Wildlife Conservation in Africa
African Symposium has partnered with conservationists, non-profits, thought leaders, and activists to discuss key conservation topics and foster lively debate on current and future action. This annual event aims to encourage political and cultural advocacy that is inclusive of the local communities at the forefront of conservation efforts and support grassroots action to protect biodiversity and safeguard endangered species while protecting local livelihoods. Each year, the Forum showcases conservation efforts focused on a particular species and work by artists that center the highlighted animals.
Mitigating Climate Change through Onehealth
This year the discussion will focus around using The One Health concept which is a holistic approach to wildlife conservation that recognizes the interconnection between the health of people, animals, and the environment. This approach promotes collaboration among experts in different fields to address complex environmental and public health issues. For wildlife conservation, One Health recognizes the need to protect and preserve the biodiversity of ecosystems and maintain the ecological balance for the benefit of all living organisms.
Mitigating Climate Change 2022
As a special spotlight, the 2022 Forum will highlight the conservation and protection of Cheetahs and how urgent action around climate mitigation is essential for both wildlife and human well-being. The speakers will focus on the economic and social importance of conserving wildlife ecosystems and the direct effects on reversing and mitigating climate change to ensure the sustainability of our planet. The presentations will demonstrate the power of traditional knowledge and local action.
2022 Video
2022 Video
2022 Video
2022 Video
2022 Video
2022 Video
In The Time of COVID-19 2021
African Symposium’s Second Annual Forum on Wildlife Conservation in Africa took place on March 3, 2021, the United Nations designated World Wildlife Day. The conference highlighted Bonobos: a peaceful and cooperative matriarchal society and the role of human security and stability in conservation. Presentations highlighted the environmental threats that bonobos face and how conservation efforts can be a conduit for promoting peace and security that enables both bonobos and humans to thrive. They also explored the importance of engaging with and learning from the wealth of knowledge held by indigenous communities to support sustainable ecosystems and biodiversity and how artificial intelligence and drone technologies are being used in wildlife protection efforts. Lastly, participants heard about the need for conservation-focused financial mechanisms to truly effect lasting and meaningful change including valuing the ecosystem services of wild animals.
OPENING CEREMONY
BONOBOS AND THE ROLE OF THE PEACE FOREST IN PROMOTING SECURITY AND STABILITY
INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IN CONSERVATION: THE CASE OF ETHIOPIA
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS WITH SANCTUARIES IN AFRICA
INNOVATIVE FINANCING FOR WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
RECOGNITION AND CLOSING CEREMONY
PROTECTING WILDLIFE THROUGH TECHNOLOGY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
The New Way Forward 2020
On the eve of the COVID-19 induced shutdown in New York City, African Symposium kicked off the inaugural Wildlife in Africa Conservation conference on March 3, 2020. The forum, titled The New Way Forward, centered on some of the key challenges facing conservationists including the impacts of climate change as well as human-wildlife interactions. Talks also explored ways to adopt a more compassionate culture around wildlife that in turn informs protective legislation, and highlighted the power of community engagement for fostering meaningful conservation action. This conference also introduced participants to ways that technology, from drones to blockchain, is being leveraged to help communities conserve and support local biodiversity.
CONFERENCE LAUNCH AND OPENING STATEMENT
H.E Ambassador Lazarus O. Amayo
CONFERENCE LAUNCH AND OPENING STATEMENT
H.E. Ambassador Jean-Claude F. do Rego
CHALLENGES FACING AFRICAN WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
CLOSING REMARKS AND WAYS FORWARD
THE NEXT GENERATION OF CONSERVATIONISTS, EDUCATION $ COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
