Nairobi: The call for coordinated, data-driven and agroecology-informed approaches comes as Africa seeks to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability. With the right policies and partnerships, countries can unlock opportunities in green jobs, nature-based solutions and sustainable land-use practices that deliver long-term benefits for both people and the planet. Policymakers, researchers, donors, regional institutions, civil society and private sector representatives from Africa and Europe are gathered in Nairobi this week for the annual Africa Regional Centres of Excellence (ArcX).
According to Kenya News Agency, the forum is advocating for evidence-based policymaking, research collaboration and knowledge sharing to strengthen the sustainable management of Africa's forests, biodiversity, and ecosystems. Organised under the EU-Africa partnership, the forum is exploring how science, technology, and innovation can accelerate Africa's green transition and sustainable development. It is also emphasizing the need for African governments, research institutions, and development partners to adopt a more integrated and coordinated approach to managing the continent's biodiversity and ecosystems spanning forests, water bodies, vegetation, and wildlife.
Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation in Kenya, Mr. Ondrej Simek, while speaking during the event in a Nairobi hotel, said that through science, technology, and innovation, we can address the most pressing challenges of our time. "We can build stronger connections, foster deeper collaboration and create lasting impact," he said, adding that the call for coordinated, data-driven, and agroecology-informed approaches comes as Africa seeks to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.
Director of Science at CIFOR-ICRAF, Dr. Robert Nasi, highlighted that Africa is losing its forests at an alarming rate, which has severe economic consequences threatening not only forests but also agriculture, a major employer in Africa. "The result is rising unemployment, desertification, the loss of habitats for countless species, declining biodiversity, and damage to the tourism sector, a major contributor to our economies," said Nasi. He emphasized the need for action, noting that despite having satellites, observatories, and advanced monitoring tools, action still lags behind.
Science and Technology Specialist at the African Union Commission, Dr. Mahaman Bachir Saley, stressed the importance of harnessing science, technology, and innovation to tackle challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, food security, energy access, and ocean and coastal management. "Translating scientific research into political action is critical. Too much of our research remains within universities and fails to reach policymakers," said Saley, urging for the bridging of the gap between knowledge and governance.
Dr. Peter Minang, Africa Director for CIFOR-ICRAF, observed that Africa's ecosystems are deeply interconnected and dependent on collective management. "Our economies do not depend on a single resource; they rely on all of them working together. If our forests disappear and water resources are lost, then food security, development, and economic growth will all be undermined," he said. Dr. Minang emphasized the need for credible data, accurate knowledge, and effective monitoring systems for evidence-based policymaking.
Participants also highlighted the importance of farming systems working in harmony with nature. Agroecology, which applies ecological principles to agriculture, was identified as a critical pathway for transformation. By improving soil health, enhancing water retention, and reducing chemical inputs, practices such as intercropping, agroforestry, and the use of native species can restore biodiversity while boosting food production and resilience to climate shocks.
Launched in 2023 and funded by the European Union, the Africa Regional Centres of Excellence (ArcX) programme supports regional collaboration across Africa in five priority areas: Agroecology, Biodiversity and Forests, Water, Ocean, and Climate.