The World Bank has announced the suspension of $150 million in funding for the project to extend Ruaha National Park in south-west Tanzania. The decision, which took effect on 18 April 2024, follows repeated warnings from the Oackland Institute. The American human rights organisation documented abuses committed by forest rangers against local communities.
Toute l'actu sur la protection de l'environnement
The World Bank has announced the suspension of $150 million in funding for the project to extend Ruaha National Park in south-west Tanzania. The decision, which took effect on 18 April 2024, follows repeated warnings from the Oackland Institute. The American human rights organisation documented abuses committed by forest rangers against local communities.
In an unprecedented move, the World Bank announced the suspension of $150 million in funding for a tourism project in Tanzania, following damning revelations about abuses of indigenous rights in the project area.
The Resilient Management of Natural Resources for Tourism and Growth (REGROW) project aims to improve the management of natural resources and tourism assets in a remote region of southern Tanzania. The project involves extending Ruaha National Park, the country’s second largest park with a surface area of 20,000 km2. However, reports produced over several months by the Oakland Institute have documented at least 12 disappearances or extrajudicial executions, as well as sexual assaults against women, perpetrated by forest rangers as part of the REGROW project.
The US-based rights group also says that thousands of head of cattle have been illegally seized and auctioned off, causing a serious deterioration in the livelihoods of local pastoralists. The group accused the World Bank of failing to take immediate action to stop abuses against local communities, resulting in serious and widespread harm.
Expelling nearly 20,000 indigenous people to develop tourism
According to reports from the Oakland Institute, at least $100 million has already been disbursed on the REGROW project since its launch in 2017. For Anuradha Mittal, Executive Director of the Oakland Institute, the suspension of World Bank funding, which came into effect on 18 April 2024, is a powerful reminder to take social and environmental responsibility into account when carrying out development projects. « This is a victory for Tanzania’s marginalised communities. This suspension sends a clear message to the Tanzanian government that human rights abuses committed in the name of tourism development will no longer be tolerated.
Tanzania relies heavily on tourism to fund its budget, especially as arrivals from abroad rose by 24% in 2023. This seems to have comforted the Tanzanian government in its frenzy to develop the tourism sector.
According to the Oakland Institute, the Tanzanian authorities also want to evict nearly 20,000 people living in the vicinity of Ruaha National Park, with the aim of developing tourism in the region.
Based in Oakland, California, the Oakland Institute is a progressive think tank founded in 2004 by Anuradha Mittal. Its work involves defending the rights of marginalised communities.
Fanta Mabo
As part of a bold initiative to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to fight climate change and preserve nature, the Bezos Earth Fund has announced the launch of a $100 million multi-year Grand Challenge. This announcement comes at a crucial time when environmental challenges demand innovative and rapid solutions to protect the planet and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
Climate change, with its devastating impact on ecosystems and communities around the world, is one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity. At the same time, the loss of biodiversity threatens the balance of life on earth. To meet these challenges, the Bezos Earth Fund is proposing to capitalise on the potential of AI, which has already demonstrated its effectiveness in various fields such as the monitoring of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the detection of forest fires and the advancement of renewable energies.
The AI for Climate and Nature Grand Challenge aims to catalyse innovation by encouraging collaboration between climate, nature and AI stakeholders. By identifying and supporting effective AI-based solutions, the Bezos Earth Fund hopes to accelerate progress towards a more sustainable future. Through targeted funding, mentoring and other resources, innovators will have the opportunity to turn their ideas into reality and deploy solutions at scale.
Running for three years, the Grand Challenge will focus its first cycle on a number of key areas, including the sustainable development impact of proteins, biodiversity conservation and power grid optimisation. However, the challenge is open to all innovative ideas that contribute to the fight against climate change and the protection of nature. To ensure fairness and access, the foundation of American billionaire Jeff Bezos, head of Amazon, the global online retail giant, is inviting innovators from all over the world to take part in this ambitious challenge.
The submission process for the first round of the Grand Challenge will begin in May 2024, offering innovators an opportunity to take their ideas forward and help build a more sustainable future for all. The winners will be announced at the Bezos Earth Fund-TED event during Climate Week in New York at the end of September 2024.
