Africa Paves the Way for a Greener Future: Global Conference Highlights Ecosystem Revitalisation

Panelists at the GLF Africa 2024 plenary, “New Frontiers of Action: Global Impact from the Ground Up. Photo by the Global Landscapes Forum

As the world prepares for the 2024 United Nations conferences on climate, biodiversity, and desertification, Africa is stepping into the spotlight with ambitious plans to restore degraded landscapes and foster sustainable livelihoods.

The GLF Africa 2024 Hybrid Conference: Greening the African Horizon, hosted by the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) in Nairobi, brought together thousands of participants—from local communities and Indigenous Peoples to youth leaders, scientists, and policymakers—eager to showcase Africa’s potential for a resilient and equitable future.

Éliane Ubalijoro, CEO of the Centre for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), emphasised the power of collaboration: “Together, we have the power to green Africa and beyond—securing livelihoods, food security, climate resilience, and biodiversity conservation.

The challenges posed by the climate crisis are immense, but Africa is rich in local knowledge, innovative solutions, and emerging technologies.”

One innovative initiative highlighted at the conference is a new framework developed by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) under the Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration (FOLUR) Impact Programme.

Piloted in countries including India, Kenya, Nicaragua, Nigeria, and Vietnam, this framework aims to enhance sustainable production, restore ecosystems, and alleviate pressure on forests. Elijah Mboko, National Technical Specialist at FAO Kenya, stressed the importance of integrating new tools into existing systems to strengthen rather than disrupt current practices.

The GLF is also launching an AI hub to promote community-driven solutions, connecting landscape actors and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Catherine Nakalembe, Associate Research Professor at the University of Maryland and Africa Programme Director at NASA Harvest, noted the need for context-aware models to better understand local agricultural practices.

Discussions on tree planting as a crucial component of forest restoration underscored the importance of effective seed and seedling delivery systems. During a session titled “A Transformative Partnership Platform for Tree Seed and Seedling Delivery Systems,” experts addressed challenges such as a lack of technical capacity and stakeholder coordination, calling for participatory approaches to engage communities and develop a market for native tree species.

With Africa's young population—70% under the age of 35—playing a vital role in shaping the continent's future, speakers emphasised the necessity of a whole-of-society approach to biodiversity and climate crises.

Simangele Msweli, Senior Manager for the Youth Leadership Programme at the African Wildlife Foundation, stated, “Everyone must take action.”

Writers and activists Felicity Asiibi Akwa and Taiye Owo captured the spirit of opportunity in Africa, declaring, “Africa is a land of culture with enormous potential for wealth and abundance. We succeed when the least of us is listened to and not left behind.”

Deborah Oyugi, English Countries Manager at the Youth Initiative for Land in Africa (Yilaa), highlighted the importance of developing indigenous solutions to climate justice and land restoration, advocating for greater involvement of women in addressing land issues.

As Africa positions itself as a leader in sustainable development, the GLF Africa 2024 conference not only underscores the continent's rich resources and innovation but also sets a precedent for a greener, more equitable world.