Global Experts Converge in Zambia to Ignite Change with Nature-Based Solutions

Livingstone, Zambia, became the epicenter of global environmental action this March, hosting a pivotal conference that spotlighted the urgent need for nature-based solutions to climate change and set a powerful example of international collaboration. The "Accelerating Nature-Based Solutions Conference," which ran from the 11th to the 15th, brought together a diverse coalition of environmental warriors, from government officials and NGOs to indigenous leaders and scientific experts. Six delegates were sponsored by the Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA), through CAADP-XP4, an EU Funded Programme.

Opening the conference, Chris Armitage, CEO of the Global Evergreening Alliance, delivered a stark reminder of the challenges ahead: "Just two weeks ago, a natural disaster of drought was declared in Zambia. It’s a wake-up call we cannot ignore. We must unite, restore Africa's land, and fast-track nature-based approaches to confront these crises head-on, "he emphasized.

Mamadou Diakhite, speaking on Africa's resilience, struck a chord of optimism amidst adversity, "Africa, our beautiful continent, is besieged by environmental degradation. Coincidentally, governments, communities, and innovators are rallying in every corner, crafting a narrative of hope through groundbreaking solutions and initiatives," He stressed.

The conference underscored the invaluable role of traditional wisdom and community engagement in environmental efforts. Hon Dr. Michael Usi, Malawi’s Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change, passionately argued for a harmonious blend of modern and indigenous knowledge, stating, "Indigenous knowledge is a treasure trove for land restoration. By integrating this with scientific approaches, we ensure no one is left behind in our journey towards a sustainable future.

The event wasn’t just about discussions; it was a clarion call for action. The Honourable Minister of Tourism, Rodney Sikumba, detailed Zambia's environmental challenges and highlighted the nation's commitment to conservation: "We've seen firsthand the devastating effects of climate change, losing thousands of hectares to drought. We all, especially those with innovative proposals, must work with local communities. Remember, nothing for the community without involving the community." he emphasized.  

The conference explored various themes, from the importance of fire in land restoration to empowering women through nature-based economies. Notably, it also tackled the financial challenges of environmental restoration, with representatives from organizations like Conservation International and the Bamboo Village Trust sharing insights into leveraging nature for climate mitigation and community development.

The CCARDESA delegation comprised distinguished representatives from Botswana, Eswatini, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Each delegate returned from the conference invigorated, armed with cutting-edge knowledge and innovative strategies they are eager to apply to their respective projects. The participants pledged to integrate their newly acquired insights into their work, promising to catalyze positive environmental and agricultural transformations across their nations.

One of the sponsored delegates, Mr. Tomo Pedro, CEO of GUTSAMBA, leads a unique agro-industry offering 19 artisanal food and beverage products, free from artificial ingredients and sourced exclusively from smallholder farmers specializing in indigenous fruit varieties like mango, passion fruit, and orange. Targeting a niche market of medium-high income consumers, GUTSAMBA is committed to uplifting impoverished farmers, including women and youth.

"The conference has been a fantastic networking opportunity. Meeting fellow pioneers and colleagues allows us to explore potential collaborations, particularly those that align with our vision of integrating GUTSAMBA's operations with environmental restoration efforts. This not only enriches our product line but also ensures our commitment to sustainability and community empowerment is put into action," said Mr. Pedro.

As the conference closed, the message was clear: the time for action is now. The convergence of ideas, cultures, and solutions illustrated a unified front against environmental degradation. CCARDESA has embraced the mandate of sharing the knowledge and strategies discussed at the conference with the wider region since its inception.