Zimbabwe Hosts 2nd In-Person Africa Protected Areas Directors Conference
Central to APAD's mission is empowering protected area directors through capacity building and peer learning to navigate transboundary challenges.
VICTORIA FALLS, Zimbabwe— Protected area directors from across Africa have gathered in Victoria Falls for the second in-person Africa Protected Areas Directors (APAD) conference to address major conservation challenges facing the continent's wildlife and lands, writes Winston Mwale.
The March 5-8 event organized with support from the African Wildlife Foundation focuses on securing sustainable funding, adapting to climate change and fortifying collaboration among conservation leaders, guided by the 2021 Global Biodiversity Framework.
"Zimbabwe is honored to host the conference, a testament to our commitment to conservation excellence," said Environment Minister Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu.
"Together, we will confront the challenges head-on, guided by the Global Biodiversity Framework."
Since its 2020 founding with AWF support, APAD has served as a platform for African protected area directors to collaborate, share knowledge and undertake joint initiatives.
"The pivotal role protected area directors play cannot be understated," said AWF CEO Kaddu Sebunya.
"Conservation is about integrating efforts into our lives and communities, understanding ecosystem health impacts our well-being."
APAD has convened quarterly meetings, surveyed COVID-19's impact and protected area financing, and participated in forums like the Africa Climate Summit.
In June 2023, AWF and APAD launched their first project funded by Germany's climate initiative.
The Zimbabwe-hosted conference epitomizes APAD's commitment to collaboration, uniting directors, stakeholders and partners to forge a sustainable conservation future.
Central to APAD's mission is empowering protected area directors through capacity building and peer learning to navigate transboundary challenges.