The African Union has called for stronger continental cooperation to safeguard Africa's biodiversity, as leaders, scientists and policymakers gathered in Botswana for the first Africa Biodiversity Summit aimed at aligning environmental conservation with economic transformation.

Under the theme "Leveraging Biodiversity for Africa's Prosperity", the summit brought together delegates from AU member states, regional economic communities, United Nations agencies, research institutions, civil society and youth organizations. It was held from Sunday through Wednesday in Botswana's capital, Gaborone.

The event sought to elevate biodiversity from a conservation issue to a strategic development priority, in line with the AU's Agenda 2063 vision of a prosperous and climate-resilient continent.

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It also addressed the growing urgency of the triple planetary crisis — biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution — while underscoring Africa's natural wealth as a foundation for economic growth and community well-being.

The UN's World Population Prospects report said that Africa's population — currently around 1.5 billion — is projected to grow to around 2.5 billion by 2050, placing severe pressure on biodiversity and nature's ability to sustain livelihoods.

Rapid urbanization, deforestation and unsustainable land use are accelerating habitat loss, threatening species survival and undermining the ecosystem services on which millions depend for food, water and income, the report said.

"The decline and loss of biodiversity is reducing nature's contributions enjoyed by the people of Africa, affecting daily lives and hampering the sustainable social and economic development targeted by African countries," it said.

In his opening remarks on Tuesday, Harsen Nyambe, director of sustainable environment and blue economy at the AU Commission, emphasized the need for collective action to preserve Africa's ecosystems, describing them as "lifelines" essential to the continent's identity and sustainability.

"Africa's ecosystems — from the rainforests of the Congo Basin to the deserts of the Sahara — are not merely landscapes; they are lifelines," Nyambe said.

"They sustain livelihoods, regulate our climate and hold deep cultural and spiritual value. Protecting them is not an option; it is our obligation to future generations."

He called for stronger collaboration between scientists, policymakers and innovators, urging that solutions be rooted in African science, indigenous knowledge and regional cooperation.

Global agenda

"This is where data must inform decisions and innovation must drive solutions," Nyambe said. "We must harness the power of African science and regional cooperation to shape strategies that influence not only our continent but the global biodiversity agenda."

He reaffirmed the AU's commitment to implementing the African Union Biodiversity Strategy, noting that biodiversity should be mainstreamed across all sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, finance and education.

Miguel Cesar Domingos Bembe, on behalf of Angola's permanent representative to the AU, said that defending biodiversity is key to protecting Africa's sovereignty, food security and the prosperity of the future generations.

Protecting Africa's natural heritage is both a political and moral duty central to the continent's right to sustainable development, Bembe said.

He hailed Botswana for exemplifying harmony between people and nature, saying the summit reflected a shared continental resolve to safeguard biodiversity for future generations.

"The ideas and recommendations developed here will define the direction of Africa's commitment to conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in the decades ahead."

Boatametse Modukanele, permanent secretary at Botswana's Ministry of Environment and Tourism, urged all stakeholders across the region to turn knowledge into tangible results.

He called on leaders to turn the agreed frameworks into concrete action at the community level, where restored ecosystems, protected species and sustainable, dignified livelihoods can be fully realized.

Contact the writers at sharon@chinadailyafrica.com