The bustling capital of Kenya played host to the highly anticipated IUCN Africa Conservation Forum, which opened its doors under the theme “African Solutions for Nature and People: Creating transformative responses to the biodiversity and climate crisis in Africa.

As delegates from across the continent and beyond gathered, the palpable sense of urgency was matched only by the determination to chart a new course for conservation in Africa. The forum, a leading platform for knowledge sharing, partnership building, and action-driven initiatives, has positioned itself as a crucial catalyst for addressing the daunting challenges facing the region’s natural resources.

The forum emphasizes the central role of people in conservation efforts, underscoring the need for solutions that are rooted in the unique experiences and perspectives of African communities. This is a moment of reckoning where Africans must redefine our approach to conservation, placing the needs and aspirations of the people at the very heart of our strategies.

Echoing these sentiments, Dr. Alfred Mutua, Cabinet Secretary of the Kenyan Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, welcomed the over 500 attendees and stressed the importance of locally-led and appropriate solutions. “For conservation to be truly effective and sustainable, we must ensure that local communities are not only involved but are also primary beneficiaries,” he stated, acknowledging the pressing challenges of human-wildlife conflicts and inadequate funding that Kenya and other African nations face.

Delegates at the three-day forum will engage in robust discussions, share best practices, and collaborate to chart a course that addresses the biodiversity and climate crises through the lens of African ingenuity and resilience. As the IUCN Africa Regional Conservation Forum unfolds, the world watches with bated breath, eager to witness the emergence of transformative responses that will redefine the future of conservation on the continent. For Details.