23 Jan 2023

A gap is further widening between debates that were taking place at international platforms recently which are concerning the way forward of conservation and sustainable use concepts.

19 Jan 2023

The use of terms is important in international policy. Words attempt to shape a common understanding of the challenges and responses set out in multilateral agreements. A most interesting outcome of the recent 15th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP15) is the return of the term wild – notably in the new Global Biodiversity Framework in which it appears seven times. 

19 Dec 2022

After many, many months of consultations and negotiations, the 15th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP15) has agreed on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). There is much in the GBF which supports the development of the wildlife economy in Africa...

15 Dec 2022

Expanding the value chain of Kinkeliba is a way to boost economic growth and advance bio-trade revenues in the continent while conserving natural habitats, especially in Senegal, West Africa where there is already a market to supply.

14 Dec 2022

At the current Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP15) alongside negotiations on a post-2020 global biodiversity framework, several other important issues are under discussion. This includes a path-breaking decision by COP15 to mainstream the sustainable use of wild species.

06 Dec 2022

The recent 19th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES CoP19) mostly increased or maintained non-tariff barriers to the trade in African wildlife products. A notable exception was to allow Namibia to sell live rhinos to conservation areas elsewhere on the continent. The Summary Records of CoP19 on the outcomes of the Appendices proposals for African species indicate that many African countries continue to support trade barriers over trade liberalisation.

29 Nov 2022

With some fanfare, the 19th CITES CoP ended last week. Many conservationists celebrated the fact the numerous species (including various songbirds, turtles, frogs, and sharks) had achieved new ‘trade protections’ – meaning that they are now subject to additional restrictions on international trade, as per listings on the CITES Appendices. However, unlike the previous (18th) CoP (which saw the Appendix II listing of giraffes), no additional meaningful trade restrictions were placed on any species of African megafauna.

25 Nov 2022

The UK House of Commons is currently considering a Hunting Trophy (Import Prohibition) Bill. The aim of this bill is to:

At the second reading on Friday, 25 November 2022, Sir Bill Wiggin MP made a thought-provoking comment on the bill.

23 Nov 2022

CITES COP19 is currently meeting in Panama City to decide on international trade measures for endangered species. The decisions will be in force after 28 days from the last day of the CoP, but who benefits from these decisions and resolution?
So far, all decisions that have been recommended for adoption are against the principle of sustainable use which is the basis for successful wildlife conservation in countries in Southern Africa.

18 Nov 2022

Global leaders, and conservationists are currently convening in different parts of the world through the UNFCCC, CITES, and CBD conventions from all of which key decisions shaping the global conservation and development agenda for the next decade or so, will be made.
The biggest challenge remains to be the conventional sectorial and siloed approaches to the implementation of these policies towards addressing the inter-connected social, environmental, economic, and political challenges.

17 Nov 2022

Combretum micranthum is a species found all throughout its Western region, and endemically in Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso. The leaves are widely utilised and known for their very rich internal (antimicrobial, anti-malarial, hepatobiliary activity) and external (cure skin disease such as psoriasis and pimple breakdowns) health benefits. 

14 Nov 2022

The 19th Conference of the Parties (COP19) of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is the first to be held since the commencement of trading under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Hence, it is useful for African Parties to CITES to consider how they might ensure policy coherence for sustainable development (SDG Target 17.14) between CITES and AfCFTA. Further attention to the livelihoods implications of CITES COP19 decisions could be useful.

11 Nov 2022

CITES COP19 - the 19th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora - starts on the 14th of November. The African Wildlife Economy Institute (AWEI) will be following closely the negotiations on measures to enable or inhibit the trade in African wildlife products.

31 Oct 2022

The world looks to COP27 to negotiate our future against a ticking clock. With the event taking place on African soil this year, this is a valuable opportunity to gain climate wins for the continent.

27 Oct 2022

South Africa’s wildlife ranches can offer solutions to Africa’s growing conservation challenges. Additional conservation models are called for. One such model is wildlife ranching.