Fanta Mabo
Bezos Earth Fund releases $100m for AI to help the climate and protect nature
As part of a bold initiative to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to fight climate change and preserve nature, the Bezos Earth Fund has announced the launch of a $100 million multi-year Grand Challenge. This announcement comes at a crucial time when environmental challenges demand innovative and rapid solutions to protect the planet and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
La gestion des réserves naturelles dans le bassin du Congo est confrontée à des enjeux majeurs, résultant d’une combinaison de pressions humaines, de défis environnementaux et de besoins de développement économique. Cette région abrite l’une des plus vastes forêts tropicales du monde et une extraordinaire biodiversité, ce qui la rend essentielle pour la stabilité climatique mondiale et la préservation de nombreuses espèces endémiques.
Dans ce contexte, la pratique de l’apiculture comme alternative au braconnage et à la déforestation intervient comme une solution basée sur la nature. Car en dehors d’approvisionner les réseaux trafiquants d’animaux sauvages, certains habitants des forêts sont impliqués dans la coupe illégale du bois.
Pour réduire cette pression des communautés sur la forêt, une organisation locale initie plusieurs villages limitrophes de la réserve du Dja au Sud-Est du Cameroun, à l’apiculture. Financé par l’Université de Californie à Los Angeles (UCLA) et l’institut de recherche Congo Bassin Institut (CBI), le projet est mis en œuvre par l’organisation Environnement recherche développement (ERD).
Un reportage de Boris Ngounou
Projet d’apiculture moderne dans la Boucle du Dja (Est-Cameroun)
La gestion des réserves naturelles dans le bassin du Congo est confrontée à des enjeux majeurs, résultant d’une combinaison de pressions humaines, de défis environnementaux et de besoins de développement économique. Cette région abrite l’une des plus vastes forêts tropicales du monde et une extraordinaire biodiversité, ce qui la rend essentielle pour la stabilité climatique mondiale et la préservation de nombreuses espèces endémiques.
The majestic and iconic pink flamingos roam the lakes of East Africa in spectacular colonies, offering breathtaking views to amazed onlookers. However, a recent study by King’s College London reveals a grim reality. These iconic birds are facing increasing threats from rising lake levels as a result of climate change.
The study, published in the journal Current Biology, is the first to use satellite earth observation data to investigate the impact of rising water levels on the main flamingo feeding lakes in Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania over a 23-year period. The findings are alarming. Rising sea levels are reducing the flamingos’ main source of food, jeopardising the very future of this emblematic species.
The researchers found a significant reduction in phytoplankton biomass, a vital food resource for flamingos, in the region’s soda lakes. This decrease is directly linked to rising water levels, which dilute the unique chemical composition of the soda lakes, leading to a decline in phytoplankton populations. As a result, flamingos are facing a growing shortage of food in their historic feeding grounds. In the soda lakes of East Africa, phytoplankton biomass has declined since 1999. On average, chlorophyll concentrations have fallen significantly by 3.9 mg per m3 per year.
An uncertain future for an avian icon
The researchers warn that flamingos may be forced to move to new, unprotected areas in search of food, which could expose them to additional dangers and further upset their ecological balance. They call for coordinated conservation action across national borders, as well as improved monitoring and more sustainable management of the surrounding land.
The results of this study underline the urgent need for action to protect flamingos and their fragile habitat. Governments, conservation organisations, researchers and civil society must join forces to develop management strategies adapted to climate change, strengthen monitoring of lake ecosystems and implement effective conservation measures to ensure the long-term survival of East African flamingos.
Fanta Mabo
Rising water levels threaten Africa’s pink flamingos in the Great Lakes region
The majestic and iconic pink flamingos roam the lakes of East Africa in spectacular colonies, offering breathtaking views to amazed onlookers. However, a recent study by King’s College London reveals a grim reality. These iconic birds are facing increasing threats from rising lake levels as a result of climate change.
La récente décision de la Cour européenne des droits de l’homme (CEDH) condamnant la Suisse pour son manque d’action face au changement climatique a suscité l’espoir parmi les communautés africaines confrontées à des défis environnementaux. Cette décision historique, qui marque la première fois qu’un État est tenu responsable de son inaction climatique, crée un précédent pour la justice climatique à l’échelle mondiale.
L’affaire a été portée devant la CEDH par une association de femmes, mettant en lumière les efforts de base en faveur de l’action climatique. Fred Njehu, stratège politique panafricain chez Greenpeace Afrique, a décrit le verdict comme sans précédent et une source d’inspiration pour les communautés du monde entier. Il a souligné le rôle des mécanismes juridiques dans la responsabilisation des gouvernements vis-à-vis de leurs responsabilités environnementales.
