Lake Victoria Basin Commission Calls For Joint Efforts Between Kenya And Tanzania To Preserve Mara River For Tourism And Regional Development

Published on September 12, 2025

The Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) has called for unified action from both Kenya and Tanzania to protect and sustain the delicate ecosystems of the Mara River. This initiative is considered crucial not only for maintaining the biodiversity of the region but also for enhancing the economic stability of both countries, particularly in the tourism sector. The basin, which spans both nations, is home to some of the world’s most iconic wildlife reserves, making it a key driver of tourism and regional development.

A Shared Responsibility for Regional Growth

The need for regional cooperation in the conservation of the Mara River Basin is vital for ensuring sustainable development. The Mara River, which flows across both Kenya and Tanzania, is an essential natural resource that supports the livelihoods of millions of people and the economies of both countries. The conservation of trans-boundary resources such as this river is vital for fostering stronger integration between the two nations, while also ensuring their shared prosperity. Dr. Bwire, an expert on the subject, highlighted that sustainable conservation practices are key to maintaining the health of the river’s ecosystems, which have an impact far beyond the immediate area.

The Mara River Basin is particularly significant due to its rich biodiversity and its role in supporting major tourist attractions. The Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania are internationally renowned wildlife conservation areas, drawing millions of tourists annually. These two reserves are home to the famous Great Migration, where thousands of wildebeests cross the Mara River, making the region a global hotspot for eco-tourism.

Mara Day: A Call for Action and Awareness

The LVBC’s efforts to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the Mara River will be on full display during the Mara Day celebrations, which are set to take place on September 15th in Tanzania. The event is expected to bring together government officials, local communities, conservation experts, and development partners to focus on the pressing need for cross-border cooperation in managing the river’s ecosystem. The annual event will align with the timing of the Great Migration, a dramatic wildlife phenomenon that symbolizes the deep ecological bond between Kenya and Tanzania.

As Dr. Bwire pointed out, the celebration of Mara Day serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the natural world. The wildebeests’ migration, which begins in Kenya’s Maasai Mara where they conceive, before moving to the Serengeti in Tanzania to raise their young, represents the unique cross-border ecological relationship that must be safeguarded. The theme for this year’s Mara Day, “Protect Mara River, Preserve Life,” emphasizes the urgency of preserving this vital resource, ensuring that future generations continue to benefit from the ecological and economic advantages it provides.

Strengthening Cross-Border Collaboration and Conservation Efforts

In past years, significant progress has been made in fostering cooperation between the two nations. One notable achievement is the formation of cross-border Water Users Associations (WUAs), which facilitate collaboration between stakeholders from both Kenya and Tanzania. These platforms allow various local actors, including governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and local communities, to share knowledge and resources in managing water usage and safeguarding the river’s ecosystem. This collaborative approach is integral to ensuring that the Mara River remains a sustainable resource for all those who depend on it.

Furthermore, the role of development partners has been pivotal in supporting initiatives that aim to transform the social and economic landscapes of the Mara River Basin. Through strategic investments in sustainable agriculture, eco-tourism, and conservation education, these partners are helping to build resilience within local communities, enabling them to adapt to the challenges posed by environmental changes.

Environmental Threats: A Growing Concern for the Future

Despite the progress made, several challenges continue to threaten the health of the Mara River and its surrounding ecosystems. Dr. Bwire raised serious concerns about the escalating environmental threats, particularly from land use changes and deforestation. The Mau Forest, one of the largest and most important forests in the region, has been severely impacted by illegal logging and unsustainable agricultural practices. This deforestation contributes to soil erosion, water pollution, and a reduction in the water quality of the Mara River.

The conversion of forest land into farmlands not only affects the river’s water flow but also threatens the entire ecosystem that relies on the forest for shelter and resources. If these destructive practices are not curbed, it could lead to a decline in the number of wildebeests migrating across the river, with a resulting decrease in the number of tourists visiting the region. As tourism is a vital economic activity for both countries, the decline in wildlife numbers could lead to a drop in tourism revenue, affecting thousands of livelihoods that depend on this industry.

Looking Ahead: The 2025 Mara Day Celebration

This year’s Mara Day celebrations will include a series of events aimed at furthering the message of conservation and collaboration. A scientific conference will kick off the celebrations on Sunday at Mwalimu Julius Nyerere University of Agriculture and Technology in Tanzania. This conference will bring together experts, researchers, and policy makers to discuss new strategies for protecting the Mara River Basin and its wildlife. Following the conference, the main event will take place on Monday at the Mwenge Grounds in Butiama, Musoma, where communities from both Kenya and Tanzania will gather to mark the significance of this shared natural resource.

Mara Day celebrations are held on a rotational basis between Kenya and Tanzania, with the previous year’s event taking place in Narok, Kenya. The event’s rotating nature highlights the shared ownership of the Mara River and underscores the importance of continued cooperation between the two countries to ensure the preservation of their collective heritage.