Kenya pushing for three of its lakes to join the World Heritage Site list

Up to 8,000 pairs of Great White Pelican breed there when the water levels are high and the rocky outcrops in the eastern sector are flooded to form islets on which the birds can safely nest.

The presence of diverse aquatic communities of micro flora provide a stable food base for the Lesser Flamingo population.

They are an important component of the food chain and the overall ecology of the East African alkaline lakes system.

The extremophile bacteria found within the Kenya Lakes System has immense potential for the development of pharmaceutical products as well.

The three lakes have been internationally recognised as wetlands of international importance under the Convention on Wetlands 1971.

This recognition emphasises the importance of the proposed property as a priority area for conservation of unique and threatened species and habitats.

Under national law, Lake Elementaita is protected as a National Wildlife Sanctuary while Lake Nakuru is a National Park and Lake Bogoria is a National Reserve.

The three sites have additional protection as Ramsar sites.

The listing of the three sites as World Heritage Property would significantly enhance their ecological integrity and improve conservation status.