Evening Discussion: “Investing in Nature – Systemic Challenges and the Future of African-German Cooperation”

Conservation, particularly in Africa, is often seen only in terms of wildlife protection and biodiversity preservation. However, conservation encompasses a wide range of issues and sectors, including climate change, peace and security, as well as health, to name just a few. Investing in the conservation of Africa’s natural infrastructure is not merely an environmental endeavour or just for Africa’s welfare; it is an investment in our collective future and sustainable economic growth. This natural infrastructure intersects with vital production sectors like forestry, agriculture, fisheries, energy, mining, industry, and tourism. The future and integrity of these ecosystems largely rest in how African countries establish conducive policy frameworks for integrated spatial planning and embed safeguards for inclusive green growth in these production sectors. Several African countries have already recognised the untapped potential of biodiversity economies as a standalone sector integrating it into their economic plans. However, in order to ensure a successful and sustainable integration, financing gaps urgently need to be identified and closed. This also requires a critical assessment of today’s international cooperation.

What examples can be shared for existing cooperation that can serve as motivation for transfer to other countries and contexts? Where are the most urgent financing gaps and what solutions are there to overcome them? How can we strengthen African-German partnership in these areas?

These and other questions will be the focus of the discussion to which the German Africa Foundation and the African Wildlife Foundation cordially invite you.

The discussion is part of the “Africa Forum Berlin – Nature as key to climate, security and health: connecting the dots for enhanced African-German collaboration and follows the afternoon workshop sessions on 1) Financing Climate Adaptation, Mitigation, and Justice, (2) Nature, Peace, and Security, and (3) Health and Nature. Here, experts and policy makers from Africa and Germany will discuss conservation from different perspectives and draft policy recommendations. The results of these discussions will be incorporated into the evening session.

If you are interested in the Africa Forum Berlin, please contact info@deutsche-afrika-stiftung.de

Programme

Welcome Remarks
Sabine Odhiambo, Secretary General, German Africa Foundation

Opening Remarks
H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn Boshe, former Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

Keynotes
H.E. Prosper Dodiko, Minister for the Environment, Agriculture and Livestock of the Republic of Burundi and acting President of the Commission des Forêts d’Afrique Central (COMIFAC)
Dr Jan-Niclas Gesenhues, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV)

Panel Discussion

Investing in Nature: Systemic Challenges and the Future of African-German Cooperation
Paulo Gomes, Chairman, Orango Investment Corporation
Dina Lorentz, Board Member, Federal Initiative Impact Investing; Head of Legal Advisory ESG and Sustainable Finance
Dr Richard S. Muyungi, Special Envoy and Advisor to the President of the United Republic of Tanzania on Environment and Climate Change
Dr Jane Olwoch, Executive Director, Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL)
Birgit Pickel, Director-General for Africa, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

Closing Remarks
Kaddu Sebunya, CEO, African Wildlife Foundation

19:45hrs – Cocktail und Networking

21:00hrs – End