2 February 2009

The Tana River Delta is under serious threat. In June 2008, Mumias were granted a licence to turn the wetland into sugarcane plantations for sugar production and "eco-friendly" bio-fuels. The Tana River Delta conservation lobby is therefore taking the issue to the High Court to try to halt the decision.

On 11th July 2008 the High court (in Malindi) issued an injunction against the Tana Integrated Sugar Project.

After a judicial mix up, the Chief Justice determined that the case will be heard at the High Court in Malindi. A hearing for the court case is scheduled for 9th February 2009.

The Tana River Delta is amongst the top three of Kenya's largest and most important freshwater wetland systems with a significant local community of cattle herders and others dependent on it and who have done so for centuries.

It covers an area of 130,000ha (320,000 acres) and comprises of a diverse range of habitats that support in particular many thousands wetland birds both for breeding and for food. It is internationally important for the survival of no less than 22 species of birds "making the delta one of the key sites in the country for waterbird conservation" (BirdLife International). It also holds a diversity of other wildlife including hippo, lion, elephant, buffalo, many breeding fish and amphibians.

Write to express your concern
Previous campaigns have proved that many people writing letters or e-mails of concern to relevant authorities can change decisions. You can help by writing to any of the addresses on our contact list.

Every bit of support that you give will be important; every letter and voice to express concern will be of real value.

Director General NEMA,
PO Box 67839-00200,
Nairobi,
Kenya
E-mail: dgnema@go.ke

Minister for Environment and Mineral Resources,
PO Box 30126.
Nairobi,
Kenya
E-mail: environmentminister@yahoo.com