Prof Letlhokwa George Mpedi is the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg. He recently published an opinion article that first appeared in the Daily Maverick on 12 September 2024. Africa seems to be facing environmental headwinds that are more ravaging and devastating than anywhere else in the world. One symptom of this environmental devastation is biodiversity and ecosystem loss. In 2022, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimated that more than 6 400 animals and 3 100 plants in Africa could face extinction. This is a staggering figure and points once again to the disproportionate impact of climate change in Africa. NELSON MANDELA ONCE SAID, QUITE APPROPRIATELY, THAT “WE CANNOT AFFORD TO WAIT FOR OTHERS TO STAND UP FOR OUR ENVIRONMENT – AS NOBODY STANDS TO LOSE MORE THAN WE DO. IT IS OUR DUTY TO BE PROACTIVE IN THE BATTLE TO PROTECT AFRICA’S NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.”
OPINION: AFRICA NEEDS TO HARNESS THE POWER OF AI IN ITS BATTLE AGAINST BIODIVERSITY DEGRADATION
African World Heritage sites are rich in biodiversity, but they face increasing threats, including those outlined above. This begs the question: In tackling biodiversity and ecosystem loss, what can be done to protect World Heritage properties, especially on the African continent, and can artificial intelligence (AI) play a role? Strengthening legal frameworks and enforcing laws are crucial first steps. This includes better monitoring and policing to curb illegal activities. We have seen how effective this can be with the example of rhino poaching throughout the continent. Another critical component is the involvement of local communities. Conservation strategies must integrate sustainable livelihoods to reduce local reliance on exploiting natural resources within protected areas. The imagery of Wangari Maathai, who started the Green Belt Movement in the 1970s as a means to plant trees around Kenya and alleviate poverty and reduce conflict, comes to mind. She understood there to be an inextricable link between environmental degradation, poverty and conflict. Ecotourism, for instance, refers to a sustainable form of travel that focuses on experiencing and conserving
In pursuit of this ideal, it is important to understand, first, some of the drivers of this phenomenon. Causes of biodiversity and ecosystem loss mainly emanate from human-induced challenges. They can include exploitation of the land for hunting, agriculture or even urban development, shifts in the use of land, the introduction of invasive alien species and the impact of climate change and pollution. The concern is that while Africa faces these risks far more disproportionately than the rest of the world, it also has fewer resources, funding and time to tackle these challenges. The Global Environment Fund, for example, estimates that between $20-billion and $25-billion is needed annually. Some solutions that have been touted include ensuring the implementation of conventions and policy frameworks, tapping into local knowledge and conservation practices, identifying sources of funding that address these challenges, and ensuring that accurate data that comes from Africa informs policymaking decisions. It is also noteworthy that Africa has the second-lowest number, 108 or 8.83%, of World Heritage Sites globally. Notably, it is ranked number two on the list of World Heritage Sites in danger by region.
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