The Mara Ecosystem spans across the East African Community member states of Kenya and Tanzania, making cross-border collaboration essential for the well-being of both people and wildlife. This message was emphasized by the Chief Guest, Prof. PLO Lumumba, during the Scientific Conference hosted at Maasai Mara University, Narok, under the theme "Flowing Forward Together: Conserving the Mara Basin Ecosystem for Sustainable Biodiversity & Climate Resilience."

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Peninah Aloo-Obudho, appreciated the efforts taken to hold the conference, part of the 13th Mara Day celebrations at the university, which brought together key players in conservation, including universities, government bodies, and non-governmental organizations, all focused on preserving the Mara Basin ecosystem.

Prof. PLO Lumumba, called for the creation of a legislative framework within the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) to ensure the ecosystem's long-term protection. He described the conference as a critical platform for sharing knowledge on the threats facing the Mara across national borders and stressed the need for practical, sustainable conservation strategies.

The event featured four breakout sessions:

Sub-Theme 1: Environmental Conservation and Climate Resilience in the Mara Basin Ecosystem

Session Chair: Dr. Eunice Makungu, Water Institute, Tanzania

Moderator: Dr. Samson Mabwoga, Maasai Mara University, Kenya

Sub-Theme 2: Natural Resource Management for Inclusive Socio-Economic Development in the Mara Basin Ecosystem

Session Chair: Daniel Kandagor, Kisii University, Kenya

Moderator: Dr. Patrick Kamundia, Maasai Mara University

Sub-Theme 3: Legal Justice, Gender Equality, and Governance Framework for Trans-Boundary Cooperation as an Enabler for Sustainable Conservation in the Mara Basin Ecosystem

Session Chair: Dr. Norbert J. Ngowi, Mzumbe University, Tanzania

Moderator: Bursuna Ejere, Maasai Mara University, Kenya

Sub-Theme 4: Knowledge, Innovation, and Technology in Conservation of the Mara Basin Ecosystem

Session Chair: Dr. Benjamin Kinyili, Kenya Forest Service, Kenya

Moderator: Dr. Sr. Alice Sambu, Maasai Mara University, Kenya

Notable attendees included; Mr. Abdi Dubat - CBS, Principal Secretary - State Department for EAC Affairs. Dr. Masinde Bwire, Executive Secretary of EAC-Lake Victoria Basin Commission; Hon. Tamalinye Koech, Deputy Governor of Narok County Government; Hon. Agnes Ntutu, First Lady of Narok County; Hon. David Sankok, MP-East African Legislative Assembly; and delegations from Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

As recommendations for the next Scientific Conference, to be held in the Republic of Tanzania, Prof. Lumumba proposed that Swahili be adopted as the official language of the conference. He also suggested the inclusion of presentations that highlight successful conservation efforts within the Mara Basin ecosystem.