The African Biodiversity Network (ABN) is a regional network of individuals and organisations seeking African solutions to the ecological and socio-economic challenges facing the continent. The ABN was first conceived in 1996 in response to growing concerns over threats to Biodiversity in Africa and the need to develop strong African positions and legal instruments at the national, regional and international level. The Gaia Foundation was one of the founding partners of ABN, a network which now consists of 36 partners drawn from twelve African countries: Benin, Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Vibrant and resilient African communities rooted in their own biological, cultural, and spiritual diversity, governing their own lives and livelihoods, in harmony with healthy ecosystems.ABN's vision

ABN's goal is to ignite and nurture a growing African network of individuals and organisations working passionately from global to local level, with the capacity to resist harmful developments and to influence and implement policies and practices that promote recognition and respect for people and nature. By focusing on indigenous knowledge, ecological agriculture and biodiversity related rights, policy and legislation, ABN strives to pioneer culturally-centred approaches to social and ecological problems in Africa. This is achieved through sharing experiences, co-developing methodologies and creating a united African voice on the continent around these pertinent issues. Africa may be at a crossroads, trying to reconcile the conservation and recuperation of it's vast cultural and natural heritage while meeting the many needs of a growing population, yet the solutions sought already lie within the indigenous cultures. The ABN is a network committed to unearthing and implementing African solutions to African problems by building solidarity on biodiversity and community rights issues on the continent.

The ABN's major objectives include: building ecosystem and community resilience, strengthening advocacy alliances and strengthening network development. Together with its partners, the ABN is pioneering pathways and finding innovative solutions to the challenges Africa currently faces.

We have to connect, we have to mobilize our people and show them that we have alternative working methods. We have African solutions to African problems and it is the time to show the world. Gebremedhine Birega, Ethiopia.

For more information on the work of the African Biodiversity Network:

Community Dialogues

The Kamburu Story and The Kamburu Story in Pictures

Mapping with the 'rainmakers' in Venda, South Africa

Regenerating the Karima Sacred Forest

Transforming Landscapes in Ethiopia

Wisdom from Nature in Zoosali, Ghana

Find out more about the ABN by visiting their website.

Contact Details:

ABN Network Administrator

Simon Mitambo, ABN Secretariat Kenya

Telephone: +254 722 135 488

Mobile: +254 733 523 800

Email: smitambo@africanbiodiversity.org

Website: www.africanbiodiversity.org