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1. In Kenya, there has been a widespread disregard for environmental laws in recent times.

a) Describe FIVE treaties signed by the Kenyan government which are key in the
protection and conservation of environmental resources (5 Marks)
 Ramsar convention on wetlands: This is an international treaty for conservation and
sustainable use of wetlands which are ecosystems that provide essential services and
biodiversity conservation.
 The United Nation Framework Convention on climate change: UNFCCC is aimed at
combating climate change by adapting to climate change impacts and promoting
sustainable developments.
 Montreal protocol on substance that deplete the ozone layer: This is a global agreement to
protect the stratospheric ozone layer by phasing out production and consumption of
ozone depleting substances.
 Convection on biological diversity (CBD): It focuses on conservation of biological
diversity, sustainable use of its components ad fair and equitable sharing of benefits
arising from genetic resources.
 United Nations Convention To Combat Desertification (UNCCD): It addresses problems
of desertification, land degradation and drought promoting sustainable land management
practices

b) Explain FIVE limitations to the successful implementation of environmental law in Kenya.


(5 Marks)

 Inadequate resources: Insufficient funding and resources hinder effective implementation


of environmental laws impacting the capacity to monitoring, comply and address
environmental violations effectively.
 Corruption: Corruption in regulatory bodies result in the manipulation of environmental
regulations through bribery or other corrupt practices eroding effectiveness of regulatory
measure and fosters culture of noncompliance.
 Conflicting interest: Balancing economic development with environmental conservation
goals is a persistent challenge.
 Rapid urbanization and industrialization: This outstrips regulatory capacity to manage
and control environmental impacts leading to increased pollution and land destruction.
 Inadequate infrastructure: Lack of proper facilities for waste disposal and treatment can
contribute environmental degradation.

2) Discuss how feedback obtained in public participation in environmental activism is utilized.


(10 marks)

 Policy Formulation and Implementation: Feedback from public participation can


influence the formulation and amendment of environmental policies and regulations
helping policymakers and government agencies understand public concerns, preferences,
and priorities, leading to the development of more inclusive and effective environmental
policies.
 Project Planning and Design: Feedback obtained through public participation can inform
the planning and design of environmental projects allowing project proponents to
consider community perspectives, address potential environmental impacts, and
incorporate sustainable practices into project design and implementation.
 Impact Assessment and Mitigation: Public feedback contributes to environmental impact
assessments by highlighting potential environmental and social impacts of proposed
projects in order develop mitigation measures and alternatives that minimize adverse
effects on the environment and local communities.
 Enhanced Accountability and Transparency: Public feedback fosters transparency and
accountability in environmental decision-making processes encouraging government
agencies and project developers to consider and address public concerns, leading to more
transparent and accountable governance.
 Promotion of Environmental Education and Awareness: Feedback obtained from public
participation can be used to tailor environmental education and awareness program
helping in addressing community-specific environmental challenges, promoting
sustainable practices, and fostering a greater understanding of environmental issues.

3) Identify ONE environmental issue in your home area and create an environmental strategy to
solve it. (10 marks)
Background

Historically, deforestation driven by factors like agriculture and logging led to widespread forest
degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate change. The release of stored carbon contributed to
ecosystem disruption.

Goals of the Strategy:

The strategy aims to bring transformative changes, including a significant reduction in


deforestation rates through stronger enforcement, sustainable land management, and community
engagement. It also focuses on large-scale reforestation, sustainable forest management,
community empowerment, improved monitoring, and public awareness.

Policy and Legal Framework:

International, regional, and national policies guide the strategy. International frameworks like the
UNFCCC and CBD, regional agreements like the EUTR and ACTO, and national laws and
climate policies provide a comprehensive structure for addressing deforestation.

Actions and Implementing Institutions:

Key actions involve planting trees, using recycled products, promoting sustainable wood,
reducing meat consumption, and responsible purchasing practices. Implementing institutions
include UNEP, UN-REDD Programme, national governments, private sectors, and civil society,
working collaboratively.

Activities, Resources, and Stakeholders:

The strategy outlines activities such as reforestation, community empowerment, policy


development, technology adoption, and public awareness. Resources include financial support,
technical expertise, technology tools, and educational materials. Stakeholders involve
government agencies, local communities, NGOs, and the private sector, interconnected through a
collaborative approach.

Action Plan and Expected Outcomes:

The action plan details policy implementation, reforestation, community empowerment,


technology adoption, and public awareness. Expected outcomes encompass a measurable
reduction in deforestation rates, increased forest cover, community empowerment, enhanced
monitoring, and a cultural shift towards environmental awareness and conservation.

4) Discuss the importance of stakeholder consultation when working on plans to address


environmental problems and issues. (10 marks)

 Diverse perspectives and expertise: Stakeholders from various sectors bring diverse
perspectives and expertise to the table which led to more comprehensive and effective
environmental plans.
 Legitimacy and Acceptance: Involving stakeholders in decision making process fosters
transparency and legitimacy leading to support for environmental plans.
 Building partnerships and networks: Collaborating with stakeholders can build
engagement and collective action on environmental issues beyond the planning stage.
 Innovation and creativity: stakeholder consultation can spark innovation by incorporating
new ideas, technologies and approaches that might not have been considered otherwise
leading to more effective solutions to environmental challenges.
 Risk management and contingency planning: Engaging with stakeholders can help in
identifying potential risks and developing contingency plans to address unforeseen
environmental issues that may arise during plan implementation.

5) As a chair of environmental committee in your county, you have been invited to give a speech
on conserving water in the county. Plan your speech by:

a) Explaining FIVE challenges facing water conservation (5 marks)


 Water pollution: Pollution from industrial discharges, agricultural runoffs and improper
waste disposal contaminate water bodies making it more challenging and costly to treat
and conserve water resources.
 Increasing demand: Population growth, urbanization and industrialization contribute to a
rising demand for water because as the global population increases so does need for water
in various sectors including agriculture, industry and households.
 Lack of infrastructure: Inadequate or old infrastructure can lead to water scarcity and
inadequate sanitation.
 Lack of awareness: Limited understand of the importance of water conservation and
inadequate public engagement can hinder behavioral changes necessary for sustainable
water use.
 Water governance and regulation: Weak institutional capacity, inadequate enforcement of
water regulations and conflicting water rights can impede effective water resource
management and conservation.

b) Discussing FIVE techniques you will recommend for water conservation.


(5 marks)

 Wastewater Treatment and Reuse:


Greywater Systems: Treat and reuse household greywater (from sinks, showers, etc.) for
irrigation, reducing the demand on freshwater sources.
Treated Wastewater for Non-Potable Uses: Implement systems to treat and reuse
wastewater for industrial processes, cooling, and landscaping.
 Rainwater Harvesting: Harvesting rainwater through the installation of rain barrels,
cisterns, and other collection systems allows for the capture and storage of rainwater for
later use, reducing reliance on potable water for non-potable purposes such as
landscaping and irrigation.
 Drip Irrigation and Micro-sprinklers: Implementing water-efficient irrigation techniques
such as drip irrigation and micro-sprinklers in agriculture and landscaping reduces water
wastage and promotes efficient water use.
 Public Awareness and Education: Promoting public awareness and education about water
conservation through outreach programs, campaigns, and educational initiatives can
encourage individuals and communities to adopt water-saving practices in their daily
lives.
 Water Loss Detection and Repair: Regular monitoring and maintenance of water
distribution systems to detect and repair leaks, coupled with the use of advanced
technologies like leak detection sensors, help minimize water losses from aging
infrastructure and improve overall water conservation efforts.

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