The 11th edition of the International Floriculture Trade Expo opened Tuesday in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi amid calls for sustainable production such as integrated pest management.
The three-day event brought together senior government officials, flower growers and buyers from 75 countries to promote eco-friendly practices.
In his opening remarks, Idris Salim Dokota, principal secretary and accounting officer for the State Department for Cabinet Affairs, said the theme of this year's expo is "Sustainability," which resonates deeply with the government's commitment to promoting Kenya's floriculture.
"Kenya is also encouraging farmers to adopt renewable energy sources and minimize their carbon footprint in order to protect both industry and the environment," Dokota said.
He added that the country's flower farms can generate additional revenue by engaging in carbon credit projects.
Dick van Raamsdonk, chief executive officer of HPP International Exhibitions Group, the organizer of the expo, said flower farms are moving toward adopting sustainable practices and reducing their carbon footprint so that they can earn carbon credits that can be traded internationally.
He added that the transition to environmentally friendly practices will also provide farmers with a new income stream, enhancing their economic resilience.
Christopher Kulei, board chairman of the Kenya Flower Council, said sustainability has evolved from a peripheral concern to a central pillar of the floriculture sector as a means to curb the effects of climate change.
Kulei said Kenya's flower farms have invested significantly in adopting greener logistics in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
"We have also embraced various carbon measurement tools, which have enabled us to accurately assess our emissions and identify areas for improvement," he added.
