The Africa Forum Berlin: Reframing Conservation for a Sustainable Future

Amid escalating biodiversity loss and the looming threat of climate change, Africa plays a crucial role in shaping the planet's future. The continent's abundant natural resources, which fuel global demand for energy, food, and raw materials, underscore the urgent need to balance resource use with conservation. This delicate balance carries profound consequences not only for Africa's development but also for Germany and the world at large.

Germany has been a strong advocate for international conservation over the years. It has supported agreements like the Convention on Biological Diversity and the various Climate Conventions and funded projects to combat climate change and protect biodiversity through its International Climate Initiative. Additionally, key entities such as the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Development Cooperation, and agencies like GIZ and the German Development Bank (KfW) have demonstrated their commitment through substantial long-term investments.

Recognizing the need to enhance Germany's commitment to conservation in Africa, the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) and the German Africa Foundation will host the Africa Forum Berlin later this month. The forum will foster dialogue between African and German leaders, encouraging a cross-sectoral approach to investment. It will showcase opportunities for investors to achieve substantial, lasting impact. The goal is a balanced Africa-German partnership prioritizing conservation while addressing interconnected challenges like climate change, security, and economic growth.

In this interview, Kai Wollscheid, AWF's Director of External Affairs for Europe, offers insights into the significance of the Africa Forum Berlin and its broader implications for the future of conservation.

KAI WOLLSCHEID, AWF's DIRECTOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS - EUROPE

Q: How did the idea for the Africa Forum Berlin come about, and why hold it now?

Wollscheid: The Africa Forum Berlin arose from the necessity to address gaps in how Germany engages with Africa on conservation issues. This forum is crucial for exploring the complexities of conservation, which is intrinsically linked to health, security, and many other sectors. We aim to reshape the perception of conservation, shifting it from a one-dimensional issue to a multi-faceted opportunity for cross-sector collaboration.

Furthermore, there are untapped opportunities for collaboration between the German private sector (including companies already active in Africa and those looking to invest) and organizations like AWF. By showcasing conservation as a strategic opportunity for the private sector, we can shift the conversation from charity to partnership. Berlin, as a hub for high-level connections, is the perfect platform for these discussions.

Ultimately, we want to reposition conservation as a strategic ally for private-sector investment and development, not just an obstacle to overcome. By showcasing its potential to drive economic growth and social progress, we hope to open new avenues for funding and collaborations. The Africa Forum Berlin is a crucial step towards a more integrated and effective approach to conservation that benefits both Africa and Germany.

Q: What unique strengths does AWF’s partnership with the German Africa Foundation bring to this forum?

Wollscheid: The German Africa Foundation is a unique, non-partisan facilitator dedicated to fostering partnership-based exchanges between German and African stakeholders. They have a long-standing reputation in Berlin and focus their efforts on the parliamentary sphere, bringing together members of the German Bundestag, key ministries, and other political decision-makers from both Germany and Africa. Their membership includes former diplomats, business leaders, and sector experts, making them a truly cross-party foundation. Their board comprises foreign and development policy spokespersons from a broad spectrum within the Parliament, as well as non-parliamentarians with a keen interest in Africa. The German Africa Foundation possesses a deep understanding of the current landscape in Berlin concerning Africa policy. Their knowledge and extensive network are invaluable assets for our collaborative approach.

Q: Why involve diverse experts from sectors such as security, health, and climate change, and how does this contribute to the forum's objectives?

Wollscheid: Integrating conservation with economic development, security, the health of local communities, and the involvement of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities leads to the most successful outcomes. It's crucial to think creatively and acknowledge this interconnectedness. In Africa, we need to showcase partners outside the traditional conservation sphere. We need to involve investors—African and German ones alike—business leaders and even civil society organizations that don't explicitly focus on conservation. For instance, we have a speaker from Cameroon, a woman who is leading the "1st National Women's Convention for Peace in Cameroon." This group is pioneering work in promoting dialogue for peace and reconciliation in Cameroon. Her work directly impacts conservation by fostering stability and community engagement. The aim is to unite these diverse perspectives, demonstrating that conservation thrives when we connect the dots. At the same time, highlighting this interconnected approach demonstrates that AWF's work encompasses a much broader portfolio.

Q: Can you share examples of successful partnerships between AWF and German donors?

Wollscheid: One example that comes to mind is the recently completed KfW-funded program in Cameroon. Here, AWF fosters sustainable livelihood alternatives by promoting new economic opportunities and traditional knowledge, empowering the Bagyeli, an Indigenous community living in the Campo Ma’an landscape. The recent Resilient Africa newsletter featured this initiative. We've also had support from the German Environment Ministry in developing African Protected Areas Directors. In March, the German Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection (BMUV) supported the Second Africa Protected Area Directors Conference, hosted by ZimParks. The conference engaged more than 150 key conservation stakeholders, including protected area directors, officials, youth, civil society, the private sector, donors, NGOs, and Indigenous People and Local Communities.

Q: How do you see this forum shaping Africa-Germany relations, especially in conservation and sustainable development?

Wollscheid: This aims to elevate Germany’s thinking about conservation in Africa. We want to create dialogue and collaboration, not just for a one-off event but to encourage ongoing action. By bringing together people who don’t typically collaborate—what I call "unusual alliances"—we hope to spark thought-provoking discussions that lead to tangible outcomes. We hope to inspire participants to formulate projects or continue dialogues. One of the key goals is to amplify African voices in these discussions. We must ensure that a true, equal partnership recognizes and supports African leadership in conservation. In doing so, we aim to make conservation a key element of any discussion on sustainable development, whether it’s infrastructure, health, or security.