First regional conservation framework in Africa is being tried out

September 07, 2025

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In a landmark achievement, a ten-year regional plan to halt the rapid decline of vultures in Southern Africa has been launched. The SADC Vulture Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (2025–2035) sets out measures to address mass poisoning, electrocution, collisions with energy infrastructure and widespread habitat loss. 

  • It establishes four priorities: reducing threats, improving data and conservation measures, engaging stakeholders and ensuring effective implementation across borders. Delegates agreed the regional approach is critical to reversing mortality rates and restoring habitats.

  • While transboundary approaches are common in conservation, what stands out here is the formal policy harmonisation under SADC’s framework. It brings SADC Member States under a single, coordinated framework with shared governance, timelines and a Steering Group. 

  • Our take: Clear governance is rare in conservation strategies and many biodiversity plans are aspirational. A regional working group and clear timelines reinforce accountability…Read more (2 min)

Africa secured about $297 million in conservation funding In July and August, the largest two-month total since January. July recorded the largest investment-style financing of $150 million from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Water and land restoration have gained equal footing with species protection unlike in previous cycles.

  • The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is the largest investor, committing $150 million to biodiversity bonds that will mobilise up to $1.5 billion for species and ecosystem protection across all 54 African countries.

  • Tanzania and Germany signed a $78.6 million package, one of the largest bilateral climate-conservation deals this year. It includes $45.9 million for protected areas, $30.6 million for an investment financing facility and $2.08 million for a study on climate-resilient towns.

  • Our take: The old grant-driven conservation finance model is suffering from aid fatigue…Read more (2 min)

According to our monthly tech watch, Aberdare National Park in Kenya is piloting an artificial intelligence (AI) system to protect eastern black rhino calves from hyena predation. The system utilises machine learning and ultrasound technology to detect and deter hyenas, which are a threat to young rhinos, to facilitate reintroduction into the national park. 

  • The AI-powered ultrasonic deterrent system detects wildlife intrusions in real-time, using object detection and distance sensors. When a hyena is detected, the system emits a high-frequency sound that is inaudible to humans and most animals but repels hyenas.

  • Other emerging conservation technologies in this month’s Tech Watch are Estonia’s Biodiversity Valuator, Microsoft’s GIRAFFE AI for identifying individual wildlife, Kenya’s REDD+ carbon registry and Digital Earth Africa’s satellite-based Wetlands Monitoring Workflow, offering live wetlands data.

  • Our take: If we treat AI as a workforce replacement, we risk sidelining rangers, ecologists and trackers whose deep field knowledge machines cannot replicate…Read more (2 min)

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Over $85,200 raised for national parks by the Honorary Rangers Comrades Fundraiser in South Africa.

Events

🗓️ Participate in the Wildlife Ranger Challenge across Africa (September 22) 

🗓️ Follow the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi (October 9)

🗓️ Attend the 6th World Congress on Agroforestry in Rwanda (October 20)

Jobs

👷 Be the MEAL Assistant for World Wildlife Fund (Cameroon)

👷 Apply Environmental and Social Advisor at Scatec (South Africa)

👷 Join IUCN as a Programme Assistant (Tanzania)

Various 

🌳 Farmers to benefit from rice conservation project in Nigeria

🐆 Tswalu launches first wildlife-based carbon credit project in SA

🌊 BirdLife South Africa condemns new sea regulation

Seen on LinkedIn 

Larry Green, Chair of the Global Board at African Wildlife Foundation, says, “Conservation in Africa can only succeed as a people centered approach that includes African ownership.”_______________