Pan-African conservation trust fund unveiled in Kigali

At the African Protected Areas Congress in Kigali, a groundbreaking initiative was unveiled to tackle Africa's financing deficit for conservation efforts. The pan-African conservation trust fund, spearheaded by former Prime Minister of Ethiopia and current global chair of the African Wildlife Foundation’s Board, Hailemariam Desalegn, aims to provide innovative solutions to address the pressing issues of nature preservation and climate change on the continent. In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa’s Julius Bizimungu, Desalegn highlighted the significance of this new initiative and its potential impact on the future of conservation in Africa. Desalegn emphasized the urgent need for financing nature and conservation in Africa, citing the devastating consequences of neglecting these vital ecosystems. He expressed concern over the billions of dollars lost due to environmental catastrophes and stressed the importance of adopting nature-based solutions to mitigate future risks. As climate change and other disasters continue to pose significant challenges, Desalegn underscored the critical role of governments in investing in conservation and protected areas to secure sustainable development. One key theme that emerged from the interview was the essential role of the pan-African conservation trust fund in bridging the funding gap for conservation initiatives. Desalegn explained that while the funding deficit is substantial, the fund aims to introduce a mindset shift towards prioritizing nature conservation. By engaging governments, financial institutions, philanthropists, and the private sector, the initiative seeks to mobilize resources and promote nature-based solutions as integral components of development planning. The interview also shed light on the potential of innovative financing mechanisms such as blockchain, carbon financing, and biodiversity financing to complement existing funding systems. Desalegn emphasized the need for concerted efforts to attract investments in nature-based solutions and create a conducive environment for private sector participation. By exploring public-private partnerships and regulatory frameworks, the initiative aims to unlock the potential of the private sector in driving sustainable conservation practices. In addressing the challenges of attracting investors to nature-based solutions, Desalegn emphasized the importance of making investment conditions favorable and transparent. He called on African governments and policymakers to create an enabling regulatory environment that incentivizes private sector engagement in conservation activities. By fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, Desalegn believes that sustainable investments in conservation can yield substantial benefits for local communities and ecosystems. As the interview drew to a close, Desalegn emphasized the central role of leadership in driving successful conservation efforts in Africa. He underscored the need for innovative and visionary leadership to prioritize conservation and nature-based solutions in the continent's development agenda. While acknowledging the multiple priorities facing African leaders, Desalegn called for a renewed focus on conservation and protected areas as critical components of sustainable development. Overall, the launch of the pan-African conservation trust fund represents a significant step towards addressing the financing challenges plaguing conservation efforts in Africa. By mobilizing resources, fostering partnerships, and advocating for nature conservation, the initiative has the potential to drive transformative change and safeguard Africa's rich biodiversity for future generations.