Why a Colloquium on the African Wildlife Economy

As a postgraduate fellow with the African Wildlife Economy Institute, I was privileged to participate in the enlightening inaugural African Wildlife Economy Colloquium, held from 4–6 November at Stellenbosch University. The colloquium brought together a diverse group of experts to discuss the pressing issues at the intersection of wildlife conservation and economic development imperatives in Africa. 

During the colloquium, participants included attendees from 17 countries (12 of them in Africa). A total of 165 attendees participated online, while 64 attendees joined in person. The event featured 52 speakers sharing their insights and contributing to the event's dynamic discussions. The diverse audience comprised researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, all united by a shared commitment to advancing wildlife economies and conservation efforts across the continent.

Aligning Conservation and Economics

A prominent theme throughout the colloquium was the necessity of aligning conservation efforts with economic considerations. Many speakers emphasised that for wildlife to thrive, policies must support both biodiversity protection and economic sustainability. This alignment is crucial, notably in wildlife ranching, where economic pressures can lead to decisions that undermine conservation goals. The discussions highlighted the importance of creating policies that incentivise conservation and make it financially viable for landowners and communities to engage in sustainable wildlife management.

Innovative Financial Incentives

Another topic was the exploration of Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) to enhance the economic competitiveness of wildlife conservation. By providing financial incentives for preserving ecosystems, PES can align economic interests with conservation objectives, making wildlife conservation an attractive option compared to traditional agricultural practices. This innovative approach emerged as a promising strategy to bolster the wildlife economy while protecting natural resources.

Certification for Sustainability

The importance of certification systems in promoting sustainable practices was a recurring theme. Presenters discussed how third-party verification and certification can enhance the credibility of wildlife products, from game meat to wild plant ingredients. These systems assure consumers of the sustainability of their purchases and encourage producers to adhere to best practices, creating a market for ethically sourced wildlife products.

Emerging Opportunities in Wildlife Trade

The colloquium also highlighted emerging opportunities within wildlife economies, particularly in game meat markets and the often-overlooked insect trade. Discussions emphasised the potential for these sectors to contribute significantly to local economies and food security. However, careful management and regulation are essential to ensure that these industries do not compromise biodiversity.

Ethical Considerations in Wildlife Management

There was a critical examination of ethical considerations surrounding hunting and wildlife use. The conversations emphasised the need for equitable distribution of benefits derived from wildlife resources, addressing concerns about fairness and sustainability. This focus on ethics is vital for fostering community support for conservation initiatives and ensuring that local populations benefit from wildlife management efforts.

One Health Approach

Finally, the necessity of the integration of human, animal, and environmental health was highlighted through the One Health approach. Experts stressed that sustainable wildlife production must consider the interconnectedness of these health considerations. By adopting a holistic perspective, stakeholders can develop strategies that promote biodiversity, public health, and economic resilience.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The African Wildlife Economy Colloquium was a rich tapestry of ideas, insights, and discussions illuminating the complexities of managing Africa’s wildlife economy. The themes of aligning conservation with economics, innovative financial incentives, certification for sustainability, emerging market opportunities, ethical considerations, and the One Health approach stood out as crucial areas for future exploration and action.

The African Wildlife Economy Institute hosted the event in partnership with:

The article was originally published on 22 November 2024 on Stellenbosch University's website here.

  • Klarine Schutte

    Postgraduate Fellow