Japan's Princess Takamado recently visited Kenya, marking her second trip to the country since 1999. As the honorary president of BirdLife International, she attended the organization's Global Partnership Meeting and Global Flyways Summit in Nairobi. Her visit focused on promoting international cooperation to protect migratory birds and biodiversity. The princess is a senior member of Japan's imperial family and has held the position of honorary president of BirdLife International since 2004.
During her visit, Princess Takamado engaged with various stakeholders, including UNEP, Kenyan conservation scientists, youth, and community groups. She emphasized the importance of science-based policy, practical stewardship, and people-to-people ties in conservation efforts. The princess also visited Olkaria's geothermal facilities, Nairobi National Park, Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate, and agricultural landscapes in Murang'a. These visits aimed to showcase Kenya's efforts to balance development with conservation.
Princess Takamado's message to Kenyans was one of respect and partnership. She thanked Kenyans for safeguarding extraordinary biodiversity and stressed that migratory birds ignore borders, requiring local action with global cooperation. The princess highlighted the role of citizens in protecting habitats through responsible land use, community conservancies, and education. Her themes of hope, evidence, and solidarity resonated with the Kenyan audience.
The princess's visit also included a nostalgic moment when she visited the United Nations complex in Nairobi and saw a tree she and her late husband, Prince Takamado Norihito, had planted during their previous visit 27 years ago. The tree has since grown into a magnificent specimen. This personal connection underscored the significance of her current visit, which focused on the future of conservation.
Japan's Ambassador to Kenya, Matsuura Hiroshi, discussed the significance of Princess Takamado's visit, her message to Kenyans, and the environmental dimension of Kenya-Japan ties. The ambassador highlighted the importance of the visit in promoting international environmental cooperation. He also noted that the princess's visit would have a lasting impact on the minds of Kenyans.
The visit also showcased the strong people-to-people relationship between Japan and Kenya. Princess Takamado spent time at the Japanese School in Nairobi and met with Kenyan friends of Japan at the ambassador's residence. Her charming personality and warm interactions with Kenyans further solidified the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
Kenya and Japan have a long-standing partnership in environmental conservation, particularly in geothermal development. Japan has supported Kenya's geothermal development through concessional finance, technology, and human resource training. The Olkaria geothermal station, which Princess Takamado visited, is a flagship example of this cooperation, demonstrating how climate action, development, and innovation can advance together through a trusted partnership.
Key points
- Princess Takamado's visit emphasized the importance of international cooperation in protecting migratory birds and biodiversity conservation.
- The princess highlighted the role of citizens in protecting habitats through responsible land use, community conservancies, and education.
- Kenya and Japan have a strong partnership in environmental conservation, particularly in geothermal development.
