WORLD WETLAND DAY CELEBRATION FEBRUARY 2020 AT ENAPUIYAPUI SWAMP IN KIPTUNGA SUBCATCHMENT OF MAU FOREST
World Wetlands Day was first celebrated in 1997. Since then government agencies, non-government organisations and community groups have celebrated World Wetlands Day by undertaking actions to raise public awareness of wetland values and benefits and promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands. These activities include seminars, nature walks, and festivals, announcement of new Ramsar sites, newspaper articles, radio interviews and wetland rehabilitation

Kenyatta University (School of Environmental Students) talks to Ogiek youth living inside the Mau Forest who were invited to mark the Day

The World Wetlands Day (WWD) is commemorated annually on 2nd February since 1971, to mark the day the Ramsar convention was signed in Iran. WWD is celebrated each year under the Theme circulated by the Ramsar Secretariat. In this regards therefore, the Theme for Worlds Wetlands Day 2020 is Wetlands and Biodiversity to raise awareness and the role played by Wetlands in supporting Biodiversity.

A photo showing Kiptunga Forest, in the background is water flowing from the swamp the source of Mara River

The World Wetlands Day (WWD) will be commemorated on 2nd February, 2020 at Enapuiyapui Swamp in Kiptunga Subcatchment of Mau Forest. The School of Environmental Studies (KUNEC) clubs members took part in the national event. This swamp is the source of the Mara River, Ewaso Ngiro Molo , Rongai and molo Rivers, which is the backbone of the Maasai Mara National Reserve and the Serengeti National park in Tanzania, which are national heritage. The Mara River is also the Main source of water for the downstream communities and the whole Mara ecosystems. Therefore the protection of the swamp is key in maintaining continuous flow of the river.

School of Environmental students pose for a photo at Enapuiyapui Swamp at the background is the a section of the swamp covered with grass the source of (Ewaso Ngiro River)

School of Environment students joins others in planting a tree near the Swamp to mark the world wetland Day
The celebration was graced none other than the minister for Environment and Forestry who delivered the main speech, and other stake holders. After the event, all invited guests headed to Egerton University for a luncheon to mark the day. After the luncheon, the students headed back to the University arriving at 10 p.m.
Acknowledgement
Kenyatta University
Dean School of Environmental Studies
Safaricom, Ministry of Environment and Forestry (NEMA) and other stake holders
County Government of Narok
Administrative Assistant
Kenyatta University KUNEC club members