Environment summit kicks off

The Consortium of African Funds for the Environment (Cafe) is hosting its annual meeting at Swakopmund this week.

The meeting aims to promote participant cooperation, education, and creativity on sustainable funding, biodiversity conservation, and the use of technology in conservation.

The meeting is part of a deliberate effort to improve environmental protection across Africa.

“The 2024 consortium marks a critical turning point in ongoing efforts to address environmental issues and advance sustainable development throughout Africa,” Cafe noted in a recent statement.

The event is poised to be a landmark occasion for stakeholders committed to preserving Africa’s rich biodiversity and is being held in partnership with the Community Conservation Fund of Namibia.

Cafe, established as a network of the ConservationTrust Funds (CTFs), is driven to tackle positive change in environmental conservation, noted the statement.

“With 18 member funds managing over US$300 million in endowments and additional donor financing, Cafe is well-positioned to make a lasting impact on the continent’s conservation efforts,” noted the statement.

The fund aims to facilitate collaboration and networking among member funds to enhance knowledge exchange and best practices in environmental conservation; build institutional capacity within CTFs to optimise their impact and sustainability; and advocate for increased investment in conservation and sustainable development initiatives across Africa.

It also aims to foster partnerships with governments, non-governmental organisations, private sector entities, and other stakeholders to advance common conservation goals as well as promote innovation and adaptability in conservation strategies to address emerging environmental challenges.

“As Africa continues to face the challenges of environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate change, the importance of collective action and collaboration cannot be overstated,” noted the statement.

“Through synergy, innovation and unwavering commitment, Cafe and its partners are paving the way for a sustainable and resilient future for Africa’s people and ecosystem,” read the statement.