African Biodiversity Network

The African Biodiversity Network (ABN) aims to promote the sustainable development and conservation of biodiversity, based on local community rights and livelihood systems in Africa. The strategies used to achieve this have been through influencing public policy on biodiversity issues at international, regional and national levels and by promoting awareness of these issues and their impact on Africa.

The ABN was first conceived in 1996, in response to growing concern in the region over threats to biodiversity in Africa, mainly due to globalization; and the need to develop strong African positions and legislation at the international and regional level, to defend Africa’s heritage. By 2002 it was formalised in name and structure. Regional and Thematic Coordinators were designated, and the network now comprises over 300 concerned Africans who are engaged in promoting these activities in Africa and strengthening alliances with like-minded others internationally. It is active in 11 countries: Benin, Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

The ABN currently has a work programme involving four thematic areas:

• Seed Security - the basis of food sovereignty and a critical factor in preventing dependency, vulnerability, poverty, hunger and famine.
  
• Genetic Engineering (GE/IPR/Biosafety) - the most recent manifestations of industrial agriculture and globalization, with negative impacts on biodiversity and local control of sustainable livelihood systems.
  
• Cultural Biodiversity (CB) - knowledge and customary practices, which enhance and protect biodiversity, are embedded in cultural traditions.
  
• Community Ecological Governance (CEG) - a coherent approach to local rights and responsibilities which protect the environment and communities.

The Gaia Foundation has been central in supporting the development, strategic planning and funding of the ABN. It is active in capacity building of ABN partners; providing information on thematic areas; linking with other networks in both the South and the North; and advocacy work in Europe.

Contact: For more information on the African Biodiversity Network, contact Katy Choksi.

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Gaia Learning Centre

2008 Programme of Events.

A range of workshops and evenings, to inspire and strengthen our relationship with the natural world and influence the choices we make in our daily lives.

** BOOK NOW **
Wild Law Workshop - 26-28 September - with the Environmental Law Foundation and the UK Environmental Law Association.

Earth Ethics Series

Summaries from recent Gaia Evenings.

Restoring the Mythological Paradigm - by Jules Cashford

The Colombian Amazon: An Indigenous Peoples' Journey - by Dr. Martín von Hildebrand

Changing America's Environmental Laws - by Andrew Kimbrell.

Science's Changing Myth - by Prof. Brian Goodwin.

Countdown: Life on a Hotter Planet - by Mark Lynas.

A New Relationship with the Living Earth - by Dr. Rupert Sheldrake.

Get Involved

Other events and links to inspire you:

The Age of Stupid - the unmissable new climate change documentary for the big screen. Documentary footage, drama and cutting-edge animation asks "Why didn't we stop climate change when we had the chance?"

Earth is Community - DVDs
For anyone who was not able to make our Earth is Community event, celebrating the vision and path of Thomas Berry. A set of DVDs with the main presentations, now available.

Earth Community Network

Schumacher College and Bija Vidyapeeth offer residential courses on Earth democracy and sustainable living. Visit the Earth Community Network for more opportunities in experiential learning - in Brazil, Kenya, India, UK.