Story | 28 Jun, 2024

At Africa Regional Conservation Forum, delegates addressed climate change and biodiversity loss

More than 500 delegates gathered this week in Nairobi, Kenya for IUCN's Africa Regional Conservation Forum, where they discussed biodiversity, conservation, and the sustainable development challenges faced by the continent.

The Africa Regional Conservation Forum will include Plenary and thematic sessions to present and discuss key conservation challenges and trends in Africa.

Photo: IUCN

But more than that, the Forum served the critical function of helping IUCN – which is made up of more than 1,400 members – chart a path forward for the years to come. The Regional Conservation Fora – there are nine taking place across the globe this year – allow members to set priorities and help lay the foundation for the IUCN World Conservation Congress that will take place in Abu Dhabi in October 2025.

In Kenya, the delegates to the Africa RCF discussed critical issues to conservation in the continent, networked, and took a tour of Nairobi National Park, which was established in 1946 and is home to over 100 mammal species. IUCN also published an updated version of its report, "The state of protected and conserved areas in Eastern and Southern Africa".

There are nine Regional Conservation Fora across the world this year, and Africa took place second.

Traditional Kenyan dancers welcomed delegates to the Africa Regional Conservation Forum in Nairobi on 26 June.

The 500 delegates included IUCN members from across Africa. The 2024 Africa Regional Conservation Forum was the first time the entire continent was represented in one location.

Speakers at the Africa RCF included IUCN leaders and staff, members of non-profit conservation organisations, government officials, and more.

IUCN President Razan Al Mubarak welcomed delegates to the Africa RCF.

Dr Alfred Mutua, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife of the Republic of Kenya.

Dr David Obura, Chair, Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services and Director of CORDIO East Africa.

IUCN President Razan Al Mubarak with Dr Alfred Mutua, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife of the Republic of Kenya.

The Africa RCF allowed delegates from across the continent to network and discuss issues of mutual concern.

The RCF included poster exhibits, booths, and interactive learning sessions.

Delegates at the Africa RCF.

A speaker at the Africa RCF.

IUCN Director General Dr Grethel Aguilar speaking at the Africa RCF.

IUCN Director General Dr Grethel Aguilar along with Dr Alfred Mutua, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife of the Republic of Kenya, as they arrive for a tour of the Nairobi National Park.