African Parks, a South African-based conservation NGO, currently managing over 49 million acres in partnership with governments and communities in 12 countries in Africa, announced a one-billion-dollar initiative to scale conservation efforts across the continent, before the end of the decade in 6 years.
In making the announcement in New York at the Concordia Annual Summit, African Parks CEO Peter Fearnhead said, “African Parks is leading a $1 billion initiative to scale conservation efforts across the continent. We have committed to managing 30 of Africa’s most critical protected areas by the end of the decade; investing in developing the next generation of African leaders in protected area management; and empowering a coalition of partners to build a sustainable network of protected areas, ensuring we meet our shared goals.”
For nearly 25 years, African Parks has been utilizing a holistic approach to conserving Africa’s biodiversity, safeguarding vast landscapes and carrying out the necessary activities needed to ensure these protected areas continue to provide benefits to people and wildlife. Currently working in 12 countries in Africa and managing 22 protected areas on the continent, the organization manages the equivalent of 59% of the U.S. National Parks Service
African Parks maintains a strong focus on economic development to ensure that each park is ecologically, socially, and financially sustainable in the long-term.
CEO Peter Fearnhead added, “This is not just about conserving biodiversity and the environment. It’s about securing the future for the millions of people who rely on these ecosystems for their livelihoods. We want to invest in a future where Africa’s vital biodiversity flourishes, where protected areas are managed sustainably, and where local communities thrive.”
This bold vision also aligns with the United Nations 30 X 30 Biodiversity Goal – to protect 30% of the planet’s land and sea by 2030 and African Parks is committed to managing 30 of Africa’s most critical protected areas by the end of the decade. By working in partnership with like-minded individuals and organizations, African Parks will build a collation of partners to build a sustainable network of protected areas ensuring they meet a shared goal for Africa.
The one-billion-dollar effort will include a number of key initiatives. One of those is protected area management which will is financially scalable across any landscape, and immediate in delivering environmental impact for generations to come. The objective is to conserve Africa’s natural heritage, provide essential ecosystem services and create jobs and economic opportunities for people across the continent.
Another initiative was launched earlier this year at the World Economic Forum in Davos. African Parks announced the Verifiable Nature Unit [VNU] in partnership with The Landbanking Group, which is a revolutionary outcomes-based funding mechanism for nature conservation. The VNU’s will transform conservation into a competitive form of land-use creating sustainable income while ensuring the long-term protection of critical ecosystems. Another component of the action plan – also launched at the World Economic Forum – is the Rhino Rewild Initiative which will rewild 2000 southern white rhinos to help enhance biodiversity, support nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration and create sustainable tourism opportunities.
The one-billion-dollar initiative will also support the African Parks Conservation Academy, ensuring the next generation of conservationists will be well prepared to protect Africa’s vital biodiversity and drive meaningful change.
“Since our early years, Concordia has made conservation a prominent part of our flagship agenda. This incredible one-billion-dollar initiative from African Parks marks an important milestone in that programming, announced today at the 14th Concordia Annual Summit in New York. This proves yet again that our convening power has the ability to turn dialogue into meaningful impact,” said Matthew Swift, Co-founder, President & CEO, Concordia.
In closing, African Parks CEO Peter Fearnhead said, “As the world grapples with the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, Africa’s vast landscapes and rich ecosystems hold the key to a sustainable future. Join us in this crucial mission to protect and restore the critical biodiversity Africa supports.”
