SANBI Regional Engagement Strategy for Africa 2016-2021

The SANBI Regional Engagement Strategy for Africa, focuses on biodiversity, sustainable development, and the importance of data in supporting ecological initiatives from 2016 to 2021.

Importance of Biodiversity in Africa

Biodiversity is crucial for sustainable development and economic growth in Africa.

• Africa is one of the most megadiverse continents, providing vital ecosystem services.
• Biodiversity supports key economic sectors such as forestry, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, health, and energy.
• The continent's GDP rose significantly from 2000-2008, with a decline in poverty levels.
• Africa has 60% of uncultivated land, primarily in the Guinea Savanna region, which is critical for food security.

Transitioning to a Green Economy

Africa has the potential to transition towards a Green Economy through biodiversity conservation.

• A Green Economy aims to improve human well-being while reducing environmental risks.
• Conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity are central to achieving a Green Economy.
• Reliable biodiversity data is essential for informed policymaking and sustainable development.

SANBI's Role in Biodiversity Management

SANBI plays a key role in managing and mobilizing biodiversity data in Africa.

• SANBI has published over 11 million primary biodiversity records through GBIF.
• The institute collaborates with various African countries to strengthen biodiversity informatics.
• SANBI supports capacity building initiatives, such as the Southern African Botanical Diversity Network (SABONET).

Strategic Objectives of SANBI's Engagement

The SANBI Regional Engagement Strategy outlines five strategic objectives for biodiversity management.

• Collaboration with African botanical gardens to enhance biodiversity awareness.
• Strengthening capacity to mobilize foundational data for decision-making.
• Building institutional capacity in biodiversity information management.
• Supporting regional cooperation in fulfilling international biodiversity commitments.

Challenges in Biodiversity Data Accessibility

Africa faces significant challenges in accessing and utilizing biodiversity data.

• Only 4% of global biodiversity records pertain to African species, mostly published by non-African institutions.
• There is a strong spatial bias in biodiversity databases due to uneven data collection efforts.
• Limited participation of African countries in global biodiversity assessments hampers effective decision-making.

South Africa's Leadership in Regional Engagement

South Africa is increasingly active in regional and international biodiversity initiatives.

• The country has engaged in peacekeeping and conflict resolution across Africa.
• South Africa champions African interests in multilateral environmental agreements.
• The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) aims to strengthen regional cooperation on environmental issues.

Policy Framework Supporting Biodiversity Initiatives

The SANBI strategy aligns with various international and national biodiversity frameworks.

• The strategy supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Aichi Targets of the CBD.
• It contributes to the NEPAD Environment Initiative and the African Convention on Conservation of Nature.
• National policies emphasize integrated management and cooperation with neighboring countries for biodiversity conservation.

SANBI's Regional and International Efforts

SANBI has been actively involved in biodiversity initiatives at both regional and continental levels, focusing on collaboration and data management.

• Majority of efforts concentrated in southern Africa/SADC, with some continental initiatives.
• Active participation in international initiatives, including IUCN Red List assessments and National Geographic-funded surveys.
• Significant roles in intergovernmental processes like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and IPBES.

Strategic Objectives for Biodiversity Management

SANBI aims to achieve five strategic objectives to enhance biodiversity management and support sustainable development.

• Objective 1: Collaborate with African botanical gardens to promote biodiversity and culture.
• Objective 2: Strengthen capacity to mobilize foundational data for decision-making in sustainable development.
• Objective 3: Build capacity for biodiversity research and assessments to inform policy.
• Objective 4: Enhance institutional capacity in Biodiversity Information Management.
• Objective 5: Support South Africa's role in fulfilling international conventions and national development plans.

Collaboration with African Botanical Gardens

SANBI seeks to partner with African botanical gardens to enhance biodiversity conservation and cultural education.

• Explore partnerships for management and development of botanical gardens.
• Establish an African Botanic Gardens Network with BGCI.
• Support capacity building for staff in botanical gardens.
• Develop management plans to combat biological invasions.

Mobilizing Foundational Biodiversity Data

Efforts are underway to fill data gaps essential for education, research, and sustainable development decision-making.

• Mobilize historic and priority biodiversity records on the GBIF platform.
• Assist SADC countries in addressing sampling gaps for priority species through field trips.

Capacity Building for Biodiversity Research

SANBI is focused on enhancing capacity for biodiversity research and assessments to inform decision-making.

• Support species and ecosystem assessments in priority SADC countries.
• Facilitate spatial biodiversity assessment and planning for NBSAP development.
• Engage in capacity building for Natural Capital Accounting and managing biological invasions.

Institutional Capacity in Biodiversity Information Management

Building institutional capacity is crucial for effective biodiversity data management and usage.

• Ensure data management and publishing are fit for use in science and policy.
• Develop technology and tools relevant to the African context for data sharing.
• Create curricula and research agendas for Biodiversity Informatics.

Strengthening South Africa's Role in Regional Biodiversity

SANBI aims to enhance South Africa's role in supporting SADC and other African countries in biodiversity management.

• Coordinate regional efforts in support of international conventions.
• Engage with CITES structures to improve oversight of species in trade.
• Participate in IPBES assessments to strengthen the data-science-policy interface.

Past and Current Biodiversity Initiatives

SANBI has led and supported various biodiversity initiatives, contributing to conservation and data mobilization.

• Current initiatives include the SADC Crop Wild Relatives project and biological surveys in biodiversity hotspots.
• Past initiatives include the African Plants Initiative and the Barcode of Wildlife project.
• Regional informatics initiatives focus on mobilizing biodiversity data and enhancing capacity across Africa.