The Natural Sciences constitutes the UNESCO’s major programme II. During the 2005/06 biennium the programme is guided by the recommendations stemming from the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD, Johannesburg, 2002) and the World Conference on Science (WCS, Budapest, 1999). The programme is also pursuing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and especially those that relate to poverty, gender, environmental sustainability and the development of a global partnership. The Natural Sciences programme represents a multidisciplinary effort designed to enable countries to adopt to change through a balanced and equitable transition towards knowledge societies. Broadly, the programme is divided into two major areas namely, environmental sciences and capacity building.

The natural sciences programme is currently pursuing the following three strategic objectives: improving human security through better management of the environment and social change; enhancing scientific, technical and human capacities to participate in the emerging knowledge society; and promoting principles and ethical norms to guide scientific and technological development and social transformation. There are also sub-programmes that cut across all the other major programmes. These include; eradication of poverty, especially extreme poverty and the contribution of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to the development of education, science and culture and the construction of a knowledge society.

Science, Environment and Sustainable Development
The Millennium Summit (New York, 2000) and the WSSD have highlighted environmental issues as a priority area of action. The Science, Environment and Sustainable Development sub-programme seeks to improve human security through better management of the environment and to integrate the environmental dimensions into national development frameworks. All the UNESCO’s five intergovernmental and international scientific programmes (Man and Biosphere, International Hydrological Programme, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, International Geosciences Programme, Monitoring of Social Transformation) are a unique tool to address complex issues such as climate change, food and water security, poverty, HIV/AIDS, biological diversity etc. from an interdisciplinary point of view i.e. programmes and activities cannot be examined in isolation but rather in a more holistic manner. These issues are addressed through research, training, education, policy advice and awareness raising. The programme is divided into four main thematic areas all of which attempt to address the challenges of environment and natural resources management.

Water Interactions
Water is a major priority for UNESCO. The UNESCO’s International Hydrological Programme (IHP), is the principal mechanism for addressing priority issues of water resources. IHP’s goal is to provide the scientific knowledge, technical training and policy advice required to manage this critical resource efficiently, fairly and environmentally. Among its main objectives include; assessing the temporal and spatial distribution of global fresh water resources; developing approaches to reduce vulnerability of hydro systems and supporting their ecosystems.

Currently the IHP national Committee is undertaking a project on assessment of groundwater quality in the urban and peri urban centres with a specific focus on the Nairobi aquifer. The main objective of this research project is to undertake a comprehensive groundwater quality analysis within Nairobi aquifer with a view to providing a clearer appreciation of actions needed to protect groundwater quality against deterioration as well as a framework for enhancement of sound approaches to groundwater. The project is at an advanced stage and will be completed by June 2006.

© Martin Malungu

IHP is currently, increasingly involved in developing tools and strategies to prevent water conflicts from erupting between and within states. A programme of Potential Conflict to Cooperation Potential (PC - CP) is being implemented within this framework. This is aimed at enhancing the understanding and awareness of vulnerability and causes of water conflicts. Kenya, through its IHP and other institutions dealing with water issues, has participated in various international conferences addressing water potential conflicts as well as global water fora including the World Water Forum in Kyoto Japan. The country is also a key participant in the Flow Regimes from International Experimental and Network Data (NILE FRIEND) programme. The University of Nairobi and Meteorological Departments are key participants in these initiatives.

In recognizing the existence of conflicts on water resources, Kenya made a proposal through a Draft Resolution (DR) during the 33rd General Conference of UNESCO. The main objective of the DR was to formulate policy on minimizing transboundary water resources conflicts for sustainable management of common/ shared water resources. This was extensively discussed and the delegates agreed that this proposal be pursued during the implementation of the 2006/2007 biennium.

Another important objective of the IHP is to improve the understanding of the physical and geo-biochemical processes that affect water resource systems; strengthen research and capacity building networks; formulate policy recommendations for water resource management for human needs as emphasized by the WSSD. In this regard the current World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP) will be continued. The product of this report is the world water development report. Every UN agency and Commission dealing with water contributed towards the larger goal of monitoring progress against water related targets in such fields as health, food, ecosystems, cities, industry, energy, risk management and governance. The Ministry of Water and Irrigation is participating in this programme and has received both financial and technical assistance from UNESCO. The findings of the project were disseminated in January 2006 and provide an overview of the state of water resources in the country.

