How COP16 Can Deliver on Biodiversity Goals for Africa

Africa’s rich biodiversity is not only vital for the continent but also essential for the health of our planet. As the world gears up for the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which will be held in Cali, Colombia, from October 21 to November 1, 2024, Africa stands at the forefront of global biodiversity discussions. Home to approximately 25% of the world’s remaining biodiversity, Africa plays a pivotal role in combating climate change and protecting ecosystems that sustain millions of lives. However, these ecosystems are facing unprecedented threats from human activities and climate change.

The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), a leading conservation organization for over 60 years, is dedicated to promoting Africa-led conservation leadership by working closely with governments, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities (IPLCs). Fred Kumah, AWF’s vice president of global leadership, shares insights into the significance of COP16, the challenges Africa faces, and how AWF is shaping conservation efforts across the continent.

The Significance of COP16 for Africa’s Biodiversity

COP16 represents a critical moment for Africa’s biodiversity for several reasons. First and foremost, it is the first biodiversity COP since the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) in 2022. This framework sets ambitious global goals for biodiversity conservation, and governments are expected to demonstrate progress on their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs). For Africa, COP16 is an opportunity to secure the financial resources needed to safeguard its rich biodiversity.

Kumah emphasizes that Africa’s ecosystems, ranging from forests to savannas, provide essential services such as carbon sequestration, water regulation, and food security. However, they are under immense pressure from deforestation, illegal wildlife trade, and climate change. The conference will set the tone for the international community’s commitment to biodiversity conservation, and Africa’s role is crucial in that progress.

The Interconnection of Conservation and Economic Development

AWF has long championed the idea that conservation and economic development can go hand in hand. Kumah notes that protecting biodiversity lays the groundwork for sustainable industries, particularly nature-based tourism, which significantly contributes to African economies. For instance, in countries like Rwanda, nature-based tourism accounts for 80% of tourism revenue and generates over 1,000 jobs for every $1 million earned.

AWF has been actively supporting COP16 preparations through partnerships with various networks, including the African Group of Negotiators (AGN), the African Civil Society Biodiversity Alliance (ACBA), and the Global Youth Biodiversity Network Africa (GYBN-Africa). By providing training and professional development opportunities to young African leaders, AWF ensures that the next generation is equipped to advocate for biodiversity at the international level.

The Challenge of Funding for Biodiversity Goals

Funding remains the most significant obstacle to achieving biodiversity goals in Africa. The GBF calls for an annual investment of $700 billion to combat global biodiversity loss; however, current funding is approximately $500 billion short. Many African nations have the political will to protect their biodiversity, but the lack of financial resources stymies effective conservation strategies.

At COP16, Kumah emphasizes the need for strong commitments from the international community to address this funding gap. This could involve establishing a dedicated biodiversity fund, repurposing climate finance, or creating new financial mechanisms. Most importantly, these resources must reach Indigenous and local communities, who are often on the frontline of conservation efforts.

Amplifying Indigenous Voices in Global Biodiversity Discussions

Indigenous knowledge systems have played a crucial role in Africa’s conservation efforts for generations. Local communities possess sustainable practices for managing their landscapes that have proven effective over time. Unfortunately, their voices are often marginalized in high-level discussions about biodiversity.

Kumah advocates for the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples and local communities as leaders in conservation at COP16. Nature-based solutions, such as ecosystem-based adaptation, are essential for building resilience against climate change. These solutions are deeply rooted in Indigenous knowledge and practices, making it imperative to integrate this wisdom into modern conservation strategies.

AWF promotes nature-based solutions through initiatives like forest and landscape restoration in Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains and the Congo Basin. These efforts aim to restore degraded ecosystems, enhance carbon sequestration, and build climate resilience within vulnerable communities.

Empowering Youth and Indigenous Peoples

Youth and Indigenous Peoples are vital to conservation efforts across Africa. They are often the ones managing the land and utilizing traditional knowledge to protect ecosystems. However, they are frequently excluded from policy discussions that significantly impact their futures.

AWF is committed to changing this dynamic. The organization collaborates with youth networks and IPLCs across Africa to ensure their voices are heard at COP16. They have organized side events where young leaders will share their experiences and challenges directly with global leaders. This initiative aims to empower youth and Indigenous communities, granting them meaningful participation in the decision-making processes that shape biodiversity governance.

The 30 by 30 Target and its Implications for Africa

A key objective for COP16 is achieving the 30 by 30 target, which aims to protect 30% of the world’s land and oceans by 2030. For Africa, this goal presents both challenges and opportunities. Many of the continent’s ecosystems remain intact, and if Africa can successfully protect 30% of its land, it will not only preserve biodiversity but also contribute to global climate goals by maintaining crucial carbon sinks.

AWF is actively supporting this target by advocating for the formal recognition of community-managed conservation areas. Many African countries struggle to designate new protected areas, despite the fact that communities have successfully managed these landscapes for generations. By recognizing and including these areas in the 30 by 30 target, Africa can achieve meaningful conservation while empowering local communities.

Key Takeaways for Africa from COP16

As COP16 approaches, Kumah hopes to see significant outcomes for Africa in several areas. First and foremost, securing the financial resources necessary to protect biodiversity is crucial. Without adequate funding, the ambitious goals outlined in the GBF will remain unattainable.

Moreover, increased recognition of the roles played by Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and youth in conservation is essential. They are not merely stakeholders; they are leaders whose insights and experiences can inform effective policies. Kumah believes that formalizing their roles in biodiversity governance will pave the way for more inclusive and effective conservation strategies.

Finally, Kumah envisions strengthening the link between biodiversity and climate action. The two issues are deeply intertwined, and aligning their agendas is crucial for fostering a future where both people and the planet thrive.

Conclusion

As COP16 unfolds, Africa’s opportunity to influence global biodiversity policy is unprecedented. With the continent’s rich biodiversity, unique Indigenous knowledge systems, and the potential for sustainable economic development, Africa is well-positioned to lead the way in conservation efforts. By focusing on funding, inclusivity, and the integration of traditional knowledge into modern strategies, COP16 can serve as a turning point for Africa’s biodiversity and the health of our planet as a whole.