1. Finance: Zooming in on dollar-focused conservation

South Africa’s wildlife economy aims to boost biodiversity and national revenue. However, a group of Dutch academics is wondering if this is “socially and environmentally unsustainable”. The model relies heavily on fossil fuels, they claim, with luxury tourism and wildlife estates consuming significant energy and resources. The academics from Wageningen University argue that a market-driven approach perpetuates social inequalities and often ignores local realities in favour of global conservation goals. A "convivial" conservation approach is recommended, integrating humans and wildlife to foster a sustainable, care-based economy. Read more

2. Finance: Forestry investor prepares African portfolio for biodiversity credits 

New Forests, an Australia-based company, is preparing to generate biodiversity credits in Tanzania, Uganda, and Mozambique in connection with gathering nature metrics. Their $200 million forestry strategy was launched in 2022 to target climate, nature, gender and community, using baseline data collection to enrol areas in future biodiversity credit markets. Despite increased corporate and investor interest, few transactions have occurred. The investor appointed Yida Kemoli as managing director of Africa to oversee fundraising and asset acquisition, aiming to raise $500 million by 2026. They emphasize collaboration with Indigenous Peoples and local communities to improve livelihoods and support asset development.

3. Today’s Number

.… is the amount given by the Bezos Earth Fund to the Jane Goodall Institute for conservation efforts in the Congo Basin. 

4. Research: How to use blackouts for wildlife 

Researchers propose using scheduled blackouts in South Africa to study the impact of artificial light on animals. Artificial light at night (ALAN) has increased globally, affecting animal behaviour. A study suggests blackouts, like those during South Africa's load-shedding, offer a unique opportunity to observe wildlife behaviour in the absence of artificial light. This approach can provide large-scale experimental data on the effects of light pollution, encouraging global research collaboration to explore these unique conditions. The researchers come from the University of Cape Town, University of Witwatersrand and University of Glasgow.

5. Tech: Nuclear tests to curb rhino poaching 

Researchers in South Africa have injected radioactive material into the horns of 20 rhinos to combat poaching, leveraging global radiation detection systems at border crossings to intercept traffickers. This initiative, led by the University of the Witwatersrand, involves tranquillising the animals and inserting isotopes into their horns. It's a novel approach to combat the drastic decline in rhino populations, which have plummeted due to poaching for horns sold on the black market. Critics question its effectiveness, noting poachers may bypass traditional border crossings. The project is led by Professor James Larkin, leveraging global radiation monitors to combat poaching. Rhino populations have dropped from 500,000 two decades ago to 27,000 due to poaching, necessitating innovative solutions.

6. Community: How youths lead grassroots reforestation efforts 

Community-driven efforts to reforest land and tackle climate change are gaining momentum in Cameroon, with children as young as 10 playing a vital role. The Kilum Forest in Oku, under threat from climate change and population growth, is being revitalised by Green Planet, an environmental activist group. Since 2019, they have planted thousands of trees across various regions. Youth programs like VoNat's Planet Action are engaging kids in conservation efforts, despite challenges like theft and lack of awareness. Together, these initiatives are meant to foster a new generation of environmental stewards.

7. Finance: What bio-credits can learn from carbon markets

The first bio-credits sales have started recently, giving rise to much private analysis by developers. Bio-credits are financial instruments that assign value to underlying natural assets, hopefully boosting conservation. Once biodiversity was an add-on to carbon credits; now they're being separated to cater to more specific conservation needs. We have collected four key lessons from long-term carbon market participants -- many now driving bio-credits. They say they are thinking about the following: (1) The role and compensation of local stakeholders as stewards of the land has long been neglected and still needs addressing in many cases. (2) The importance of third parties is widely accepted. Certification organisations are already designing standards for biodiversity. (3) Wide public engagement is necessary to build trust. Carbon markets showed how dependent they are on the presumption of integrity, especially if they require corporate funding. (4) Regulatory frameworks and governance matter. Industry bodies focused on integrity only appeared in the carbon markets in the past few years and struggled to align with existing practice. It’s critical to set them up prior to market formation.

8. Media Monitoring

• Wildlife threat: New research highlights that climate change could inflict 'generational trauma' on Africa's great apes. This is due to increased exposure to wildfires, droughts, cyclones and heat waves, potentially driving some populations to extinction. The study found that climate change is exacerbating existing threats by creating more extreme conditions in ape habitats, disrupting social structures and reducing food security.

• Jumbo: New research from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the Wildlife Conservation Society reveals that global climate change will significantly impact African elephants. This will reduce their chances of survival and disrupt their ecosystems. The study found that the loss of older elephants will have widespread repercussions for herd dynamics and landscape ecology. 

• Water mass: Lake Chad has shrunk 92% in recent decades, jeopardising the livelihoods of around 50 million people due to climate change and increased human demands. In response, the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Lake Chad Basin Commission have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to restore the lake's ecosystem and support regional stability. 

• Regulation: Central banks and financial supervisors are being alerted to the financial and reputational risks associated with nature-related litigation. The Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS) warns that expanding green legislation and increasing awareness of environmental issues will likely lead to more legal actions against companies and governments. The NGFS report highlights that such litigation could impact corporate liabilities, governance and transition costs, emphasising the need for financial supervisors to address these emerging risks.

9. Picture of the Day 

👉 88% of the country of Gabon is covered by rainforest