The Africa Conservation Forum held in Nairobi, Kenya this week was designed to shape Africa’s public policy toward nature conservation ahead of the World Conservation Congress 2025, set to take place in Abu Dhabi.
At the event, organised by the National Committee of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Members in Kenya and the Government of Kenya, HE Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the IUCN, delivered a keynote spotlighting the role of Africa in preserving nature.
“Africa is crucial to global efforts to preserve nature, adapt to climate change, and create a just world that values nature,” said HE Al Mubarak.
HE Al Mubarak emphasised the need for efforts to halt biodiversity loss by 2030 and reach net-zero levels of greenhouse emissions to be inclusive, incorporating the knowledge of local communities and indigenous knowledge.
“In Africa, we see how indigenous practices and local stewardship lead to sustainable results. IUCN promotes these inclusive and transformative approaches, recognizing that true sustainability comes from respecting and utilizing the wisdom of those closest to the land.”
The IUCN regional forums are held every four years and aim to connect key biodiversity stakeholders, including public bodies, scientists, activists, and international and regional organisations, to encourage knowledge sharing across sectors and regions.
It was noted that the Africa Conservation Forum combines all three IUCN sub-regions in Africa for the first time.
The event is one of nine regional forums which the IUCN is holding over the coming seven months in preparation for the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025, the world’s largest conservation event.
It was shared that IUCN constituents will receive information on how to submit motions, which can ultimately become IUCN resolutions. Participants can also provide input to the forthcoming IUCN Programme for the next four years and the IUCN 20-year strategy.
“The 20-year strategy is designed to help the organization tackle the challenges of the next two decades, challenges which are essential to the wellbeing of humanity. Our strategic aim is to help the IUCN take its place on the global stage as a leading authority on the conservation of nature and the intersection between conservation efforts and climate action,” explained HE Al Mubarak.