1. Finance: Conservation leaders highlight funding gap around African biodiversity 

The 10th African regional dialogue on financing biodiversity just concluded in Malawi with an urgent call to address the conservation funding gap. Africa faces significant challenges in preserving rich ecosystems. Nearly $950 billion is required annually, it was said, to restore and protect vital ecosystems. However, current funding of $121 billion falls drastically short. The Malawi dialogue explored financing strategies like financial sector involvement, positive incentives, impact investments, reallocation of harmful subsidies, payments for ecosystem services and digital financing. UNDP-BIOFIN has leveraged $400 million and released $1 billion in public funding globally, working with diverse stakeholders to secure necessary resources. Governments provided 82% ($165 billion) of biodiversity funding in 2022. Private sector contributions came to $35 billion (18%) with foundations such as Wyss, Walton and Bezos Earth Fund significantly supporting conservation.

2. Tech: Africa faces decisions over emerging synthetic biology 

The debate over synthetic biology, including genetically modified mosquitoes to combat malaria, is gaining momentum across Africa. Proponents highlight the significant potential benefits, such as improved disease control, enhanced biodiversity and a reduction in pesticide use. These technologies promise to revolutionise public health and environmental conservation on the continent. However, environmentalists and bioethicists raise serious concerns about potential ecosystem disruptions and unintended consequences. The discourse extends to ethical considerations, emphasising the need for informed consent and social contracts with local communities. Experts stress the importance of comprehensive regulatory frameworks to govern these advancements. Africa's readiness for synthetic biology hinges on robust laws, public engagement and a careful balance between innovation and ecological integrity.

3. Today’s Number

…is the amount the U.S. has allocated for a new biodiversity project in Tanzania. The initiative aims to conserve coastal and marine biodiversity, focusing on protecting vital ecosystems and enhancing sustainable practices in the region.

4. Finance: New list of innovative biodiversity finance projects

A new report by Nature Finance, the Swiss-based funding organization, catalogues a series of specific projects with innovative financing solutions. All are African and focused on biodiversity. African Parks is developing Verifiable Nature Units (VNUs) to incentivize conservation across diverse ecosystems and quantify and finance nature-positive outcomes, while ValueNature utilizes digital monitoring tools and an investment framework for land conservation with a focus on transparency and community empowerment through Nature Investment Certificates (NICs). Ecotrust establishes green corridors with smallholder farmers, aiming to protect biodiversity hotspots like the Albertine Rift and mitigate threats to endangered species. EarthAcre finalised their first credit sale and is developing an African Grasslands Biodiversity Methodology that integrates ecosystem integrity and bio-cultural components. And WWF Namibia, Wadappt and CCFN are integrating indigenous and local community expertise with technology through Wadappt’s blockchain-based MRV platform.

5. Finance: Oil giant pays to protect Moz forests 

Italian energy company Eni and Biocarbon Partners (BCP) launched a project to receive a REDD+ licence from Mozambican authorities. The project aims to protect 4 million hectares of forests across Manica, Sofala, Inhambane, and Gaza provinces. It engages over 320,000 people in climate-smart agriculture and economic activities. Wildlife corridors will link national parks, protecting endangered species like elephants, lions, cheetahs and leopards. Funded through carbon credits, the initiative aligns with Mozambique's forestry strategy and Eni's goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

6. Policy: Botswana stokes tussle over trade 

Botswana is once again seeking to reduce its elephant population due to increasing human-wildlife conflict. It has a third of Africa's elephants and recently eased hunting restrictions. President Mokgweetsi Masisi threatened to send 20,000 elephants to Germany, saying the country would cope no better than Botswana – in response to proposals from Berlin for further bans on trading elephant parts. Conservationists argue that reducing elephant numbers is not a sustainable solution. They emphasise the need for better wildlife corridors and habitat management. Such efforts help protect agricultural lands while allowing elephants to migrate safely. Natural deterrents, such as beehive fences, are also used to keep elephants away from farms. Critics argue that  trophy hunting does not significantly aid conservation. They say that funds from hunting often do not reach local communities or conservation projects. Addressing human-elephant conflicts requires balancing human needs and wildlife conservation. Sustainable strategies and community involvement are crucial to long-term solutions.

7. Research: Madagascan frog numbers leap

Seven new frog species have been discovered in Madagascar. These include three greenish-brown Guibemantis and four mottled-brown Gephyromantis moseri. The discoveries were confirmed through genetic studies and specific call comparisons. Madagascar's unique evolutionary history makes it a significant location for amphibian research.The Global Amphibian Assessment lists over 400 amphibian species in Madagascar, with more than 175 new species described since 2006. Despite this, the region receives less research attention than other biodiversity hotspots. Increased field exploration and modern methods like DNA barcoding have contributed to the discovery of new species. Collaboration among Madagascan, European and American researchers has been crucial. Madagascar ranks 12th globally in amphibian diversity but faces significant threats, with 49% of its amphibians endangered. Comprehensive species inventories are essential for conservation efforts.

8. Media Monitoring

• Climate health: A recent study published in Nature found that biodiversity loss is the most significant driver of infectious disease spread, followed by climate change and invasive species. The research, which reviewed nearly 3,000 cases across various host-parasite combinations, also highlighted that urbanisation tends to reduce disease spread due to environmental conditions. 

• Looming threat: Primate research indicates that 84% of reviewed sites will experience heatwaves and 78% will face river floods, potentially leading to heat stress, dehydration and reduced survival for apes. The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted conservation measures and further research on ape vulnerability and adaptability.

• Crossroads: A draft National Environmental Management Biodiversity Bill in South Africa has been criticised for failing to leverage the sales of rhino horn and ivory to fund conservation. This is a new version of an old argument, with many conservationists explaining that “leveraging” the trade in animal parts perpetuates illegal markets. The economic potential of wildlife products would be exploited at a cost to animals. Critics countered the strategy might worsen rural poverty. 

• Cooperation: The Uganda Biodiversity Fund (UBF) and the Ministry of Water and Environment in Kampala signed a Memorandum of Understanding to address financing gaps for biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management in Uganda. The agreement aims to mobilise and utilise financial resources, with both parties committing to support conservation efforts and engage in shared events.

9. Picture of the Day 

👉 A researcher collects data for conservation efforts in the agricultural sector