South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on international partners to support the protection of 162 ecologically critical areas across Africa, warning that funding gaps and resource constraints threaten the continent’s biodiversity and conservation progress.
Speaking on Monday night at the launch of the Africa Keystone Protected Area Partnership held on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, Ramaphosa said the initiative offers a bold model for transboundary conservation, sustainable development and regional cooperation.
“These parks succeed when they are led by Africans and benefit the people who live near them,” Ramaphosa said.
“We are united in a shared commitment to preserve nature for present and future generations.”
The Africa Keystone Partnership is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the International Conservation Caucus Foundation, the Rob Walton Foundation and the African Wildlife Foundation, with bipartisan support from US lawmakers.
It aims to mobilise resources and technical support for 162 protected areas identified for their irreplaceability, ecological connectivity, resilience and integrity.
While some sites are already supported by African Parks, all face significant funding and capacity gaps.
Ramaphosa highlighted the Southern African Development Community’s leadership in conservation, citing the success of the Transfrontier Conservation Areas Programme, which has established wildlife corridors across national borders in the region.
These parks have enabled the free movement of wildlife, boosted sustainable tourism and empowered local communities through conservation economies.
“Let us continue to champion this model of conservation, integration and development for the benefit of our people, for our ecosystems and for future generations.”
The Africa Keystone Partnership is expected to catalyse new investments in conservation infrastructure, community stewardship and climate resilience across the continent.
JN/APA