Africa is losing species and natural resources crucial for millions of people, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity has warned. The continent has already lost about 24% of its species since the pre-industrial period. This significant decline directly impacts food, income, and clean water for many communities.
This urgent warning emerged from Nairobi, where scientists and government representatives are currently meeting. Their discussions focus on how countries can effectively respond to the accelerating loss of biodiversity. Executive Secretary Astrid Schomaker highlighted a stark financial imbalance: the world spends 30 times more money on activities that harm nature than on protecting it.
This issue fits into Ghana’s broader economic narrative, where climate change impacts and sustainable development are critical. Ghana, like many African nations, relies heavily on its natural capital for agriculture, fisheries, and tourism. The degradation of these resources can lead to reduced agricultural yields, increased food insecurity, and economic instability. Protecting biodiversity is essential for maintaining ecosystem services that underpin economic growth and public health.
Ms. Schomaker stated, “Thanks to biodiversity, we have food. Biodiversity gives us clean water. It helps us fight climate change. It makes us more resilient.” She emphasized that biodiversity supports ecosystems and provides essential resources like food, medicine, and clean water. It also helps communities build resilience against climate change impacts.
The implications for Ghana and the wider continent are profound. Continued biodiversity loss will exacerbate existing challenges such as food shortages and water scarcity. Decision-makers must integrate biodiversity protection into national development plans and economic policies. Financial institutions will need to increase their involvement in funding nature conservation efforts. The outcomes of the Nairobi meetings will inform discussions at COP17, where countries will review progress on global biodiversity targets.
Africa holds about a quarter of the world's biodiversity, making its preservation globally significant. The direct dependence of many African people on natural resources makes this loss a particular concern. Climate change is identified as a primary cause of biodiversity loss, with Africa being especially vulnerable to climate shocks. Other pressures include rising temperatures, invasive species, pollution, and the overuse of land and water resources. These factors directly affect rural and coastal communities' ability to secure food, income, and clean water.
The meetings in Nairobi are now shifting from problem identification to finding practical solutions. Governments and negotiators are discussing how to embed biodiversity considerations into national decision-making processes. They are also exploring ways to increase financial institution involvement and raise the necessary funds to close the significant funding gap. The UN Environment Programme previously warned that harmful investments, including fossil fuel subsidies, still outweigh spending on nature protection.
Despite the challenges, there are signs of growing international commitment. The Convention on Biological Diversity reports that 125 countries have submitted reports, indicating strong engagement. Individuals also have a role, through actions like planting trees and avoiding harmful chemicals. The recommendations from Nairobi are crucial for COP17, scheduled for October 19, where progress on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework will be reviewed. Ms. Schomaker stressed the need to translate scientific knowledge into urgent action, ensuring everyone understands that destroying biodiversity means destroying the foundation of their lives.