The first Africa Protected Areas Congress concluded last weekend in Kigali, Rwanda, reaching a new milestone for Africa, the International Union of the Conservation of Nature, and global nature conservation. With some 2400 delegates from 53 African nations and 27 others, this Congress brought African leaders, concerns, and priorities to the foreground, laying forth how much this continent and its visionaries have achieved and how far we, as a planet, have to go.

When WILD started in the early 70s, conservation was dominated by white leaders. Few, if any, voices from the Global South had a seat at the table, even for major decisions directly involving their lands and homes. While there is still much improvement needed in this regard, the African Protected Areas Congress is a watershed moment clearly demonstrating progress towards a fair, just, and equitable conservation sector. The wounds of colonialism persist, yet this is a remarkable reason for hope.

The youth also had a strong and powerful presence. This is especially important for a continent where around 50% of the people are under the age of 18. Youth today demand that we as a sector practice a greater commitment to the land tenure and ownership of Indigenous Peoples as well as local communities. They are our stewards to work and achieve the scientifically necessary target of protecting HALF of Earth’s lands and seas.

In the light of all these genuine reasons for hope, WILD was still disappointed in 1) a reluctance to openly discuss the science around the critically important Half target, and 2) the unwillingness to fully implement Motion 101/Resolution 125 from the 2021 Marseilles World Conservation Congress. At a time when the Vatican has come forward with a powerful call to protect Half by 2030, the fact that even 30×30 did not appear in the Kigali Call to Action was dispiriting indeed. (30×30 is considered the most conservative of targets, insufficient to ensure an end to mass extinction and the survival of our civilization, but a common milestone to Half recognized by many around the world).

WILD’s international and inter-cultural team will continue to urgently advocate for Half (for nature and people) at this time when bold and courageous leadership is as important as recognition and reconciliation of the wounds of the past.

Onwards.

Join us and learn more at wild.org/half-is-possible/

Raise your voice to protect Half at wild.org/survival-revolution/