationship between people and nature. I have dedicated my career to comprehending and strengthening the intricate interactions and interdependencies between human and natural systems, which ultimately shape environmental outcomes. I am deeply committed to managing projects that promote a holistic understanding of environmental issues, considering the social, cultural, economic, and ecological aspects. This knowledge informs evidence-based policies and practices that foster sustainability and resilience for both people and nature. Currently, my focus is on contributing to the integrated management of socio-natural systems, acknowledging and leveraging these complex relationships for the benefit of both communities and the environment.
https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/speech/wetlands- important-tool-build-resilience
This past year, I have been entrusted with additional responsibilities, which I view as a testament to the increased trust and confidence placed in me by our team.
Based on our experience in conserving and restoring wetlands at scale, we have identified the importance of strong policy and governance frameworks that prioritise wetland restoration while engaging local communities in decision-making processes. In addition, fostering partnerships and alliances among diverse stakeholders, where resources and knowledge can be shared, can lead to more effective restoration outcomes. The recently established Global Mangrove Alliance Kenya Chapter seeks to achieve precisely this!
African Wetlands
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Wetlands International Annual Review 2022
Wetlands International Annual Review 2022
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