Wildlife Conservation Talks from Africa’s Conferences
Wildlife Conservation Talks from Africa’s Conferences
In 2025, Africa has been at the forefront of wildlife conservation, hosting a series of pivotal conferences that have brought together experts, policymakers, and community leaders to address pressing environmental challenges. These gatherings have underscored the continent’s commitment to preserving its rich biodiversity through collaborative efforts and innovative strategies.
African Wildlife Consultative Forum (AWCF) 2025
Scheduled from September 21 to 27, 2025, in Livingstone, Zambia, the 23rd African Wildlife Consultative Forum (AWCF) marks a significant milestone in conservation dialogue. Organized by the Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF), this forum has been a cornerstone for sustainable use conservation since its inception in 2002. The 2025 edition aims to prepare African nations for the upcoming CITES Conference of the Parties (CoP 20) in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. A key focus will be aligning regional positions to present a unified front on international trade regulations for endangered species, emphasizing the importance of sustainable wildlife economies and community-based conservation models. (safariclubfoundation.org)
Southern African Development Community (SADC) Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA) Conference
In May 2025, Harare, Zimbabwe, hosted the 25th SADC TFCA Conference and Heads of State Summit, commemorating a quarter-century of transboundary conservation efforts. Representatives from 16 Southern African countries convened to reaffirm their commitment to protecting the region’s natural heritage, including over 300,000 elephants that traverse shared landscapes. The summit aimed to secure stronger political and financial commitments, highlighting the role of TFCAs in promoting biodiversity conservation, regional integration, and sustainable development. (sadc.int)
Africa Animal Welfare Conference (AAWC) 2025
From July 28 to 30, 2025, Yaoundé, Cameroon, became the focal point for discussions on animal welfare and environmental conservation during the 9th Africa Animal Welfare Conference. Co-hosted by the Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), the conference emphasized a holistic approach to sustainability. Key topics included the impact of climate change on animal populations, biodiversity and habitat conservation, sustainable agriculture, and the integration of animal welfare into environmental policies. (unep.org)
Business of Conservation Conference (BCC) 2025
The African Leadership University’s School of Wildlife Conservation is set to host the Business of Conservation Conference (BCC) online on November 19, 2025. This virtual event aims to catalyze economic development in Africa through the sustainable utilization of wildlife resources. Bringing together conservation leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, the conference will focus on innovative financing for conservation, community empowerment, and the integration of technology in conservation efforts. (sowc.alueducation.com)
Wildlife Group Congress 2025
The Wildlife Group of the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) is organizing its annual congress from February 27 to March 1, 2025, at Future Africa in Pretoria, South Africa. This three-day event will feature presentations and workshops on various aspects of wildlife management and conservation, providing a platform for veterinarians, researchers, and conservationists to share knowledge and best practices. (vetlink.co.za)
African Canines in Conservation Conference
In March 2025, the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) hosted the inaugural African Canines in Conservation Conference at their conservation campus in Midrand, Gauteng. The event focused on the use of dogs in conservation research projects, covering topics such as scent detection, anti-poaching efforts, and community engagement. The conference aimed to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among practitioners utilizing canines in conservation initiatives. (ewt.org)
Conclusion
The series of conferences held across Africa in 2025 highlights the continent’s proactive stance in addressing wildlife conservation challenges. By fostering collaboration, embracing innovative solutions, and integrating community perspectives, these gatherings have set the stage for a more sustainable and resilient future for Africa’s unparalleled biodiversity.