« Cette décision envoie un message puissant aux communautés africaines affectées par le changement climatique selon lequel la justice est accessible. Elles peuvent également rechercher des recours par le biais de canaux juridiques nationaux et internationaux », a déclaré Njehu. Il a cité les procédures judiciaires en cours au Sénégal engagées par Taxawu Cayar contre une usine de farine de poisson comme exemples des efforts de base pour lutter contre l’injustice environnementale.
Au Cameroun, les batailles judiciaires précédentes contre des entités corporatives comme la holding Socfin illustrent l’importance du recours juridique dans la protection de l’environnement. De tels cas soulignent la nécessité de cadres juridiques solides pour aborder les injustices liées au climat.
La condamnation de la Suisse par la CEDH a des implications au-delà de ses frontières. Greta Thunberg, s’exprimant à Strasbourg, a salué la décision comme le début d’une nouvelle ère dans le contentieux climatique. Elle a noté la tendance croissante des citoyens à demander des comptes aux gouvernements pour leurs actions en matière de changement climatique.
Alors que la décision de la CEDH était attendue avec impatience alors que les températures mondiales augmentent, sa signification réside dans son potentiel à stimuler des actions juridiques similaires dans le monde entier. La reconnaissance par la cour du lien entre l’action climatique et les droits de l’homme souligne l’urgence de s’attaquer à la crise climatique.
Alors que les pays s’efforcent de répondre aux objectifs fixés par l’Accord de Paris, la nécessité d’une action décisive pour limiter le réchauffement mondial devient de plus en plus évidente. La décision de la CEDH rappelle la responsabilité collective de protéger la planète pour les générations futures.
Boris Ngounou
Greenpeace Afrique salue la condamnation du gouvernement suisse pour inaction climatique
La récente décision de la Cour européenne des droits de l’homme (CEDH) condamnant la Suisse pour son manque d’action face au changement climatique a suscité l’espoir parmi les communautés africaines confrontées à des défis environnementaux. Cette décision historique, qui marque la première fois qu’un État est tenu responsable de son inaction climatique, crée un précédent pour la justice climatique à l’échelle mondiale.
Une collaboration efficace entre les forces de l’ordre et les défenseurs de la nature a permis de mettre fin aux activités illégales de trois individus impliqués dans le trafic d’ivoire. Les arrestations ont eu lieu à Lastoursville et Koula-Moutou, où deux des trafiquants ont été appréhendés en flagrant délit de possession et de tentative de vente de précieuses pointes d’ivoire.
Leur capture fait suite à une opération minutieuse menée conjointement par la Direction Provinciale des Eaux et Forêts, la Direction de Lutte Contre le Braconnage, et l’antenne de la Police Judiciaire de l’Ogooué-Lolo, avec le soutien crucial de l’ONG Conservation Justice. Grâce aux informations fournies par des sources fiables, une équipe de surveillance a identifié les suspects et les a interceptés au moment opportun.
Lors de la fouille du petit sac de voyage transporté par l’un des individus, les autorités ont découvert deux pointes d’ivoire sectionnées en six morceaux, pesant environ une dizaine de kilogrammes. Les présumés trafiquants, de nationalité gabonaise, ont admis leur intention de vendre ces ivoires et ont impliqué un troisième complice, qui a été appréhendé le lendemain après dénonciation.
Ces actes illégaux sont passibles de lourdes sanctions, avec une peine de prison pouvant aller jusqu’à 10 ans et une amende atteignant cinq fois la valeur marchande des pointes d’ivoire, conformément aux lois en vigueur. Il est crucial de souligner que toute forme d’abattage d’éléphants doit être signalée aux autorités compétentes pour garantir la préservation de ces espèces protégées.
Cette opération démontre l’engagement résolu des autorités et des organisations partenaires à lutter contre le trafic d’ivoire et à protéger la faune sauvage au Gabon.
Boris Ngounou
Raid contre le trafic d’ivoire au Gabon : Trois présumés trafiquants appréhendés à Lastoursville et Koula-Moutou
Une collaboration efficace entre les forces de l’ordre et les défenseurs de la nature a permis de mettre fin aux activités illégales de trois individus impliqués dans le trafic d’ivoire. Les arrestations ont eu lieu à Lastoursville et Koula-Moutou, où deux des trafiquants ont été appréhendés en flagrant délit de possession et de tentative de vente de précieuses pointes d’ivoire.
