Collaboration key to reversing biodiversity loss, experts say
Delegates to the 10th Africa Regional Dialogue for Biodiversity Finance have touted the public-private-partnership (PPP) model that brought Majete Wildlife Reserve in Chikwawa back to life as a worthwhile approach to reversing biodiversity loss.
Speaking in separate interviews after visiting the rejuvenated park, delegates to the three-day conference, which was being held in Blantyre, hailed the success story of the park which was completely degraded but has since claimed a position as one of the best biodiversity conservation centres in the country following a two-decade effort by African Parks.
Tanzania UNDP country office programme specialist Abbas Kitogo said it is pleasing to see that a lot has been achieved to restore the park.
“We have seen the efforts that were put in place to restore this park. A lot has been achieved in terms of restoration of revenue and community engagement in terms of livelihood so that they can participate in the conservation of the reserve,” said Kitogo.
He said countries should learn how they can increase revenue to bridge financial gaps that exist in biodiversity conservation.
Ugandan delegate Monique Akullo said the success of Majete Wildlife Reserve shows that community involvement helps in biodiversity conservation.
Said Akullo: “We have also seen that schools in the community have been developed and communities are benefitting through beekeeping. This has reduced the poaching levels.”
Biodiversity Finance Initiative senior programme adviser Herve Barois said Majete is a testimony that PPP in biodiversity conservation really works.
“It is an amazing experience. The partnership between the Government of Malawi and African Parks has restored the degraded area 20 years ago from nothing to a pristine environment that attracts tourists and revenue which gives economic benefit to the country,” he said.
Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change chief environmental officer responsible for biodiversity Mphatso Kalemba Msukwa said it takes a lot of resources to conserve biodiversity; hence, the need for increased investment in the sector.
She said apart from law enforcement, there is also need to appreciate why people encroach protected areas.
Biodiversity Financing Initiative, which is being supported by UNDP, promotes conservation efforts and sustainable development.
The conference, which ended yesterday, brought together 70 biodiversity experts from 18 countries.
