About
GYBN Kenya
Kenya is richly endowed with biodiversity, boasting over 35.000 species of both flora and fauna, some of which are exclusively endemic to the country. Terrestrial ecosystems cover about 72% of the country while, marine ecosystems account for about 28%. Of the terrestrial ecosystems, about one-third are comprised of highlands, including those in Mount Kenya, Mount Elgon, Cheregany Hills, Mau Escarpment, and the Aberdare Ranges. The eastern side of the Great Rift Valley, which runs through Kenya, is home to both saline and freshwater lakes that sustain a huge variety of flora and fauna, accounting for 8% of the country's land area. One of these lakes, the beautiful Lake Victoria, which hosts considerable biological
diversity, is one of the most noteworthy natural features that lies in the central region of the Great Rift Valley. These national resources are key in sustaining Kenya's economy, national development, and global goals. Since a vast majority of these ecosystems are under threat due to increased human-induced pressure, young people remain the unwavering hope that the country has to sustain their existence.
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GYBN Kenya was founded by Kevin Lunzalu and Maryanne Muriuki in June 2018 on World Environmental Day to enhance and foster youth empowerment and active participation of young people in local and national biodiversity policy spaces. The Kenyan chapter is committed to enhancing ecological sustainability through youth-tailored programs and projects that promote policy advocacy, awareness and knowledge creation, and climate-smart agriculture. We also strive to mainstream common aspects such as gender and human rights into our conservation models.