The UNESCO — IHE Institute for Water Education in Delft, the Netherlands, is the hub of global network of partners in capacity building and water education and training. A variety of short and long term courses are offered at this Institute and Kenya should make use of this to enhance her capacity. Opportunities are also available for the Kenya Water Institute and water education and research faculties among local universities to cooperate and network in water research and training. It is in this regard that Kenya presented another DR whose main objective was to develop and support associated UNESCO — IHE regional centres in developing Members States for water-related research and capacity-building in a familiar environment for poverty reduction and sustainable development. The General Conference supported the proposal and was optimistic that the objective of the DR would be covered within the proposed budget in the draft 33C/5 document. For more information about the UNESCO — IHE Institute contact the following website; www.unesco-ihe.org

Ecological and Earth Sciences
The focus of this programme will be on consolidating a broad based interdisciplinary research agenda. Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme is the major priority here. There are over 450 sites in almost 100 countries. Through the World Networks of Biosphere Reserves, the sub programme enhances the global ability for monitoring ecological change and create awareness on the value of biological diversity and its links with the cultural diversity. Each biosphere reserve is like a “living laboratory” that tests ways of managing natural resources while fostering economic development. The biosphere reserves will be expected to serve as learning and demonstration sites in the framework of the Decade for Education for Sustainable Development (DESD).

© Camerapix

Kenya has six biosphere reserves (the highest number in any African country) These are Amboseli, Mt. Elgon, Mt. Kenya, Mt. Kulal, Malindi – Watamu and Kiunga. Negotiations are at an advanced stage with Uganda to have Mt. Elgon ecosystem designated as a transboundary biosphere reserve. Kenya has been receiving both financial and technical support to organize biosphere reserves reviews and development of management plans for the biosphere reserves. Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is the focal point institution responsible for the management of the biosphere reserves.
In fulfillment of the objective of building institutional and personal capacities for promoting adaptive management and quality economies for the sustainable use of land, water and biodiversity, a number of Kenyans have participated international trainings, seminars and work-shops under this programme. Mt. Kenya biosphere reserve has been nominated to participate in the global monitoring of climate change of Mountain biosphere reserves. Opportunities are also available for young scientist participation through the Man and Biosphere Young Scientists Award Scheme.

Batiam (5,199 m) and Nelion (5,188 m) peaks. © UNESCO - Ediciones SAN MARCOS

UNESCO Man and Biosphere Young Scientist Award Scheme
The objectives of this award are; to encourage young scientist, in particular those from the developing world to use MAB research, project sites and biosphere reserves in their research; to encourage young scientists who already use such sites to undertake comparative studies in other sites or outside their own countries; and to assist exchange of information and experiences among a new generation of scientists.

For one to qualify for the award the candidate should be less than 40 years of age. Awards are set at a maximum of US$ 5,000 each and the application must be made on MAB Young Scientist Award application form and be endorsed by the MAB national committee whose secretariat is at the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO. Young scientists are encouraged to participate in this programme which takes place once every two years. Application should be received by the MAB Secretariat before 31st of May, 2006. More information can be obtained from the National MAB Secretariat, at Kenya National Commission for UNESCO.

Earth Sciences
Unlike the previous years when Earth sciences constituted a major sub programme, in 2006/07 33C/5 draft programme and budget it has been merged with the Ecological Sciences and its resources reduced. This raised an out-cry during the 33rd General Conference of UNESCO. The Member States were concerned over this reduction in funding of the programmes and requested the Director General to review this situation in the next biennium. The major focus for the earth sciences will comprise research, monitoring, training and education in the fields of geology and geophysics. The research activities are organized in the framework of the International Geosciences Programme (IGCP). The Global Earth observation for sustainable development will be pursued through the inter-disciplinary activities involving the intergovernmental science programmes (IGCP, IHP, MAB and IOC). The meteorological department and the department of geology are participating in this area.

Ocean and Marine Sciences
The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) coordinates ocean scientific research and services world wide. One of the IOC’s missions is to catalyze and coordinate oceanographic research addressing critical uncertainties for the management of marine environment and climate change. In order to effectively perform its tasks IOC has developed strong partnerships with other organizations including, World Meteorological Organization (WMO), United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), and International Council for Scientific Union (ICSU).

The programme seeks to: improve scientific knowledge and understanding of ocean and coastal processes; organize the collection of ocean and coastal observations, the modeling and production of forecasts needed for the management and sustainable development of the open and coastal ocean as well as hinterland; and develop the capability of Member States to use ocean data.

As a response to the recent tsunami catastrophe, UNESCO has mobilized technical and financial resources to develop an early tsunami warning and mitigation system. Two Kenyan experts are participating in the development of this system. At the 33rd General Conference of UNESCO, Kenya offered some of her facilities to UNESCO for use in the development of a regional centre for Early Tsunami Warning and Mitigating System. This was preceded with the UNESCO initiative to undertake national assessment missions to various countries including Kenya. The objective of the visit was to evaluate the available resources with a view to informing stakeholders on the requirements for the establishment and operation of an early tsunami warning and mitigation system.

