African Youth for Biodiversity!

By: Mpho Lavhengwa 

On 5-7 February 2020, 43 youth representatives from 19 African countries met in Vhembe Biosphere for the African Youth Biodiversity Forum. Vhembe Biosphere is one of the three biosphere reserves in Limpopo province, South Africa: also a biosphere reserve in the capable hands of youth leadership. The event was opened and welcomed by the national Department of Environment, Forest and Fisheries together with the Limpopo Premier’s office expressing their support and exciting to be hosting such an important gathering of many countries of young leaders in South Africa and the beautiful unique landscape at Tshipise Forever Resort well known for its natural hot springs. 

At the meeting, Global Biodiversity Youth Network representatives from various African countries presented the outcomes of their youth consultation meetings. This was an excellent learning exchange opportunity for the youth and countries which were yet to start their consultation meetings. All the inputs made to the paper during these engagements are going to be merged with other regions to form one international youth voice to be presented during the conference.

2020 is known as a ‘super year’ for biodiversity as it enables us to reflect on our progress of the Aichi targets for 2020. Though all countries were working independently towards achieving Aichi Biodiversity Target 11, to conserve 17% of terrestrial and inland water, and 10% of coastal marine areas, the target was not reached. This roused a debate of whether the percentages of Aichi Target 11 should be increased in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Some youth were of the view that the percentages increase as not increase to encourage countries to work harder; while others were of the view that we should strive to achieve the set 17% and 10% targets before increasing. 

The youth with one voice drafted a joined declaration of all the African constituents to be shared with the African Union Youth, other key players in the CBD and be incorporated into the Global Youth Biodiversity Paper. From 2020 going forward it is evident that truly Biodiversity needs Youth. Other events building up to the CBD conference were shared such as the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) 2 & 3 and national stakeholder engagements meeting to compile national positions and youth were encouraged to participate and engage as many young people as possible.