Naivasha Becomes the Stage for the World’s Biggest Wildlife Conversations This September

By Thuku Kariuki - Wildlife conservation has always been part of Kenya’s identity, whether it’s the great wildebeest migration, the elephants of Tsavo, or the flamingos of the Rift Valley lakes. Yet behind the beauty lies a constant struggle to protect these treasures in the face of climate change, poaching, and shrinking habitats.

It is against this backdrop that Naivasha will welcome the world from 23rd to 25th September 2025 for the Second International Wildlife Scientific Conference, a forum where science and policy meet to shape the future of biodiversity protection.

Organized by the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI), the event builds on the success of the inaugural edition in 2023, which brought together over 300 participants and featured 127 scientific papers. 

This year’s theme, “Innovations in Wildlife Conservation Science and Practice for Socioeconomic Development,” sets the tone for bold conversations that connect wildlife protection with livelihoods and national growth.

For three days, the Lake Naivasha Resort will transform into a hub of debate and discovery. Keynote addresses, panel discussions, poster sessions, and exhibitions are all designed to spark new ideas and practical solutions that can be applied across Africa and beyond.

The opening ceremony will be led by Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, alongside Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary, Rebecca Miano. Their presence, organizers say, reflects Kenya’s commitment to evidence-based policy and innovation in conservation.

Discussions will range from wildlife population dynamics and disease management to the impacts of climate change, aquatic ecosystems, governance, and the fight against illegal wildlife trade.

Organizers expect not just academic insights but also policy briefs, scientific proceedings, and partnerships that will shape Kenya’s conservation agenda in line with the National Wildlife Strategy 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

“Science is at the heart of effective conservation,” said WRTI Director, Dr. Patrick Omondi. “This conference will provide the evidence, innovation, and partnerships needed to shape policies that balance biodiversity conservation with socioeconomic growth.”

For Naivasha, the gathering is more than a high-level event. It is a reminder that protecting wildlife is not only about preserving ecological heritage but also about sustaining cultural identity and unlocking economic prosperity in a rapidly changing world.