A recent study published in the journal Nature on 10 April 2024 provides encouraging news for biodiversity conservation in the Congo Basin. Led by Utrecht University in the Netherlands, with the support of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the research highlights the positive impact of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified forests on the region’s wildlife.
The results of the study, which lasted five years and involved hundreds of local employees, are unequivocal. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified forest concessions are home to a larger population of threatened large mammals than non-certified forests. In fact, certified concessions have seen a significant increase in the number of large mammals such as gorillas and forest elephants, compared with non-certified areas. This increase is particularly notable for mammals weighing more than 220 kilograms, such as gorillas and forest elephants, with a 2.7-fold increase compared to non-certified areas.
These findings underline the crucial importance of FSC-certified forest concessions in protecting the wildlife of the Congo Basin. As well as providing a haven for critically endangered species, these certified forests play an essential role in seed dispersal, nutrient cycling and forest carbon storage in the region.
The challenges of FSC certification
However, the study highlights the persistent challenges facing biodiversity conservation in the region. In particular, the impact of illegal hunting on wildlife remains a major concern. Despite proactive measures taken by FSC-certified forestry companies, such as blocking old logging roads and supporting alternative sources of protein for local communities, illegal hunting continues to threaten biodiversity in the Congo Basin.
These results underline the crucial importance of responsible forest management in conserving biodiversity. FSC-certified forest concessions offer a concrete example of how wildlife conservation can be reconciled with sustainable economic development. Sustainable forestry practices support not only biodiversity, but also local communities and help combat climate change by preserving tropical forests.
Despite the obvious benefits of FSC certification, it is still largely concentrated in northern countries, with little involvement of tropical forests in southern countries. What’s more, small-scale forestry operations, particularly family or community forestry, are often excluded from the certification process, which limits their access to international markets.
Fanta Mabo
Congo Basin: certified forests, a refuge for wildlife
A recent study published in the journal Nature on 10 April 2024 provides encouraging news for biodiversity conservation in the Congo Basin. Led by Utrecht University in the Netherlands, with the support of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the research highlights the positive impact of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified forests on the region’s wildlife.
he French Committee of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is launching a call for projects to support initiatives led by civil society. This call specifically targets the funding and implementation of field projects focusing on biodiversity conservation and/or nature-based solutions (NBS), in response to the crucial challenges of adapting to and mitigating climate change.
On 1 February 2024, the French Committee of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) launched the Programme to support biodiversity CSOs (civil society organisations) active in developing countries (ProBioDev). This 3-year programme aims to improve the state of biodiversity in developing countries by strengthening civil society action and developing the capacities and partnerships of CSOs.
Supported by a coalition of public and private partners, including the French Development Agency (AFD), the French Office for Biodiversity (OFB), the Audemars Piguet Foundation for Trees, the Fondation de France, the Manthano Foundation, the Egis Foundation and the Maisons du Monde Foundation, the programme also aims to encourage the development of equitable and mutually supportive partnerships to respond effectively to biodiversity issues in developing countries.
As part of this programme, a system for funding meso-projects has been set up, and an initial call for projects is open from 9 April to 26 May 2024. This call for projects will fund around ten field projects, with grants of between €100,000 and €250,000 over a maximum period of 24 months. Grants will represent up to 90% of the total project budget.
The projects selected must be carried out in a country eligible for official development assistance, with priority given to Africa, in accordance with the list drawn up by the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). They must be led by civil society partnerships, which must include a French CSO and a local CSO registered in a developing country.
The main objective of the projects must be the preservation of biodiversity and/or the implementation of nature-based solutions focused on mitigating and adapting to climate change, in line with the objectives of the Kunming-Montreal World Conservation Framework.
Fanta Mabo
AFRICA: IUCN wants to fund biodiversity conservation projects
The French Committee of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is launching a call for projects to support initiatives led by civil society. This call specifically targets the funding and implementation of field projects focusing on biodiversity conservation and/or nature-based solutions (NBS), in response to the crucial challenges of adapting to and mitigating climate change.
At an event held on 28 February 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya, Colombia unveiled the official logo for COP16 on biodiversity at the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly. The logo, inspired by the Inírida flower, embodies the spirit of the conference and underlines the country’s commitment to biodiversity conservation.
