FAO Strengthens Biodiversity Governance at Africa’s First Biodiversity Summit in Gaborone

Gaborone, Botswana – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) participated in the inaugural Biodiversity Summit for Africa in Gaborone (November 2–5, 2025), bringing together governments, experts and partners to accelerate action on biodiversity protection and sustainable food systems across the continent.

FAO moderated a high-level technical session on “Strengthening Biodiversity Governance in Africa,” highlighting the urgent need for robust policies, coordinated regional strategies and stronger institutional capacity to safeguard natural ecosystems and promote sustainable agriculture.

FAO has been actively engaged in several initiatives designed to strengthen biodiversity governance throughout Africa. The organization supported the development of the Continental Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, along with Regional Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans for SADC and the EAC. Through the EU-funded ACP-MEAs 3 programme, FAO is helping countries strengthen biodiversity governance, integrate biodiversity into agricultural policies, and improve pesticide management and compliance with global biodiversity agreements. FAO also continues to assist African countries in reviewing and updating their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans in line with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Under ACP-MEAs 3, FAO promotes agroecological practices, enhances regulatory frameworks for pesticide risk reduction, and supports farmer training across the region. Farmer Field Schools in Tanzania and Zimbabwe are advancing sustainable agriculture approaches, including biopesticides and conservation farming, while restoration efforts—such as mangrove rehabilitation in Tanzania—are helping to rebuild critical ecosystems and strengthen climate resilience.

In addition to the ACP-MEAs, FAO promotes biodiversity management through the AgriNBSAP initiative, the Biodiversity Knowledge Hub, and the implementation of the FAO Strategy on Mainstreaming Biodiversity into Agriculture. These comprehensive efforts aim to assist countries in aligning their agricultural and food system priorities with national biodiversity plans. They provide tools and guidance to policymakers, offer global knowledge platforms to disseminate best practices, and promote nature-positive production approaches. Key strategies include fostering agroforestry, enhancing soil biodiversity, conserving pollinators, and integrating sustainable livestock and crop practices. Together, these initiatives represent a collaborative push toward a more sustainable and biodiverse agricultural future.

FAO is also helping governments build institutional capacity, strengthen monitoring systems, and mobilize finance for biodiversity-aligned agricultural transformation, ensuring that national food systems contribute to the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

The Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme also showcased progress at the Summit, highlighting community-driven wildlife conservation, efforts to reduce zoonotic disease risks, and policy support delivered through the SWM Legal Hub.

“Mainstreaming biodiversity in agriculture is fundamental to food security and rural livelihoods in Africa,” said Kudzai Kusena, FAO International Biodiversity Policy Specialist. “By embedding biodiversity into policies, institutions, and farming systems, we can protect ecosystems, support communities, and build resilient agrifood systems for future generations.”

Kudzai Kusena, FAO International Biodiversity Policy Specialist, at the first Biodiversity Summit for Africa

FAO calls on governments, regional blocs and development partners to continue strengthening policies, legislation and coordination mechanisms that conserve biodiversity while supporting sustainable agricultural growth.