The first ever African Protected Areas Congress (APAC) in Kigali, Rwanda closes with strong calls to action for people and nature
I was delighted to remotely attend the first ever African Protected Areas Congress held last week in Kigali, Rwanda, which saw more than 2,400 participants join from across the continent and the rest of the world.
Under the theme “For People and Nature” the Congress identified priority actions to strengthen Africa’s protected and conserved areas in a manner that is just, equitable and fair. These actions include a strengthening of the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities, greater public and private financial investment in nature conservation and protected and conserved areas, and enhanced Pan-African collaboration, cooperation and partnership for protected and conserved area systems throughout the continent.
“Rwanda was proud to host the Africa Protected Areas Congress. We are glad it has been a success. We must put people at the centre of conservation if we are to achieve the goals we have set for ourselves and move to actions", said the Honourable Dr Jeanne D’Arc Mujawamariya, Minister of Environment of Rwanda.
“This inaugural IUCN Africa Protected Areas Congress has highlighted that Africa’s protected and conserved areas are vital for nature and biodiversity, but also for African peoples’ livelihoods and cultures”, said IUCN Director General Dr Bruno Oberle. “It has formed an unprecedented and diverse coalition that includes governments and civil society stakeholders such as youth, indigenous peoples and local communities as well as protected area directors and rangers to strengthen protection and conservation.”
“The Africa Protected Area Congress has further exhibited that the importance of conservation is non-negotiable. Therefore, we call upon all African governments to actualize their commitments to safeguard nature and actively engage with all relevant stakeholders in the creation of A-Pan African Conservation Trust that honours the strong statements within The Kigali Call to Action. Let us get to work.” said Kaddu Sebunya, CEO of African Wildlife Foundation.
During the opening plenary of the IUCN Africa Protected Areas Congress in Kigali, Rwanda, on 18 July 2022, Milka Chepkorir (Sengwer) delivered key messages from Indigenous Peoples and local communities who participated in a dedicated pre-Congress workshop.
During a closing plenary, representatives of youth and Indigenous Peoples groups delivered statements, followed by the formal adoption of the Kigali Call to Action and closing remarks by the co-conveners of the event, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the African Wildlife Foundation, and the Government of Rwanda.