The African Congress on Protected Areas (APAC) is the first-ever gathering of African leaders, citizens and interest groups to discuss the role of protected areas in the conservation of nature, the preservation of Africa's iconic wildlife, the provision of ecosystem services essential to life, the provision of ecosystem services essential to life, the promotion of sustainable development and the conservation of African cultural heritage and traditions.

Why now?

Despite their importance for nature conservation and sustainable development, protected areas in Africa face almost every critical conservation challenge facing today. These challenges include poaching, biodiversity loss, climate change, climate change, ecological isolation, the chronic problem of lack of funding, inadequate laws and policies, poor governance, institutional weakness, inadequate human capacity, insufficient human capacity, conflicts between humans and wildlife, and the lack of appropriate information to support management. In some countries, political instability and armed conflicts continue to affect the management of protected areas. It is time to address these issues.

The main objectives of the Congress are:

1. Promote the role of protected areas in nature conservation, in supporting sustainable development and human well-being and make commitments to ensure a sustainable future for Africa's natural heritage.
2. Sharing experiences and best practices in order to harmonize conservation needs with human development needs and to develop strategic mechanisms and partnerships to ensure long-term sustainability.
3. Define a common agenda and a common vision for Africa's protected areas and ensure that they are included in the “African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 Strategic Framework for the Socio-Economic Transformation of the Continent” and fully recognized for their contribution to the achievement of the AU's vision: an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, led by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force on the global stage.
4. Identify priorities and design strategies on issues of common interest and provide a strong African path and consolidated contributions for the development of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.

This first Congress will place APAC as the main African platform for more leadership and the engagement of several actors on aspects relating to protected areas, populations and biodiversity. Learn more