AU-IBAR Hosts Virtual Workshop to Validate Continental Strategy on Nature-Based Solutions for Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation

In order to enhance and endorse the Continental Strategy for Nature-Based Solutions (CS-NbS) for the preservation of aquatic biodiversity and the management of the environment throughout Africa, AU-IBAR is holding a Virtual Consultative Workshop today, May 13, 2025. This workshop is organised as part of the Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity Project, which receives funding from the Swedish International Development Corporation Agency. It is an essential first step in helping Africa conserve its freshwater and marine ecosystems through inclusive, sustainable, and resilient practices.

The virtual workshop focuses on the strategic development and validation of the CS-NbS, focusing on the African Blue Economy and aquatic biodiversity. The workshop will include expert presentations by AU-IBAR, KMFRI Kenya, and IUCN Ghana, highlighting the importance of gender, sustainable economic development, policy frameworks, and the role of women and youth in biodiversity conservation. The draft strategy for nature-based solutions for aquatic biodiversity conservation will be presented, and participants will have the opportunity to provide feedback and validate the strategy.
Africa’s marine and aquatic biodiversity is under increasing pressure from both natural and human-induced threats, including climate change, overfishing, pollution, and unsustainable development. These challenges not only deplete essential natural resources but also undermine the socio-economic well-being of coastal and inland communities who depend on these ecosystems for their livelihoods. In this context, NbS are emerging as a key strategy to address these challenges. NbS are approaches that harness the power of nature to provide sustainable solutions for water management, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience, while promoting socio-economic development.

The CS-NbS strategy aims to promote the adoption of NbS in Africa to conserve aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems. It focuses on four strategic pillars: conceptual reshaping, community engagement, knowledge as an engine of change, and combining approaches. Priority actions include improving understanding, promoting gender equality and inclusion, promoting behavior change, aligning policies across sectors, and strengthening knowledge management. The strategy emphasizes the importance of collaborative financing and innovative financial products to ensure access to resources for NbS implementation at all levels.
The CS-NbS is a crucial tool for Africa's sustainable aquatic ecosystem management, aligning with policy frameworks and promoting inclusivity. The Virtual Consultative Workshop aims to refine this strategy, ensuring relevance and actionability to address environmental challenges and set the stage for future collaborative action.