The recently concluded CBD COP16 in Rome marked an essential moment for global biodiversity conservation. For African nations, the outcomes of the conference present both challenges and opportunities. The establishment of a permanent financial mechanism under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the launch of the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) are significant. These developments could provide the necessary resources for African countries to integrate biodiversity conservation into their national development strategies.
Fred Njehu, Pan-African Political Strategist for Greenpeace Africa, in an interview with ACI noted that the financial mechanism is a “partial success” but explained its potential to address the funding gap for biodiversity programs. “African countries proposed that the financial mechanism be hosted by the CBD to ensure easier access to funds,” he said. This is important, as existing mechanisms like the Global Environment Facility (GEF) often have complex procedures that hinder resource accessibility.
The GBFF, which aims to mobilize $20 billion annually by 2030, could be a game changer. However, Njehu cautioned that the speed of resource mobilization will determine its effectiveness. “If the money is not mobilized at scale, it will be difficult for countries to implement their programs,” he said. African nations like Kenya, South Africa, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have ambitious biodiversity action plans but lack the resources to execute them.
One practical way African nations can leverage COP16 outcomes is by investing in community-based conservation projects. These initiatives protect biodiversity and create economic opportunities for local communities. For instance, eco-tourism in countries like Rwanda and Namibia has shown how biodiversity can be a development asset. Similarly, bioprospecting exploring biological resources for commercially valuable genetic and biochemical properties could unlock new revenue streams while promoting conservation.
International partnerships will be key in supporting these efforts. Developed nations and private sector actors must step up their contributions to the GBFF. Njehu explained the importance of ensuring that funds benefit local communities and indigenous groups, who are often on the frontlines of conservation. “The faster the resources are mobilized, the better for African countries,” he said.
Climate Change and Biodiversity: Loss Africa’s Dual Crisis
Climate change and biodiversity loss are two sides of the same coin, and nowhere is this more evident than in Africa. The continent’s rich ecosystems are under threat from rising temperatures, deforestation, and land degradation. At COP16, the interconnectedness of these crises was a recurring theme, with calls for integrated approaches to environmental management.
Njehu pointed out that African countries heavily reliant on forests and other ecosystems are particularly vulnerable. “Every climate agreement must include aspects of biodiversity,” he said. “You cannot address climate change without considering biodiversity, and vice versa.” For example, deforestation in the Congo Basin not only contributes to biodiversity loss but also exacerbates climate change by releasing stored carbon dioxide.
Case studies from across Africa illustrate the dual impact of these crises. In the Sahel, desertification is destroying habitats and reducing agricultural productivity, threatening food security and livelihoods. In East Africa, prolonged droughts are driving wildlife migration and human-wildlife conflicts. These challenges show the need for holistic solutions that address both climate change and biodiversity loss.
One promising approach is landscape restoration, which involves rehabilitating degraded ecosystems to enhance their resilience to climate change. Initiatives like the Great Green Wall in the Sahel aim to restore 100 million hectares of land, sequester carbon, and create jobs. However, such projects require significant funding and technical support.
Njehu explained the role of international cooperation in addressing these intertwined crises. “Developed countries must take more responsibility,” he said. “They have contributed the most to biodiversity loss and climate change, so they should lead the way in providing financial and technical support.”
The lack of strong enforcement mechanisms in the CBD remains a concern. While the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities places greater accountability on developed nations, there are no penalties for non-compliance. Njehu argued that political will and global cooperation are essential for meaningful progress. “It’s not about reforming the convention,” he said. “It’s about countries rallying together to implement agreements in good faith.”
Key Outcomes from COP16
The COP16 meeting in Rome, which resumed after being postponed in 2025, focused on finalizing agreements on several critical issues. According to the CBD official closing statement, the conference achieved significant progress, including the adoption of the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF). The fund aims to mobilize $20 billion annually by 2030, with an interim target of $10 billion by 2025. This financial commitment is key for developing countries, like Africa, where biodiversity loss is most acute.
The GBFF will prioritize funding for projects that align with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), adopted at COP15. The framework sets ambitious targets, including protecting 30% of the planet’s land and oceans by 2030 (30×30 target) and restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems. For African nations, this means increased support for protected areas and community-led conservation initiatives.
During the negotiations, African countries played a key role in advocating for equitable access to funding. The African Group explained the need for simplified procedures to access financial resources, arguing that existing mechanisms like the GEF are often inaccessible due to bureaucratic hurdles.
The UNEP-WCMC report explained the importance of integrating biodiversity into national development plans. It indicated that African countries like Kenya and South Africa have already developed National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) but require international support to implement them. The report also noted the key role of indigenous communities and local stakeholders in achieving biodiversity targets.
Njehu noted that the role of African negotiators and the African Group in future CBD negotiations will be critical. “African countries must come together with a common position and ensure they are well-prepared to negotiate complex arrangements,” he said. With the right strategies and international support, Africa can lead the way in achieving the global biodiversity targets set at COP16.
