As COP16 unfolds, the spotlight is on biodiversity, and Africa is taking centre stage. The continent’s rich ecosystems—forests, wetlands, and coastal regions—are key for global climate stability.
Yet, these same ecosystems are increasingly facing the threat of degradation as African nations strive for economic growth through renewable energy projects. This analysis delves into how African countries at COP16 aim to balance the urgency of a just energy transition with the need to protect their invaluable biodiversity.
Biodiversity for Climate Resilience
Africa holds some of the world’s most diverse ecosystems. Its rainforests, such as the Congo Basin, are known as the “lungs of Africa” for their vital role in carbon sequestration. According to a report by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), these forests absorb approximately 1.2 billion metric tons of CO2 each year, equivalent to Japan’s annual emissions.
The largest carbon sink in the world, even more than the Amazon, the Congo Basin is critical in the fight against global warming. Similarly, Africa’s wetlands and mangrove systems help buffer coastal communities against sea-level rise and extreme weather events, contributing to climate resilience.
However, many of these ecosystems are under threat. Deforestation, driven by agricultural expansion and illegal logging, has increased over the past decade. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that Africa lost over 3.9 million hectares of forest annually from 2010 to 2020. These losses directly undermine Africa’s ability to combat climate change.
At COP16, African nations are stressing that biodiversity is not just an environmental issue but a fundamental part of climate action. “We cannot separate our biodiversity from our climate strategies,” says Amina Mohammed, the UN Deputy Secretary-General, in her address during the summit’s opening. “A healthy ecosystem is our best ally in achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.”
Renewable Energy vs. Biodiversity: A delicate balance
The drive for renewable energy is evident across Africa. Countries like Kenya, Morocco, and South Africa have made strides in solar and wind energy.
Kenya, for instance, boasts the largest wind farm in Africa, the Lake Turkana Wind Power Project, which generates over 300 MW, meeting about 15% of Kenya’s energy needs. Yet, such projects are not without their controversies.
Renewable energy infrastructure often requires large tracts of land, posing risks to local biodiversity.
In South Africa, the expansion of solar farms in the Northern Cape has raised concerns among conservationists. The region is home to several endangered species, including the riverine rabbit, which faces habitat loss due to new solar developments. Local advocacy groups at COP16 have called for stricter environmental assessments before the approval of large-scale renewable projects.
African nations have responded by emphasising the importance of community involvement in project planning. “We must ensure that our renewable energy projects do not become a new form of land grabbing,” says Namibia’s Minister of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, Pohamba Shifeta. “Community-led conservation must be at the forefront of our energy plans.”
Presenting a Unified African Strategy at COP16
One of the main outcomes expected from COP16 is a unified African strategy that aligns biodiversity conservation with the continent’s energy transition goals.
This involves a shift towards decentralised renewable energy solutions that minimise land use. For example, Rwanda is investing in mini-grid solar systems that power remote areas without the need for extensive infrastructure.
Data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) suggests that decentralised solar solutions could provide electricity to over 265 million Africans by 2030, significantly reducing the need for large-scale energy projects that disrupt ecosystems. Furthermore, countries like Gabon are promoting sustainable forestry practices that allow logging while preserving biodiversity, creating a model for balancing economic activities with conservation.
In Gabon’s case, their forests serve as a carbon sink, absorbing over 100 million tons of CO2 annually. Gabon’s President Ali Bongo Ondimba highlighted at COP16 that his country’s sustainable forestry practices contribute to both local livelihoods and global climate goals. “We are showing that economic growth and conservation can go hand in hand,” he stated during a plenary session.
Biodiversity Offset a Controversial Solution
Some African countries are exploring biodiversity offset programs as a way to reconcile renewable energy development with conservation.
This approach involves compensating for biodiversity loss in one area by conserving or restoring habitats in another. It has gained traction in countries like Ghana, where mining and energy projects are often in conflict with wildlife habitats.
At COP16, Ghana’s delegation presented its national framework for biodiversity offsets, which includes reforestation projects aimed at restoring degraded lands.
According to Ghana’s Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, “We recognize that development has impacts, but we are committed to ensuring that these impacts are mitigated through practical measures.”
Critics, however, argue that offsets can become a loophole that allows developers to continue harmful practices while shifting the responsibility of restoration elsewhere. Environmental groups at COP16 have called for more stringent guidelines on offsets to ensure they result in genuine conservation gains rather than becoming a mere checkbox exercise for companies.
International Support
African countries at COP16 are not only focusing on their internal strategies but also seeking greater international support. Many argue that a just energy transition in Africa cannot be achieved without substantial funding from wealthier nations.
This is particularly critical for countries like Madagascar and Mozambique, where conservation efforts are hampered by limited resources.
The African Group of Negotiators at COP16 has emphasised the need for increased financing for both biodiversity protection and renewable energy projects.
The Green Climate Fund, which was set up to assist developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices, has been a focal point of discussions. However, many African leaders believe the fund’s commitments fall short of the actual needs.
A recent analysis from the African Development Bank (AfDB) shows that Africa requires an estimated $3 trillion in climate financing by 2030 to meet its biodiversity and energy transition goals. Yet, current pledges remain far below this target. “We need financing that matches the scale of our challenges,” said Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan during a high-level segment. “Without this support, our efforts to preserve our ecosystems and transition to clean energy will be compromised.”
