The Future of Biodiversity in Africa

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1 INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM: CONFERENCE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SECURITY (Policy Message for the G8 Leaders) The Future of Biodiversity in Africa BY EZEKIEL AMAN DEMBE, Ph.D.

2 Background information Africa, the second largest continent on earth contains 53 countries, 1000 languages The abundance of biodiversity in Africa Africa has the best opportunity to become prosperous

3 Background info 1 Africa s biodiversity holds an enormous potential of transforming the continent s agricultural and industrial systems to contribute to economic growth and poverty reduction. For instance, in Tanzania nature-based tourism is one of the pillars for economic growth together with mining, agriculture and industries.

4 Case study: Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) TANAPA generates revenues through tourism to finance her recurrent budget, pays corporate tax to the government and supports community development to adjacent communities. Conservation of biodiversity pays! Tanzania marketed as Land of Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar and the Serengeti. Low volume, high revenues concept

5 Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar and the Serengeti

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7 Threats to future of biodiversity in Africa Biodiversity is underutilized and is being lost due to poor governance on human activities. Between a quarter and a third of the world s wildlife has been lost since 1970 to 2005 (Zoological Society of London). Populations of land based species fell by 25%, marine 28% and freshwater by 29%. Humans are wiping out about 1% of all other species

8 Causes of biodiversity loss 1. Pollution, deforestation, wildfires, poaching, farming, urban expansion, over fishing, hunting and climate change are blamed.

9 2. Emergence of infectious diseases to wildlife First, many wildlife species are reservoirs of pathogens that threaten domestic animal and human health Second, wildlife infectious diseases pose a substantial threat to the conservation of global biodiversity. Among the wildlife most seriously affected have been the African antelopes.

10 3. HIV/AIDS and Malaria Depletion of economically active population especially young women and men to protect the biodiversity

11 Why is this happening? Most African governments do not provide budgets for conservation of biodiversity, but they are happy to promote tourism, water supply and timber from these resources and add revenue to their coffers.

12 Why is this happening?1 Holistic approaches for conservation and development are not there and if they are there, they are not realistic.

13 Why is this happening?2 Major forms of habitat loss are: Habitat degradation deprives native species of food, shelter, dispersal areas, and breeding sites. Fragmentation squeezes the animals onto small patches (islands) thus making them vulnerable to outside predators and human impacts.

14 Why is this happening?3 Habitats without any protection or management status are prone to abuse and may be lost unless Africa designates them to a formal management regime with local and indigenous communities in the forefront.

15 Why is this happening?4 There is significant landuse pressure to cater for increasing human populations and thereby decreasing size and value of habitats. As human populations in high potential agricultural areas grow, the frontiers of cultivation have been pushed into forests, river valleys, and semi-arid areas.

16 Why is this happening?5 Most wildlife migration routes, are being closed off by mining, settlement and large-scale farming, hence, threatening the well being of spectacular wildebeest populations and the ecosystems themselves.

17 Community participation Local communities are not directly involved by most governments in the planning and management of protected areas in Africa. Community conserved areas are not evident as most governments are not willing to devolve powers to communities.

18 Partnerships There are no viable policies to develop partnerships in conservation of biodiversity and development in African countries. Support by development partners in conservation is dwindling.

19 Conclusions and recommendations to G8 leaders This potential for economic growth would only be realized once African leaders and the African people manage and utilize the abundant biodiversity of the continent for sustainable economic gains of the present and future generations.

20 Conclusions 1 Developed countries ought to continue promoting good governance in Africa. Better use of financial resources in biodiversity conservation is fundamental to economic growth in Africa. Corruption is stupid Andy Young (Sullivan Summit Arusha, June 2, 2008)

21 Conclusions 2 Africa s biodiversity is a potential source of medicinal, food and chemical products. It holds great potential for poverty reduction and the continent s economic development Economic growth through vibrant tourism industry without impacting resources Biodiversity in Africa must be protected at all costs for a better future.

22 Conclusions 3 Capacity building for protected area managers in Africa World without African biodiversity? Be a partner towards a vibrant Africa

23 Conclusions 4 Conclusions 4 In the Convention of biodiversity in 2002, member states pledged to achieve a significant reduction in the current rate of biodiversity loss by 2010; but it seems it is going to be a daunting task. Africa and the rest of the world s biodiversity is in peril and no single country would achieve results unless we unity to save the world now for the future! Africa needs to partner with you the G8 countries to conserve her biodiversity for the world!