Kenya was found to have an elaborate infrastructure for disaster detection that includes; the online link of the Department of Geology has with the US Geological Survey seismic monitoring system at Roy Sambu and the complete nuclear test ban treaty monitoring system (under the National Council for Science and Technology) but operated by the University of Nairobi and supported by the Nuclear Test Ban Commission and International Atomic Energy Agency, the Kenya Meteorological Department with equipment for weather and Climate analysis and predication, the contact institution, the IGAD and WMO supported International Climate Analysis and Prediction Center (ICPAC) (formerly the Drought Monitoring Center, Nairobi) and the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KEMFRI). It was however unfortunate that the African countries participating in Tsunami meeting in 2005 failed to agree on where the Regional Centre could be established. The Meteorology Department has been identified as the focal point for receiving and coordinating tsunami warning related information.

With regard to ocean and marine sciences Kenya Marine and Fisheries Institute (KEMFRI) has been quite active in these programmes. Dr. Johnson Kazungu, the Institute’s Director is a Member of the UNESCO’s IOC Council. He was re-elected for a second term in June 2005.

Capacity building on Science and Technology for Development
The capacity building in Science and Technology for Development is the second major sub-programme under the natural sciences. Its focus is on human and institutional capacity building and networking in basic sciences and engineering, as well as data collection, monitoring and policy advice. It also allows for the widest possible participation in the knowledge society and adaptation of science and policy to societal needs. The sub-programme’s major areas are capacity building in the basic and engineering sciences, and capacity building in Science and Technology policy making.

Capacity building in the basic and engineering sciences
The International Basic Science Programme (IBSP) is a flagship programme within this sub-programme. At the 33rd General Conference of UNESCO Kenya, together with other member countries, over-whelmingly endorsed the establishment of IBSP and expressed her wish to participate fully in its activities. The IBSP is expected to enhance the teaching of basic sciences in the developing countries through mobilization of financial resources towards the establishment of centres of excellence in African universities. Kenya, through the National Academy of Sciences, has already put forward a proposal for capacity building of universities in Africa. We hope UNESCO will be able to secure funds to support this proposal.

In order to lend support to the sub-programme UNESCO Region Office for Science and Technology in Africa (ROSTA) established the African Net-work of Science and Technology Institutions (ANSTI). The main objective of ANSTI is to facilitate the building of high level human resource capacity in Science and Technology. Its activities include award of post- graduate training fellowships, staff exchange fellowships, conference and research grants.

A number of Kenyans have benefited from this programme. Universities with science and engineering faculties should join ANSTI so as to enable their staff to benefit from this programme.

Science and Technology policies
The World Conference on Science (WCS) and WSSD recognized that Science and Technology (S&T) are fundamental tools for attaining sustainable development. It thus recommended that developing countries be assisted in integrating sustainable development priorities into national policies on science technology and innovations. The sub-programme will mainly focus on; development of decision making instruments, methodologies guidelines and norm; conducting analysis of national system for science and innovations; and providing advisory services to interested Member States.

Kenya has benefited from technical and financial assistance from UNESCO for an initiative to elaborate science, technology and innovation policy. However, more support will be requested so as to finalize the draft science, technology and innovations policy. The National Council for Science and Technology (NCST) and the National Academy for Sciences will continue to spearhead the process.

Looking into the future
Given the enormous speed of scientific discoveries, advances and rapid technological changes, there is an increasing need for international scientific and intellectual corporation. The 1999 WCS charted the way for UNESCO to support and promote scientific corporation at all levels. Consequently, UNESCO is actively engaged in the promotion of scientific research, findings and knowledge by encouraging their transfer and sharing to ensure equitable benefits for all societies. The opportunities for Kenya to participate and benefit from UNESCO programmes and activities are therefore enormous. However, the participation by Kenyan experts and policy makers in such activities has been weak as either institutions lack financial resources to support experts to attend UNESCO initiated activities or have not understood the potential benefits that are likely to accrue from their participation. Consequently, the visibility of Kenya at some of the international fora is low and hence our inability to position ourselves in strategic UNESCO organs/committees that make crucial decisions on project proposals and implementation programme of UNESCO activities.

Recognizing that most of these activities are to be implemented within the national development plans, the various focal points and strategic Government ministries, departments and institution’s should provide adequate budgetary support to enable them to participate in national and international meetings The exposure and experiences that are associated with UNESCO programmes will definitely impact positively on our scientific endeavour. Moreover, the attendance of international meetings will provide a platform for the country to lobby for election into the implementation committees referred to as Bureaux.

The partner Institutions should put in place institutional mechanisms for main-streaming the activities of UNESCO. This is the only way of enhancing sustainability and follow-up.