Conservation experts from China and Africa have participated in a virtual forum to discuss innovative ways to enhance sustainable management and utilization of wild species.
The webinar which focused on enhanced protection of wildlands and iconic species was convened by African Civil Society Organizations Biodiversity Alliance (ACBA) and China’s Civil Society Alliance for Biodiversity Conservation (CSABC).
The virtual forum deliberated on the importance of conserving biodiversity hotspots in order to secure the livelihoods of local communities.
The experts agreed that health and economic well-being among indigenous and local communities were directly linked to the enhanced protection of vital ecosystems including forests.
A professor at China’s Jishou University, Zhou Hongguo said that preservation of genetic resources should underpin efforts to promote food security and the well-being of communities.
Zhou stressed the need to integrate ecological protection with shared economic benefits among local communities whose wealth of indigenous knowledge has proved effective in conserving rare species.
Experts attending the forum believed that the webinar will improve appreciation of the interdependence between planetary health, sustainable development, and improved well-being of local communities.
According to the project coordinator of African Conservation Center, Tobias Nyumba said that strategic engagement among green lobbies is key to promote the health of indigenous biodiversity.
At the end of the forum, all parties agreed that local communities should be sensitized to protect endangered wild species and reverse damage to their livelihoods.
