Integrating equity and conservation in African biodiversity initiatives
Africa’s biodiversity is under threat, but innovative, inclusive approaches are reshaping conservation efforts. By embracing community-led conservation, gender equity, and affordable monitoring, the continent offers a blueprint for sustainable development. Dr. Venter Mwongera, Communications Lead for the African Biodiversity Network, explores the critical strategies and challenges in this dynamic transformation.
In recent years, African biodiversity initiatives have accelerated, focusing on protecting ecosystems through innovative conservation approaches. A recent convening at the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) brought together stakeholders from 24 nations under the Regional Centre of Excellence for Biodiversity, Forests, and Seascapes Ecosystem Management (RCoE-ESA). Centred around the theme of the “Data & Information Engagement Workshop for Protected and Conserved Areas,” the discussions highlighted that effective environmental stewardship depends not only on resource protection but also on inclusivity, indigenous-led efforts, and affordable solutions. This focus on community-based conservation and equitable data practices positions Africa on a promising path to sustainable environmental management.
Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures
Conventional protected areas are often the first image that comes to mind when considering conservation. However, a lesser-known yet impactful approach known as Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) is reshaping conservation across Africa. As championed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), OECMs differ from traditional protected areas as they aim to achieve biodiversity conservation through various governance types without necessarily designating conservation as the primary purpose of the area.
From community conservancies to locally managed marine areas, OECMs provide alternative conservation solutions that can work harmoniously with local practices. Notably, these areas are managed to deliver long-term positive outcomes for biodiversity conservation, regardless of their main objectives. The OECM model acknowledges the valuable role of indigenous communities in biodiversity protection by respecting indigenous territories and implementing a “Free, Prior, and Informed Consent” policy. This strategy, rooted in the self-determination of local communities, fosters a collaborative environment, leading to sustainable outcomes while protecting community rights and cultures.
Gender Equity in biodiversity management
Gender equity plays an essential role in advancing biodiversity conservation efforts, as show-cased by the Regional Centre of Excellence for Forest Biodiversity and Seascape Ecosystems Management initiative during the workshop. Women and men in African communities often have distinct roles in managing and conserving resources, and recognising this gendered knowledge can bring fresh insights into conservation strategies. The Regional Centre of Excellence promotes gender-responsive approaches, ensuring that policies and programmes reflect the unique needs of men, women, and youth. This gender-centric model, outlined in the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 5, which emphasises gender equality as a foundation for progress across other development objectives.
One significant example of integrating gender considerations into environmental data comes from the Gender and Environment Data Alliance (GEDA). GEDA, an alliance that includes the Regional Centre of Excellence among its partners, is dedicated to strengthening data collection at the intersection of gender and environment. This approach enables the collection of more granular, disaggregated data that captures gender-based nuances in environmental impact and action. With data gaps remaining a significant barrier to achieving equitable outcomes, GEDA’s support for gender-inclusive data collection aims to empower women in conservation and enhance resource management at all levels.
Low-cost monitoring as a conservation tool
Financial constraints are a familiar challenge in African conservation, where limited resources often hinder effective ecosystem monitoring. Low-cost monitoring approaches, pioneered by initiatives such as the Observatory of Forests of Eastern and Southern Africa (OFESA) and the Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management (BIOPAMA) Programme, have made strides in addressing these constraints. Through partnerships with national forestry agencies in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia, low-cost monitoring is helping to fill essential data gaps, ensuring timely and accurate data on biodiversity and forest health.
Low-cost monitoring equips local communities with affordable tools for data collection, reducing dependency on expensive, centralised technologies. During the workshop, the results presented are encouraging: Kenya and Uganda, for instance, have seen a marked improvement in data accuracy, making it easier to track forest health and respond to threats such as illegal logging. Meanwhile, Tanzania’s village-based committees have shifted from using traditional patrol books to digital platforms, enhancing transparency, teamwork, and accountability. These advancements not only strengthen forest governance but also contribute to empowering communities to take an active role in conservation.
Indigenous-Led Conservation and participatory approaches
In Africa, indigenous and local communities are intrinsic to the conservation landscape. During the workshop, testimonials affirmed that the community-managed marine protected areas, such as Madagascar’s Velondriake, have the potential for indigenous communities to sustainably manage natural resources. This community-led model has been replicated in regions across Tanzania, Namibia, and Uganda, showcasing the effectiveness of recognising Indigenous Peoples’ roles in biodiversity conservation.
One notable method of fostering community involvement show-cased is “photovoice,” a participatory research approach where participants capture images representing their unique perspective on conservation issues. This method not only gives indigenous communities a platform to voice their concerns but also enables conservationists to gain a deeper understanding of the local environmental and cultural dynamics. Photovoice is gaining traction in areas like Namibia’s Kunene Region, where conservancies are documenting biodiversity concerns, strengthening the bond between local knowledge and conservation science.
Challenges and opportunities
While the integration of OECMs, gender equity, and low-cost monitoring creates exciting new avenues for conservation, challenges remain. During workshop, it was learned that there technological hurdles to cultural sensitivities, including factors that can affect the successful implementation of these conservation frameworks. For example, communities in Ethiopia have faced issues with mobile connectivity, which limits their ability to utilise digital tools for monitoring. Similarly, in Tanzania, a lack of accountability among local leaders has hindered the effectiveness of forest management.
To address these challenges, there were many insights shared including increased investment in capacity-building and installation of relevant technology infrastructure is essential. Encouragingly, countries such as Kenya and Uganda are leading by example, training rangers, community scouts, and local leaders to build the technical and managerial skills needed for effective biodiversity monitoring. Involving community representatives in conservation efforts fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, which is fundamental for the long-term success of these projects.
As the continent moves forward, the success of these initiatives will serve as a model for other regions, demonstrating that when we invest in inclusive, community-led approaches, we create a more resilient and equitable path for the future of our planet.
