Donald Kaniaru

Director in the Division of Environmental Policy Implementation at the United Nations Environment Programme

"Improved decision-making, planning and management of dams and their alternatives is our common goal. The stakeholders from the differing perspective of the dams debate have already developed five core values and seven strategic priorities for the development of water and energy resources. It is now time to take action! The DDP provides a foundation for supporting inclusive local, national and regional initiatives to develop and move forward beyond conflict and, to identify sustainable solutions that are appropriate to the local context.

"It is critically important to continue with an inclusive multi-stakeholder process that involves everyone, including those governments that feel their priorities and perspectives have been marginalised. It is only through dialogue that we will find solutions, and I can say that during my involvement with the DDP, it is particularly encouraging to see how consensus can be achieved when we all sit together to review matters of common concern. The UNEP Division of Environmental Policy Implementation (DEPI), which hosts the DDP, is committed to engaging with, negotiating and supporting policy implementation within its member country governments with pertinent stakeholders."

Mr Kaniaru is Director in the Division of Environmental Policy Implementation at UNEP. Since joining UNEP in 1975 he has worked as a programme officer and as director in various programmes associated with environment law and policy development.

His experience includes work with the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), the OAU and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). He is a member of the Law Society of Kenya, the East African Law Society, the British Institute of Public and Comparative Law, the International Council of Environmental Lawyers (ICEL) and the IUCN Commission on Environmental Law.

He has an LLB (Hons) from University College Dar Es Salaam and is an advocate of the Kenya High Court.