In an exciting and symbolic moment, Colombia, the host country of the 16th United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16), unveiled the official logo for the event on 28 February 2024. The event took place during the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) in Nairobi, Kenya.
The logo itself, inspired by the Inírida flower, a species endemic to Colombia, and carefully designed to embody the spirit of COP16 and Colombia’s rich biodiversity, captivated onlookers with its vibrant colours and intricate design. It served not only as a visual representation of the conference, but also as a powerful symbol of hope and commitment to protecting our planet’s precious ecosystems.
The 23 petals at the heart of the logo design represent each of the 23 targets set out in the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), adopted at COP15 in Montreal, Canada. These goals serve as guiding principles for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, outlining specific actions and targets to be achieved within set timeframes.
The image also represents Colombia’s 13 priority ecoregions in the national development plan. Making « peace with nature » is the message of COP16 in Colombia, a call for reflection to improve our relationship with the environment and rethink an economic model that does not favour the extraction, over-exploitation and pollution of nature.
Colombia, the eventual host of COP16
In the context of the global environmental agenda, the launch of the COP16 logo marked a significant step forward in the collective effort to address biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. Colombia was designated host country for this COP after Turkey withdrew its bid following the earthquakes that severely affected the country in 2023. With its remarkable biodiversity and commitment to environmental management, Colombia was the ideal host for COP16, scheduled for October 2024. The unveiling of the logo underlined the country’s commitment to driving positive change on the world stage.
As the world awaits COP16, scheduled for 21 October to 1 November 2024, the launch of the logo serves as a reminder of the urgency and importance of the discussions and decisions ahead. With the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Framework for Biodiversity at COP15 in Canada just over a year ago, COP16 promises to build on this momentum and define global action for nature by 2030.
Fanta Mabo
KENYA: unveiling of the COP16 logo, a symbol of hope for biodiversity
At an event held on 28 February 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya, Colombia unveiled the official logo for COP16 on biodiversity at the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly. The logo, inspired by the Inírida flower, embodies the spirit of the conference and underlines the country’s commitment to biodiversity conservation.
Dans le cadre des préparatifs de la deuxième édition de la Conférence Internationale sur les villes et territoires engagés, qui se tiendra à Château-Thierry à Paris en France le 23 novembre 2024, un appel à contribution est lancé. Cet appel vise à solliciter des idées, des projets et des expériences innovantes dans le domaine du développement urbain durable, avec une attention particulière portée aux défis rencontrés en Afrique.
Avec plus d’une personne sur deux vivant désormais en milieu urbain, l’Afrique est le continent connaissant la tendance d’urbanisation la plus rapide au monde. Selon Africapolis, une base de données recensant les dynamiques d’urbanisation du continent, l’Afrique urbaine est passée de 27 millions à 587 millions d’habitants entre 1950 et 2020. Il s’agit toutefois une urbanisation rapide et non planifiée qui entraîne une série de problèmes environnementaux et sociaux. Les villes africaines, sont confrontées à des défis majeurs tels que la déforestation, la pollution atmosphérique et les difficultés d’accès à l’eau et à l’énergie.
Cette situation précaire nécessite une action urgente et concertée pour promouvoir un développement urbain durable et résilient. C’est à cela que tente de répondre la Conférence Internationale sur les villes et territoires engagés, dont la deuxième édition est prévue le 23 novembre 2024 à Château-Thierry, à Paris en France. La conférence offre une plateforme pour discuter des défis actuels et proposer des solutions innovantes.
La Fondation EBOKO, organisatrice de la conférence, est engagée dans la promotion du développement durable en Afrique, avec un accent particulier sur la construction de villes durables. En recueillant des contributions en amont, les organisateurs souhaitent enrichir les discussions et mettre en avant les initiatives les plus inspirantes.
Boris Ngounou
2e Conférence internationale sur les villes et territoires engagés, l’appel à contributions est lancé
Dans le cadre des préparatifs de la deuxième édition de la Conférence Internationale sur les villes et territoires engagés, qui se tiendra à Château-Thierry à Paris en France le 23 novembre 2024, un appel à contribution est lancé. Cet appel vise à solliciter des idées, des projets et des expériences innovantes dans le domaine du développement urbain durable, avec une attention particulière portée aux défis rencontrés en Afrique.