The Future of Biodiversity in Africa: Turning Dar Vision Statement into Policy Initiatives Discussion - Society for Conservation Biology-Africa Conference, Ghana Africa Biodiversity Collaborative Group (ABCG)

Background on the Dar Vision Statement Through the USAID Biodiversity Analysis and Technical Support (BATS) for USAID/Africa, ABCG organized a series of workshops in Africa and the U.S. on “The Future of Biodiversity in Africa”: 15 May 2008 ABCG Workshop in Washington, DC, USA Sept IUCN/ABCG Workshop in Dar es Salaam, TZ 8 Dec National Council for Science & the Environment (NCSE) Session in Washington, DC, USA 30 Jan Society for Conservation Biology-Africa in Accra, Ghana

Dar Workshop opportunities Draws upon USAID report : “Protecting Hard-Won Ground” Brought 35 experts from across sub-Saharan Africa together to review achievements in biodiversity conservation, scan the horizon for emerging challenges, and articulate a vision statement for the future of biodiversity in Africa Goal: To provide input into donor programs on the linkages between biodiversity, well-being, and emerging challenges

Biodiversity: Fundamental Basis for Development and Underpins Well-Being Threats: -s welling human demand for resources -inadequate institutional infrastructure -destruction of natural areas -climate change -globalization of trade -externalities Opportunities: -significant areas in Africa where habitat is intact -conservation success -innovation

Dar Vision Statement: Future of Biodiversity in Africa By 2025, environmental degradation and biodiversity loss in Africa have been significantly slowed, people and nature are adapting to climate change, and species and ecosystem services are providing a foundation for human welfare in a society committed to sustainable economic development and equitable sharing of natural resource benefits.

Dar Recommendations Mainstream Biodiversity in Human Well-Being and Development Agendas Promote Good Conservation Practices Strengthen the Role of Social and Development Institutions in Biodiversity Conservation and Human Well-Being

Mainstream Biodiversity in Human Well- Being & Development Agendas 1.Promote climate change mitigation, and climate adaptation for biodiversity and people 2.Harness biodiversity and ecosystem services for improved agriculture 3.Enhance greater accountability for sustaining biodiversity and ecosystem services by private sector institutions 4.Promote restoration of degraded natural resources 5.Enhance the role of healthy ecosystems in mitigating risk of emerging diseases 6.Promote increased understanding and awareness of biodiversity and environmental issues

Promote Good Conservation Practices 1.Promote conservation of existing biodiversity 2.Promote sound nature tourism development 3.Demonstrate biodiversity and ecosystem services as fundamental bases of human well-being 4.Promote sound governance & rights-based approaches 5.Promote innovative conservation funding mechanisms

Strengthen Role of Social Institutions in Conservation & Human Well-Being 1.Reach out to faith communities for dialogue and collaboration 2.Reach out to relief and development organizations for mitigating impacts of migration and natural population growth

Next Steps Feedback from SCB Experts on Dar Vision Statement What is the future of biodiversity in Africa (given the best or the worst scenarios)? How to call upon donors and partners to realize the Dar Vision and catalyze policy initiatives on biodiversity?

Thanks for helping to turn the Dar Vision into Policy Interventions!

Contact: Africa Biodiversity Collaborative Group (ABCG) Photo credits: USAID Ephraim Mwangomo Michael Gelman John Waugh College of African Wildlife Management, Mweka WWF-US