Following the recommendation by the Directors of Wildlife Services/Authority in the East African Countries that Mount Elgon ecosystem meets the criteria for nomination as a Transboundary biosphere reserve a Kenya — Uganda key stakeholder’s workshop was held at Sirikwa Hotel, Eldoret, between 11th – 13th November, 2003. The participants were drawn from key institutions and organizations form both Kenya and Uganda that are involved in management of natural resources at the Mt. Elgon region. The Kenyan participants included representations from Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS), Mt. Elgon County Council, Trans Nzoia County Council, Kenya National Commission for UNESCO, National Council for Science and Technology (NCST), Kenyatta University, Kenya Forestry Working Group and representatives from local community.
The Ugandan participants were drawn from Uganda Wildlife Authority, Ministry of Tourism and Trade, Uganda National Commission for UNESCO, Makerere University, representatives of local communities and LC5 Sironko. The UNESCO Nairobi Office was represented by Trevor Sankey, programme specialist, Environmental Sciences.
The main objective of this meeting was to build consensus on the way forward as regards the nomination of Mt. Elgon transboundary biosphere reserve. Specifically the objectives of the workshops were to; prepare a joint nomination of transboundary biosphere reserve, evaluate the progress made by the two countries towards joint nomination, share experiences, on community involvement in biosphere reserve management and finally to disseminate information related to the biosphere reserve concept.
There is currently a lot of interest in transboundary natural resource management world wide as it is seen as a tool in broad landscape approaches to sustainable natural resource management and biodiversity conservation; away to promote regional economic development, reunite divided communities and bring peace to troubled regions. UNESCO views transboundary bios-phere reserve (TBR) as an important tool for biodiversity conservation across boarders.
In his key note address, Mr Sankey stressed the importance of dialogue in the management of shared ecosystems. He explained that UNESCO supports programmes that promote joint management of ecosystems, sustainable development in community, water conservation and cultural diversity. Conservation of water resource is the main priority area in UNESCO Natural Science Sector. Mr Sankey outlined some of the benefits of biosphere reserves as; wise and sustainable use of resources for present and future generation, socio-economic development once conflicts are resolved using the TBR platform, promotion of basic education which is one of the priority areas of UNESCO, information sharing and funding opportunities.
It was observed that although TBRs are popular, they are few and if designated, Mt. Elgon will become the second TBR in Africa. The only TBR in Africa was found between Benin, Bukina Faso and Niger. TBRs are rare because of lack of trust and transparency between countries, unclear benefits and political considerations that hamper co-operation between nations.
In his remarks the Director Kenya Wildlife Services observed the Mt. Elgon’s ecosystem integrity was threatened by degradation of water catchment area through illegal logging and human encroachment on the forest reserves. The Director informed the participants that KWS has been co-operating with Uganda Wildlife Authority on transboundary conservation issues of common interest such as wildlife and visitors security. He noted that the transboundary bios-phere reserve initiative Kenya and Uganda have embarked on will not only strengthen the existing co-operation, but will also avail other opportunities of mutual benefits such as tourism, exchange of information and research.

Giant Lobelia typical of the upland vegetation.

The Chief Warden Mt. Elgon National park, Uganda informed the participants that the values of the ecosystem included: water catchment/ watershed; biological values; Aesthetic and tourist values; cultural and historical values; Forest resources; plantation resources; education values; employment and carbon sink. However, the current threats to the conservation include; agricultural encroachment; grazing; uncountrolled collection of firewood; uncontrolled harvesting of construction materials; poaching; uncontrolled tourism activities; uncontrolled harvesting of forest material; insecurity; fire and delay to resolve the Barest resettlement.
The Chief Warden further informed the participants that Mt. Elgon National Park has a management plan (2001-2005) whose objective was to conserve and manage the physical, ecological and cultural resources for the benefit of the present and future generations.

The participants at the meeting from both countries were unanimous that for the sake of ecosystems integrity, the transboundary biosphere reserves nominations was crucial. According to the suggested guidelines a TBR can either be established in two steps or one step by establishing a biosphere reserve on each side of the border or agreeing on how to zone the ecosystem if one step establishment of the TBR is the preferred option. The ultimate objective in both scenarios is to have one functional bios-phere reserve. Given that Mt. Elgon Kenya side has already been designated as a biosphere reserve a two-step approach was adopted by the participants.

The workshop recommended that Uganda should go ahead with the nomination of the Ugandan part as a biosphere reserve. Once the Ugandan part is designated, Kenya and Uganda will work towards the establishment of a joint working committee consisting of: MAB committee representatives from each country; representative from KWS and UWA. To enhance co-operative activities at the TBR, it was recommended that the two partners, Kenya and Uganda, should consider developing joint project proposals to assist in running of TBR. This would involve cross-border activities like security, infrastructure and community development. The two wardens of Mt. Elgon National Parks (Uganda and Kenya) should take lead and community leaders should take note of this too.