The 9th Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK) Africa Regional Conference has officially commenced in the port city of Mombasa. Delegates drawn from various countries are eager to explore diverse strategies to foster resilience and innovation.
Addressing the audience on the first day of the conference, ISK President Eric Nyadimo said the Future of Land and Built Environment in the Face of Change underscored the urgent need for innovative approaches and sustainable practices in the land and built environment.
Going by the theme: ‘Adapt. Thrive. Sustain: He further reiterated the importance of having brilliant minds in such a gathering and discussing possible ways of tackling emerging issues in the sector.
“This conference offers a platform for regional and international leaders in the land and built environment to unite, share their insights, and work collaboratively towards a vision that secures our future amidst the profound challenges of our time which include climate change, rapid urbanisation, digital transformation, and shifting demographics,” said Eric Nyadimo, president of ISK.
“Attendees will have opportunities to delve into case studies, examine the successes and challenges faced by other regions, and envision scalable solutions that meet Africa’s unique needs and aspirations. We will also examine how partnerships – between government, private sector, and civil society – can strengthen the fabric of our practices and set new standards of excellence in the field,” he added.
According to Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir, the county is dedicated to collaborating with organisations such as ISK to create a future that is sustainable, thriving, and adaptable.
In a speech read by Lands, Housing, and Urban Development CECM Mohamed Hussein (Amadoh), Governor Swamad stated that the county had started a number of initiatives to increase the city’s ability to withstand the effects of climate change.
“We are investing in coastal defence systems to mitigate flooding, revising zoning regulations to accommodate new realities, and exploring new technologies to optimize land use. But adaptation goes beyond infrastructure; it involves creating the systems and institutions that allow communities and economies to thrive in the face of change,” said Amadoh.
In addition, the Lands CEC stated that the county was encouraging renewable energy, increasing green space, and implementing laws that lower carbon emissions.
“The land and built environment must take the lead in implementing strategies that minimise waste, encourage energy efficiency, and lessen environmental degradation. As the stewards of our future landscapes, surveyors, planners, architects, and engineers should ensure that our development agenda is both environmentally sound and economically feasible,” he stated.
