17 October 2023

PANORAMA Solutions: Knowledge Sharing for African Sustainability and Climate Action Webinar

Knowledge Sharing for African Sustainability and climate action

UNEP - Global Adaptation Network

Organized and hosted by PANORAMA (represented by GIZ and IUCN), UNEP, the Global Adaptation Network and Afera Alliance.
Date: October 25
Time: 14:00 - 15:30 EAT
Duration: 90 min
Format: Online on Zoom
Register here

Session objectives:

Explore PANORAMA's role: Understand the significance and purpose of the PANORAMA Solutions platform in advancing conservation and sustainable development efforts in Africa.
Uncover regional solutions: Delve into the wealth of regional solution data available on the platform, showcasing how PANORAMA supports local and regional initiatives.
Learn about efforts in the region: Learn from real-world success stories.
Learn how to contribute: Discover the process of submitting solutions to PANORAMA, empowering your organization to share its innovative approaches.
Engage in PANORAMA activities: Gain insights into PANORAMA's ongoing activities and engagement within the African region, including partnerships and collaborative efforts.

The African Challenge:

Africa, known for its vast savannahs, dense rainforests, and unique wildlife, is experiencing profound transformations driven by environmental stressors. The impacts of climate change on the continent are undeniable and devastating. Increasing temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events are disrupting livelihoods, agriculture, and access to clean water. These changes pose a grave threat to the well-being of African communities, particularly those already vulnerable due to poverty and limited resources.

Biodiversity loss in Africa is another pressing concern. The continent's rich array of species and ecosystems face the risk of extinction due to habitat destruction, poaching, and invasive species. The African lion, cheetah, and black rhinoceros are just a few examples of iconic species teetering on the brink of disappearance. The loss of biodiversity not only diminishes the cultural and ecological heritage of Africa but also affects food security and human health.

Pollution compounds these problems. Air and water pollution, often linked to rapid industrialization and urbanization, jeopardize the health of both humans and the environment. Pollutants contaminate water sources, harm aquatic life, and contribute to diseases, further burdening healthcare systems already grappling with multiple challenges. These environmental crises are deeply interlinked, creating a cascade of effects that reverberate throughout ecosystems and populations. The consequences are particularly acute for marginalized communities that rely heavily on natural resources for their sustenance and well-being.

Why Action Is Imperative:

Preserving and restoring African ecosystems is not only an environmental necessity but also an ethical and practical imperative. These ecosystems are central to the well-being of African communities, offering clean air, water, sustenance, medicines, and economic opportunities through agriculture and tourism. They play a pivotal role in global climate mitigation by serving as carbon sinks, and their protection is vital to mitigating climate change's global impact. Moreover, Africa's biodiversity and cultural diversity are intertwined, making their preservation essential for ecological balance and cultural richness, which, in turn, supports sustainable eco-tourism. Healthy ecosystems provide critical services like flood control, pollination, and soil fertility, safeguarding against natural disasters and food insecurity. Conservation efforts extend beyond iconic species, aiming to protect the intricate web of life sustaining ecosystems, as the loss of keystone species can trigger ecological collapse with far-reaching consequences. Investing in ecosystem restoration and sustainable practices enhances African communities' resilience to climate change and supports global sustainability goals, such as the Aichi Targets and Sustainable Development Goals. Ultimately, safeguarding African ecosystems serves as a critical linchpin for a healthier planet and sustainable societies.

Sharing knowledge and solutions in sustainability, climate action, and conservation is paramount as it accelerates progress, fosters collaboration, and avoids duplication. This exchange of expertise allows effective approaches to scale up, benefiting a wider audience and enabling a collective response to complex global challenges. Moreover, it enhances adaptation strategies in the face of climate change, strengthens conservation efforts, and promotes equity by ensuring that marginalized communities have equitable access to vital information and resources. When knowledge is not shared, it creates gaps, hinders collaboration, and perpetuates disparities, impeding our collective ability to address pressing environmental and sustainability issues effectively.

In this context, the PANORAMA Solutions platform emerges as a powerful ally. It serves as a repository of knowledge and a catalyst for action, showcasing successful approaches to conservation and sustainable development. The PANORAMA platform provides African practitioners with a platform to share their experiences, learn from global peers, and amplify the impact of their efforts. It is a beacon of hope in the fight to preserve Africa's natural heritage and build resilient, sustainable societies that can adapt to the challenges of a changing climate.

Join us for this engaging 90-minute webinar to explore how PANORAMA Solutions is making a difference in Africa, empowering organizations to drive sustainable change and create a healthier planet for all. Together, we can inspire innovation and replicate success stories for a brighter future.

Agenda

Session outline

Speakers

Welcome and opening remarks

Obongha-wani Oguni,

Founder & Director,

Africa Environmental + Rights Action Alliance (AfERAA)

Interactive session

Oscar Ivanova,

Liaison Officer for Africa,

Global Adaptation Network (GAN), UNEP

Overview of PANORAMA's mission and objectives