Contribution of STI to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in Africa
AfriMAB and UNESCO biosphere reserves
To conserve and sustainably use biodiversity, African countries will also need to harness and apply S&T. UNESCO’s helps governments and policy–makers make informed decisions about biodiversity conservation in the context of national biodiversity strategies and action plans within the Convention on Biological Diversity.
The biosphere reserves in Africa aim to promote the conservation of biodiversity through eco-tourism, eco-industries or organic agriculture.
AfriMAB
Created in 1996 by national UNESCO-MAB committees from Africa, the AfriMab network promotes regional cooperation in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, particularly through four biogeographical sub-networks for arid and semi-arid zones, mountain regions forest and savannah regions, and coastal and island zones. Each sub-network focuses on instutional, legal and regulatory frameworks, participation of stakeholders and social partners and benefit-sharing, scientific research and capacity building, and transboundary biosphere reserves.
Indigenous Knowledge in Africa
Despite their contribution to biodiversity conservation and bioprospecting, increasing food production, fighting HIV/AIDS and other diseases and stemming environmental degradation, indigenous knowledge and technologies are not adequately promoted and protected in most African countries.