Zimbabwe to lead African Wildlife Negotiations . . . Prof Gandiwa appointed Chair of new continental body

Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls ReporterZIMBABWE has taken the lead in shaping Africa’s voice on global wildlife matters following the country’s appointment to chair the newly formed African Group of Negotiators on Wildlife (AGN).The development follows the 20th Ordinary Session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) held recently in Nairobi, Kenya.Director of International Conservation Affairs at the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), Professor Patience Gandiwa, has been appointed as Chairperson of the AGN, marking a historic milestone for African unity in international wildlife conservation.The formation of the AGN is seen as a transformative step in ending years of fragmented African positions in global negotiations, particularly on contentious issues such as elephant conservation and ivory trade.“The episode of discordant voices from Africa on wildlife matters is in our past now,” said Prof Gandiwa in an interview in Victoria Falls. “It is our desire, and I think it will be quite historic for the world to hear the Chair of the African Group of Negotiators on Wildlife say, ‘Africa and its 54 member states are taking this position.’ That sends a strong message of solidarity in line with the African Union Charter.”The AGN was formalised through Decision AMCEN/20/Dec.5, adopted by environment ministers attending the conference in Nairobi. The group will coordinate Africa’s common positions, advocate for science-based and equitable policies, and protect the continent’s biodiversity and socio-economic interests.Prof Gandiwa revealed that her appointment was made in her absence during an earlier meeting in Johannesburg.

“I was nominated to chair the AGN in absentia during the Johannesburg meeting in April. I was humbled. It touched my heart to be entrusted with leading such a critical group,” she said.

“This recognition is a testament to Zimbabwe’s leadership in conservation and the opportunities our nation has given me to grow in this field.”To ensure regional and linguistic inclusivity, her deputy comes from a Francophone country.The AGN’s role will be vital as Africa heads towards the 20th Conference of the Parties to CITES (COP20), set for November 2025 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Key topics include elephant conservation, sustainable wildlife trade, and benefit-sharing with indigenous communities.The group’s approach aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, integrating wildlife conservation into broader environmental and climate strategies. The Draft Declaration on Wildlife for Climate Action, annexed to the AMCEN decision, highlights the role of wildlife in climate resilience through ecosystem services like carbon sequestration and habitat restoration.Prof Gandiwa said past divisions, especially over elephant management, had undermined Africa’s voice.

However, the 2024 African Elephant Dialogue in Botswana, where 31 range states reached consensus, proved the power of unity.The AGN will build on this momentum, promoting collaboration and shared solutions to the continent’s conservation challenges.Share on FacebookPost on XFollow usSave

Originally published on Zimbabwe Herald

Source: Zimbabwe Herald