It is now clearer than ever that our destruction of nature not only causes serious harm to the planet, but also threatens the well-being and prosperity of people and economies. The next ten years will be crucial for protecting our natural wealth – in Africa and all around the world. The international community currently works on a new Global Biodiversity Framework under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity to adopt ambitious biodiversity targets until 2030. A critical building block for the transformation towards nature-positive development pathways is to recognize the economic and social importance of our natural capital and biodiversity.
To build ambitions and mobilize action for protecting Africa’s natural assets, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) hosts this high-level event. African, German and international leaders and experts will discuss what needs to be done to better recognize the value of nature in decision-making and demonstrate ambitions and actions to conserve the continent’s biodiversity and natural capital, use it sustainably and increase investments.
The event will see the launch of the Africa’s Protected Natural Assets Report, a first of its kind and comprehensive assessment of the social and economic importance of conservation areas in Africa. The role of conservation areas as nature-based solutions and safeguards for Africa’s natural capital will therefore be particularly addressed.
Speakers:
- Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, Executive Secretary, CBD
- Norbert Barthle, Parliamentary State Secretary, BMZ
- Dr. Jurgen Vogele, Vice President, World Bank (tbc)
- Alice Ruhweza, Africa Regional Director, WWF
- Dr. Jurgen Zattler, Director-General, BMZ
- Prof. Dr. Kalemani Jo Mulong, Co-Chair and Lead Author, IPBES Africa Assessment
- Vera Scholz, Director Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure, GIZ
- Prof. Dr. Bernd Hansjurgens, Head of Thematic Area, Environment and Society, UFZ
- Nozipho Tshabalala, Moderator, The Conversation Strategists
More to be announced.
