Africa faces growing threat from biodiversity loss, UN warns

Africa faces a growing threat from biodiversity loss, according to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. The warning was made during a meeting in Nairobi where scientists and government representatives discussed how countries can respond to the loss of biodiversity. Executive Secretary Astrid Schomaker stated that the world is spending 30 times more money on activities that harm nature than on protecting it.

Biodiversity, the variety of life on Earth, provides essential resources such as food, medicine, and clean water, and helps communities cope with climate change. Africa holds about a quarter of the world's biodiversity, but recent studies show that the continent has lost around 24% of its species since the pre-industrial era. This loss is particularly concerning for Africa as many people depend directly on natural resources for their livelihoods.

Factors contributing to biodiversity loss include climate change, rising temperatures, invasive species, pollution, and overuse of land and water. The meetings in Nairobi are transitioning from understanding the problem to finding solutions. Governments and negotiators are discussing how to incorporate biodiversity into national decisions and increase financial involvement.

The UN Environment Programme has noted that harmful investments and government subsidies continue to outweigh spending on nature protection. However, there are signs that countries are taking the issue seriously, with 125 countries submitting reports showing strong international engagement in tackling biodiversity loss. The recommendations from the Nairobi meetings are expected to contribute to discussions at COP17, the next meeting of parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity on October 19.

Schomaker emphasized the need to turn scientific knowledge into action and ensure everyone understands the importance of biodiversity for their lives and make the right decisions to protect it.