YEREVAN, ARMENIA — Rubanda District Woman Member of Parliament Hon. Evelyne Ninsiima Kikafunda has taken the district’s conservation concerns to an international platform, calling for communities to be placed at the centre of biodiversity protection ahead of the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) on Biodiversity.
Hon. Ninsiima Kikafunda participated in the Green Constituencies Dialogue in Yerevan, Armenia, where environmental leaders and experts examined how communities, governments and international institutions can work together to protect ecosystems and promote sustainable development.
Her participation brings Rubanda’s perspective into global conversations on biodiversity at a time when communities living closest to forests, wetlands, rivers and other natural resources are increasingly recognised as important partners in conservation.
With 15 years of experience in environmental protection, climate action and sustainable development, Hon. Ninsiima Kikafunda has championed initiatives aimed at addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable use of natural resources.
Her message is particularly relevant to Rubanda, where communities depend on land and natural resources for agriculture, livelihoods and social wellbeing. Connecting local experiences with international discussions can help highlight the challenges communities face due to environmental degradation and climate change.
Hon. Ninsiima Kikafunda emphasised that conservation cannot succeed when communities are treated merely as beneficiaries of environmental programmes. Instead, they should be recognised as decision-makers, custodians and implementers whose knowledge and daily experiences are essential to protecting biodiversity.
She also highlighted the value of engaging global experts, explaining that the discussions had broadened her understanding of environmental sustainability and the economics of conservation. Such exchanges offer opportunities to explore approaches that balance environmental protection with community livelihoods.
The Green Constituencies Dialogue provided a platform for sharing ideas on how local communities can contribute to biodiversity protection while supporting sustainable development. The discussions also underscored the importance of translating environmental commitments into practical action at the grassroots level.
As preparations for COP17 on Biodiversity continue, Hon. Ninsiima Kikafunda’s participation highlights the role of parliamentary leadership and community engagement in environmental protection. Her message is that lasting biodiversity conservation requires collaboration between governments, experts and the communities that live closest to nature.
