A CALL TO ACTION: Conservation of Biodiversity, a necessary ingredient to attain sustainable development, reduce poverty and conflict in Africa.

Addis Ababa, 18 November 2014 – While Africa has significant resources in respect to the wild flora and fauna - 25% of the world’s mammal species and 22% of plant species are in Africa, illegal trade of wild flora and fauna in Africa is a serious economic and environmental problem which threatens potential economic development and ecosystems management, and reduces future options for the use of resources.
Globally Illegal wildlife trade is recognized as the fourth largest global illegal trade closely behind illegal drugs, humans and arms trafficking. Of particular concern in Africa is the current poaching crisis affecting elephants and rhinos to supply ivory and horn to markets in Asia. Furthermore, many other species of wildlife are also affected, including great apes, birds, fish and timber species.
“It is now time to move into action – there has been enough talking, enough decisions, resolutions and meetings” stated H.E Honorable Henri Djombo, Minister of Forest Economy and Sustainable Development for the Republic of Congo, during a Technical Committee Meeting held at the African Union Commission in preparation for an International Conference on the Illegal Exploitation and Trade of African Wild Flora and Fauna to be hosted by the Republic of Congo in 2015.
The proposed conference constitutes one of the actions indicated in the Decision on the African Wild Flora and Fauna Conservation and Illegal Trade in Wildlife adopted at the 23rd AU Summit, held in June 2014 in Malabo Equatorial Guinea. The Decision further recognized the need to strengthen environmental governance systems to prevent illegal trade in wild flora and fauna and trafficking that threaten global peace and security. It called for the development of strategies for fighting against the illegal trade.
The Minister highlighted the key challenges as lack of political will to commit to action the decisions made and inadequate capacities and resources. As a way forward, Honorable Minister called for a coordinated action by countries as no country can solve the problem on its own, and strengthening of technical, financial and human capacities, providing incentives and facilitating the mobility and means of communication of the rangers.
Dr. Abebe Haile Gabriel, speaking on behalf of H.E The Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture commended the Government of Congo for taking the lead on behalf of Africa in driving the process forward. “The International Conference is a major milestone in combatting the illegal exploitation and illegal trade in wild flora and fauna in Africa” He said. He further expressed the willingness and commitment of the AU Commission to work will relevant partners to have a successful conference and called for the involvement of all stakeholders in the conference.
The UNEP and FAO representatives pledged their full support to the Commission and the Government of Congo especially in the area of technical expertise.
In his concluding remarks, Minister Djombo explained that the Brazzaville conference would be solution oriented with proposed actions to reduce the illegal exploitation and illegal trade of Africa’s wild flora and fauna.
…..
For additional information please contact:
Republic of CONGO
Dr. Rosalie MATONDO
Email: rosalie_mat@yahoo.fr

African Union Commission
Leah Wanambwa
Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture
Email: WanambwaL@africa-union.org

For further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dinfo@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

Follow us
Face book: https://www.facebook.com/AfricanUnionCommission
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_AfricanUnion
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/AUCommission

Learn more at:
http://www.au.int