Multilateral cooperation with African countries
Combining conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity
Integrative concepts for sustainable development in Africa
Biodiversity in Africa
Giraffe and zebras in Arusha National Park, Tanzania (Photo: Christina Tarne)
8 out of 34 global 
biodiversity hotspots are located in Africa. Species diversity on this continent is particularly high, so that the commitment to the conservation of ecosystems is particularly essential. 445 endangered endemic animal species and more than 30 000 endemic plant species exist in these hotspots only, which need special protection. Nearly 675 million ha of forest area of this continent are to be conserved as a carbon sink and as a natural habitat.
Climate change and poverty lead to land use changes and to overexploitation of biological resources. These trends result in the loss of biological diversity and thus to the destruction of the natural resource base. The establishment of sustainable forms of use is therefore a key instrument for the long-term conservation of biodiversity-rich regions.
Biosphere reserves as an instrument for sustainable development
UNESCO's 
Man and the Biosphere Programme exists since 1971. Under this umbrella, it was achieved to develop and to recognize 580 biosphere reserves in 114 countries during the past 40 years. Biosphere reserves are model regions for sustainable development, where harmonious coexistence of man and nature should serve as a paradigmatic example.
Overview of the African rift in the Lake Manyara Biosphere Reserve, Tanzania (Photo: Christina Tarne)
74 biosphere reserves of 33 African countries promote sustainable regional development. Biosphere reserves are qualified as adequate protected area categories for cultural landscapes especially in Africa, since they combine both protection and sustainable use of biological diversity and ecosystem services in one concept. Thereby they also contribute to poverty alleviation.
Workshop on the management of African biosphere reserves
From 27 June till 2 July 2011, the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) with the support of the AfriMAB Secretariat, the German Commission for UNESCO, the UNESCO-MAB Secretariat and the Bavarian Management Center for the Rhön Biosphere Resere, organised an International Expert Workshop on "Managing Challenges of Biosphere Reserves in Africa". Please find the workshop proceedings here.
Conservation of wild coffee forests in Ethiopia
Wild coffee plants, Ethiopia (Photo: Manfred Denich)
Ethiopian highlands belong to the „Eastern Afromontane“ biodiversity hotspot. Forests are particularly diverse, however they were reduced to 3% of the land area. As a result, wild populations of Coffea arabica are highly endangered. In order to protect these resources while ensuring livelihoods of the local population, BfN cooperates with other local partners. In 2010, the first two Ethiopian biosphere reserves were successfully approved for the conservation of wild coffee forests.
Sustainable wild collection of medicinal and aromatic plants
Many wild plants represent a vital component of our medical und food supplies. By now, almost 15 000 species, most of which are in Africa, are endangered due to overuse and improper harvesting techniques. Therefore, in cooperation with partners, BfN developed an International Standard for Sustainable Wild Collection of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (ISSC-MAP) in 2007. It will ensure the sustainability of harvesting methods and the management of wild plants.
Fruit of the devil's claw with claw-like outgrows, South Africa (Photo: Uwe Schippmann)
Conservation of the devil's claw
The African devil's claw is threatened with extinction due to extreme overuse. By reason of medically valuable ingredients of the tuber, there is a great demand especially at the European market, which has led to the inappropriate, uncontrolled harvesting of plant parts. With the support of BfN and funding from BMU, it was possible to promote measures, which facilitate sustainable harvesting and commercial exploitation and thus protection of this species from 2000 to 2007.
Project management at BfN
Section I 2.3 International Nature Conservation
Contact: 
Bettina Hedden-Dunkhorst
