Africa’s biodiversity is truly amazing. A startling variety of species may be found in the continent’s diverse environments, which range from dense rainforests to broad savannas. Africa’s biodiversity is a source of amazement and scientific intrigue, from the strong lion that prowls the Serengeti to the secretive mountain gorillas of the Virunga Mountains, and from the towering baobab trees of Madagascar to the beautiful coral reefs off its coast.
The unique natural ecosystems of the continent provide more than 62 percent of Africa’s rural people with the food, water, energy, health, and stable means of subsistence that they require. The genetic capital provided by this biodiversity benefits everyone on the planet, not only the inhabitants of these ecosystems.
One-sixth of the world’s surviving forests are also found on the continent, including those that make up the Congo Basin, a 240-million-hectare rainforest that spans eight African nations and provides a living for 80 million people there. The Congo Basin most times called the second green lung of the world, absorbs 4% of carbon emissions annually, more than the total yearly emissions of the whole African continent.
However, climate change poses a fundamental danger to this remarkable natural heritage that has developed over millions of years. Throughout the African continent, the effects of a warming world are becoming evident and have a significant impact on ecosystems, wildlife, and human societies.
Continual extinctions of species and habitats are putting Africa’s biodiversity under threat. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimates that 3,100 flora and nearly 6,400 animal species in Africa face extinction. Surveys of Africa’s bird numbers during the past 25 years reveal reductions; although data are scarce, fish and plant species are probably following a similar pattern.
According to estimates, the number of vertebrate species in Africa has decreased overall by 39% since 1970. Nine of the 36 biodiversity hotspots on Earth defined as areas with more than 1,500 indigenous plant species and at least 70% loss of their major natural vegetation, are located in Africa.
The extinction of nearly half of African bird and mammal species, a 20%–30% drop in lake productivity (the amount of plant and animal life generated in a lake), and a major loss of plant species are all predicted to occur as a result of climate change by the year 2100.
Even more imminent are the persistent dangers to African biodiversity posed by the destruction and loss of natural habitats, particularly as a result of agricultural development, the overfishing and excessive consumption of specific fish and wildlife species, and the migration of some non-native invasive species. Especially for those who live in rural regions, who are frequently the poorest, this loss of biodiversity has an impact on livelihoods, water supply, and food security, and reduces resistance to catastrophic events.
How can Africa protect its biodiversity?
Even though many species have already gone extinct, there is still time to save many endangered plants and animals. Africa’s biodiversity and its people would be protected by programs centered on biodiverse-friendly enterprise, education, and sustainable agriculture practices. African countries and their foreign allies can concentrate on biodiverse-friendly governance in addition to these citizen-focused efforts.
First, Africa needs to preserve and enact current laws and norms. Many African nations have previously ratified a number of local and international accords to combat the illegal trade in natural resources including timber and wildlife. By utilizing the strength and expertise of local communities, civic society, and law enforcement, it would be possible to close the implementation gap, which would benefit biodiversity and the populations that directly depend on it.
The continent must also increase data collection in order to better inform policy decisions. There is still a lot that is unclear about places at risk despite significant recent improvements to track trade in biodiversity goods and biodiversity loss. Not least among these are the coral reefs off the eastern coastlines of Africa and the Congo Basin’s primary forests, which are rich in biodiversity. To increase awareness and steer effective policy, governmental institutions must devote more time and resources to data collection and strengthen the science-policy interface.
Africa could also think about increasing the usage of carbon credits to help with environmental preservation. In October 2022, Gabon released the largest-ever carbon credits with an estimated value of over $2 billion to aid in the preservation of its rainforest. Such carbon credits and other revenue-based conservation strategies can contribute to the preservation of natural areas while producing cash for nearby populations. These funds could serve as a source of investment in sustainable living and economic diversification with citizen control.
Africa’s biodiversity is an enormously valuable global treasure. Protecting it in the face of climate change is a shared duty that necessitates dedication, teamwork, and persistent action. Africa can face the challenges ahead and make sure that its great biodiversity endures for future generations by taking a comprehensive approach that incorporates conservation, community participation, climate adaptation, and international cooperation.
