IUCN Africa Protected Areas Congress

The Africa Protected Area Directors (APAD) Network and @AWF_Official hosted a side-event at #SBI04, where the 2nd APAD Conference Report was officially launched, highlighting key discussions and outcomes from the conference. Download report here: bit.ly/4aI1OFf

@Fred_K_Kumah from @AWF_Official leading a panel at the @IUCN Africa Conservation Forum. The panel focused on providing insights into what conservation-driven sustainable development looks like in Africa's protected and conserved areas.

The panel discussion at the side event updated CBFP on APAD's progress since MoP19, sharing outcomes of its inaugural project & second APAD conference. It further highlighted contributions of protected area leadership, from CBFP member countries, to APAD's initiatives. #RDP20.

This week, Africa Protected Area Directors and @AWF_Official hosted a side event at #MoP20 of the CBFP in Kinshasa exploring how #CongoBasin countries can benefit from & contribute to APAD, for enhanced cooperation among Africa’s protected area leaders to achieve the 30x30 target

Catch up on the insightful discussions from the recent side-event at #SBI04 hosted by Africa Protected Area Directors (APAD) and @AWF_Official: bit.ly/3WW10td. The conversations centered on integrating protected and conserved areas into the implementation of the #GBF.

At the side event, key speakers emphasized Africa's protected areas' vital role in #biodiversity conservation and their contribution to GBF targets, particularly the 30x30 goal to protect 30% of land and sea by 2030, and addressed threats like land use change, and #climate change

Access the French version of the report here: bit.ly/3x2fbCf

The Africa Protected Area Directors (APAD) Network and @AWF_Official hosted a side-event at #SBI04, where the 2nd APAD Conference Report was officially launched, highlighting key discussions and outcomes from the conference. Download report here: bit.ly/4aI1OFf

Today, I am really excited to be launching the #APADReport2024 on the sidelines of ongoing #SBI negotiations in Nairobi. The report highlights how African Protected Areas Directors are working towards implementing #TheBiodiversityPlan Read it here: apad.africa/download/apad-…

#DidYouKnow: ​​Africa's protected and conserved areas are managed at an average cost of $50 per square kilometer. This falls significantly below the estimated requirement of $1,000 per square kilometer to sustain #biodiversity.

Dive into the high-level outcomes of the concluded Africa Protected Area Directors (APAD) Conference 2024 through the issued communique: bit.ly/44EVInO. In this communique, #APAD reaffirms its dedication to engaging with diverse stakeholders, to achieve GBF targets.

I am excited to share my article, which has been published in the latest edition (Winter 2024) of the @TuftsUniversity - @FletcherSchool @FletcherForum of World Affairs! Titled "Global Challenges Like Climate Change Cannot be Met without Africa," this piece delves into the crucial link between #conservation efforts and #Africa's aspirations for #sustainabledevelopment. In it, I highlight the urgent need to break down silos between #conservation, #economicdevelopment, and #climatechange initiatives, emphasizing that #conservation cannot be detached from #Africa's #economicgrowth. I argue that #Africa holds the key to addressing climate change, with its rich #biodiversity, potential for carbon sequestration, and abundance of critical minerals essential for #greenenergy technologies. I also stress the importance of integrating #biodiversity into national development plans and creating wildlife-based economies that benefit #localcommunities. To explore these critical topics and delve into innovative solutions, I invite you to read the full article here >> fletcherforum.org/archives/2023/… @AWF_Official

I am thrilled to announce a significant stride in advancing the U.S. Foundation for International Conservation Act (USFICA). The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee has echoed the progress made by its House counterpart, propelling the USFICA forward. This legislation is a game-changer, unlocking avenues for pioneering public-private partnerships aimed at the #sustainable management of #protectedareas worldwide. It marks a pivotal moment in addressing the urgent needs of our planet's conservation landscape. USFICA introduces an innovative #financing mechanism, recognizing that traditional government funding alone cannot suffice. By incentivizing and harnessing philanthropic contributions alongside U.S. government financing, this legislation establishes a robust financial framework to manage Protected and Conserved Areas (PCAs) effectively. It seamlessly complements traditional U.S. foreign assistance to #biodiversityconservation. AWF extends its heartfelt appreciation and Congratulations to U.S. Senator @ChrisCoons (D-Del.) and U.S. Senator @LindseyGrahamSC (R-S.C.), as well as Ranking Member of SFOPS and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael Thomas McCaul and Ranking Member Gregory W Meeks for their unwavering dedication to advancing the U.S. Foundation for International Conservation Act, HR 6727. The bipartisan support demonstrated by the 34 cosponsors of the House bill underscores the critical importance of this legislation. As the bill embarks on the legislative journey ahead, securing passage in the full Senate, consideration by the House of Representatives, and ultimately, the White House signing it into law, @AWF_Official stands firmly committed to bolstering these endeavors. We call upon all stakeholders to join forces in this vital mission. @EdwinTambara , @EWCoppenger , @AndreaAthanas1 , @Fred_K_Kumah To read more: coons.senate.gov/news/press-rel… awf.org/pressroom/anot… #Africanconservation #GlobalConservation #USFICA #AWF #Biodiversity

We are now on the final stretch of the #APADConference2024 and so far the conversations and discussions have been monumental in a charting towards a future of sustainable conservation future in #Africa. Watch the highlights video below for a glimpse of the action. @AWF_Official

On behalf of the African Protected Areas Congress Youth Members @vingiknowy had the honor to deliver a keynote speech on why it is important to integrate youth into conservation at the ongoing Africa Protected Areas Directors Conference 2nd edition. #IamZYBN #apacyouth #APAD

ACBA is a network where CSOs speak with one voice towards localisation of funding and resources. Funding is not just for wildlife census. Funding is for organizational development to enable CSOs to become self-sufficient - Dr. Yemi Katerere, ACBA Coordinator

Happy #InternationalWomensDay from African CSOs Biodiversity Alliance! Let's prioritize gender equality for prosperous economies and a healthy planet. "Invest in women: Accelerate progress" is our call to action for a brighter future! #EmpowerWomen #AccelerateProgress

Honoured and humled to deliver the speech on behalf of APAC Youth in Victoria Falls today. Imperative to note the need to have young people being part of discussions and allow them to be innovative to solve solutions for protected areas. @GYBN_CBD @GYBNAfrica @AWF_Official

On the sidelines of the #APADConference2024, I was able to hold side conversations with @MalidadiL and Proff. @PatienceGandiwa to discuss the importance of Integrated land management approach in conservation to enhance conservation efforts on the continent - looking forward to sharing these new episodes of the #AWFThoughtleadershop in the next few weeks! Stay tuned!

Immersing myself in the culture and richness of #Zimbabwe was an exciting experience, an avid reminder of our important role in safeguarding our #natural #heritage. We look forward to another day of instrumental #engagements that advance our collective efforts. #APADConference2024 #AfricanConservationLeadership @AWF_Official, @Zimparks, @APA_Congress