Embassy of Ireland Kenya Greening Initiative #AhmedGoesGreen

The Global Greening has come to Kenya for the first time ever in 2016!

Green is the national colour of Ireland! Each year, to coincide with St Patricks Day on March 17th, Irish people celebrate their presence around the globe by 'Greening' an iconic structure in that country.

This week, Ahmed will join the Colosseum in Rome, the statue of Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro and Ground Zero in New York becoming Green.

And why are we Greening Ahmed the Elephant in 2016?

First, through the Global Greening we are celebrating Ireland's presence and influence abroad. In particular through the #AhmedGoesGreen initiative we are recognising Ireland's long and excellent relationship with the Kenyan people which spans over 100 years!

Second, Ahmed is a fantastic icon of Kenyan life and heritage. Not only does he represent the incredible beauty and diversity of Kenya's wildlife - he was one of the first elephants to be protected from poaching.

In the early 1970's President Jomo Kenyatta ordered 24 hour protection or this 'big tusker' from Marsabit in Northern Kenya. Consequently he lived to a ripe age of 55 years. Following his death in 1974, the President of decreed that his remains be preserved for future generations. They are currently preserved in the Kenya National Museum in Nairobi. That heritage has huge relevance to Kenya today!

Third, is Ahmed is a wonderful symbol of wildlife conservation efforts in Kenya to-day. Ireland is a firm supporter of elephant conservation and the efforts of Government's to stem the illegal slaughter of elephants for their ivory.

Through the #AhmedGoesGreen initiative we want to draw attention to the fact that in Africa, more elephants are being killed for their Ivory than are being born each year. An estimated 20,000 elephants were killed for ivory in 2015 alone.

In highlighting this, we want also to commend Kenya for the huge process it has made in addressing this global problem. Because of these efforts, the number of elephants killed by poachers in Kenya has greatly reduced over the past two years.

This demonstrates that with political will, with collaboration between Government, advocacy organisations and local communities - this problem can be solved. #InOurHands

Through the #AhmedGoesGreen initiative, Ireland wants to recognise and fully appreciate this leadership by the Kenyan Government and Kenyan people. We fully support the work of the Kenya Wildlife Service, Wildlife Direct and other wonderful wildlife conservation organisations in this respect.

We applaud, in particular, plans by President Kenyatta to host a historic gathering of leaders (the Giants Club) next month in Kenya to accelerate efforts to address the elephant poaching crisis.

Kenya is leading efforts to #SaveOurElephants. Ireland applauds great progress being made. Through the #AhmedGoesGreen initiative, we are showing our support for the hugely important efforts being made in Kenya to stop the illegal slaughter of these wonderful animals so they can thrive for many generations to come.