AFRICA
Africa is a continent of incredible ecological diversity, encompassing a wide range of ecosystems that have evolved over millions of years. From the vast savannas of East Africa, teeming with iconic wildlife such as lions, elephants, and giraffes, to the lush rainforests of Central Africa, home to a staggering array of plant and animal species, the continent boasts some of the most unique and precious ecosystems on the planet. The Sahara Desert, one of the world’s largest hot deserts, sprawls across North Africa, where extreme arid conditions contrast sharply with the fertile Nile Delta. Africa’s ecosystems play a critical role in supporting both local communities and global biodiversity, and they face various challenges, including habitat loss, climate change, and unsustainable resource extraction. Conservation efforts, sustainable development, and international cooperation are essential to protect Africa’s rich and fragile ecosystems for future generations.
The continent of Africa is also known for its stunning coastal ecosystems, including mangrove forests, coral reefs, and seagrass beds that fringe its extensive coastline. These ecosystems provide habitat and sustenance for numerous marine species, including turtles, dolphins, and a multitude of fish species, vital for the livelihoods and food security of coastal communities. Moreover, Africa’s lakes and rivers, such as Lake Victoria and the Nile River, are critical sources of freshwater, supporting agriculture, industry, and human settlements. These vital waterways also host unique aquatic ecosystems, from the endemic cichlid fish in the African Great Lakes to the remarkable adaptations of species living in the often unpredictable seasonal rivers. Preserving these ecosystems is essential to maintain the ecological balance of the continent and ensure the well-being of its people and the planet as a whole.
OBSERVATIONS FROM THE MAP:
Africa’s forested regions, as depicted on the map, offer a mesmerizing tapestry of green expanses, representing some of the most biologically diverse and ecologically significant areas on the continent. The map showcases the vast expanse of the Congo Basin, an immense rainforest region that spans multiple countries, and it stands out as one of the world’s primary carbon storage reservoirs. The Congo Basin is home to countless plant and animal species, including gorillas, forest elephants, and a remarkable array of birdlife. The dense, lush canopy of these equatorial forests casts a deep emerald hue, concealing within its depths a wealth of biodiversity that continues to captivate researchers, conservationists, and nature enthusiasts alike.
Moving eastward, the map reveals the towering forests of Central Africa, stretching across countries like Gabon and Cameroon. These forests, characterized by their towering hardwood trees and rich undergrowth, play a pivotal role in the world’s timber industry. They are also vital habitats for countless species, with rare and endemic creatures concealed within the shadows of the trees. Additionally, the map highlights the fragmented forests of East Africa, with patches of woodland and montane forests, including those on the slopes of the majestic Rwenzori Mountains. These montane forests serve as crucial water catchments, providing freshwater resources to local communities while sheltering unique wildlife, such as the elusive mountain gorillas. Africa’s forested areas, as depicted on the map, exemplify the continent’s ecological richness, emphasizing the need for their preservation in the face of various challenges, including deforestation and habitat degradation.
The true value of biodiversity and nature’s
contributions to human well-being tend to be
under-appreciated in decision-making processes
in Africa, in particular for non-material and
regulating contributions. Existing studies on the
valuation of biodiversity and nature’s contributions
to people in Africa are few and limited in both
geographical scope and the types of ecosystems
covered (established but incomplete).
Valuation of
biodiversity and its contributions to people is a tool used
in decision-making and in communicating their importance
to humanity, thus serving as support for their conservation
and sustainable use as well as the sharing of benefits from
the use of biological resources. Knowing the value of
biodiversity components and their contributions to people
can thus encourage investments for their management
through the most appropriate methods, and assist in
assessing the trade-offs between different policy options
and also the cost and benefits of biodiversity conservationand use policies. Failure to reflect values in decision-making
often results in unsustainable use and depletion of
biodiversity and ecosystem services. Valuation of biodiversity
and nature’s contributions to people has received limited
attention across Africa (Figure SPM.2). As shown in
Figure SPM.3, more studies were conducted in coastal
and marine areas, inland waters and forests than in the
other ecosystems. Most value studies were conducted in
Southern Africa and East Africa and adjacent islands {2.2}.
Africa is extremely vulnerable to the impacts
of climate change (well established).
Temperatures in
all African countries are expected to rise faster than the
global rate with some areas, such as the Kalahari basin,
warming at a rate close to double the global mean. Future
rainfall projections show less agreement, although rainfall
variability is projected to increase over most areas. There is
a strong probability of an increased frequency of highintensity rainfall events. Climate change could result in
significant losses of African plant species, over 50 per cent
of some bird and mammal species, and in the decline of the
productivity of Africa’s lakes by between 20 and 30 per cent
by 2100. Future disease trends and climate change are likely
to have substantial effects on the livestock sector in Africa,including through impacts on the distribution of disease vectors and water availability.
