Ecosystem services for SDGs in Africa
By Desalegne Tadesse
The Ecosystem Services Partnership (ESP) is a worldwide network of individuals and organizations that aims to facilitate discussion and cooperation amongst those working in the field of ecosystem services, especially its members. ESP organizes regional and world conferences which serve as a good platform to connect, exchange ideas and strengthen relationships.
The first conference of the regional Africa chapter of ESP was held in Nairobi, Kenya, on November 21-25, 2016. The theme of the conference was Ecosystem Services for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa. Discussions focused on Africa’s contribution towards the efficient management of natural resources and restoration of degraded ecosystems, which could help protect the continent against the negative effects of climate change (which it is already experiencing) and help towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Stakeholders that participated in the conference were passionate about sustainability, development, ecosystem services, innovations and impact.
Several staff members from the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) were among the 170 participants from 28 countries that attended the conference. While sharing its scientific knowledge and research outcomes, IWMI conveyed key messages which focused on efficient allocation and fair distribution of the costs and benefits of conservation measures, and the sustainable use of natural resources in this respect.
Parallel sessions at the conference highlighted that ecosystem degradation is one of Africa’s main problems and addressing this issue is crucial to achieving the SDGs.
Importance of natural resource management to enhancing ecosystem services
Wolde Mekuria Bori, IWMI, presented on the importance of natural resource management to enhancing ecosystem services. He demonstrated that synthesizing “best practices” on land and water management, and communicating with practitioners are key to restoring degraded ecosystems and adapting to climate change/variability. Also, addressing the concerns of local communities, ensuring equity in benefit sharing and creating enabling environments (e.g., developing strategies and policies) are crucial to sustain land and water management interventions.
Feedback from participants
Donal Wandera, a freelance journalist in Nairobi, shared his impression on the outcomes of the conference and on IWMI’s side session. “The conference drew the attention of policymakers and the vote of confidence of stakeholders to move forward beyond talking in science forums about the severity of the global, regional and national situation on destruction of the environment. The experiences of IWMI research in improving ecosystem services in Ethiopia are one of the best examples that gave me the impetus.”
Marima Abdurhaman, a PhD student from Sudan, attended several sessions at the conference, but her particular attention was on IWMI’s session that dealt with Enhancing ecosystem services by managing soil for water. “It was a very insightful session on the significant contribution of natural resource management approaches, such as gully reclamation and exclosure management, soil and water conservation, and tillage and crop residue management, to restoration of the environment and ecosystem services. All these have a positive impact in ensuring the sustainability of ecosystem services across the continent.”
Message from the Governor of Baringo County, Kenya
H.E. Benjamin Cheboi, Governor of Baringo County, Kenya, stated that if a person cannot see the benefits of a tree or they do not pay to protect it then destruction of the environment and its consequences will continue. Therefore, payments for ecosystem services (PES) is an approach that could create awareness of the value of ecosystem services and help protect the environment.
Scientists and many other stakeholders at the conference voiced similar opinions about the significance of ecological restoration.
In general, the main conclusion reached by participants was that all the SDGs are dependent on the environment. Therefore, Africa needs strategies and policies that can enhance ecosystem services.
