#### **Discovering Africa’s Natural Treasures**
Africa, this continent with a thousand natural riches, is currently at the heart of discussions at the Biodiversity COP being held in Cali, Colombia. With its primary forests, mangroves and unique ecosystems, Africa is home to exceptional biodiversity that is essential to our survival on this planet.
### **A precious biodiversity to protect**
Among the 34 critical biodiversity reserves identified by the NGO Conservation International, 8 are in Africa. These precious ecosystems play a crucial role in regulating the global climate and preserving life on Earth. African negotiators present at the Biodiversity COP insist on the importance of protecting this unique and irreplaceable natural heritage.
### **A key role in the fight against climate change**
While many developed countries have already had a significant impact on their environment, Africa remains a haven of essential biodiversity. The ecosystems of the Congo Basin, for example, act as a green lung for the planet, absorbing CO2 and regulating the climate on a global scale. African countries are therefore calling for recognition of this crucial contribution to the fight against climate change.
### **A major financial issue**
The issue of financing for the preservation of biodiversity is also at the heart of the debates. African countries are demanding that the financial commitments made at COP15 in Montreal be respected in order to implement concrete preservation actions. They are also calling for the creation of a specific fund for biodiversity, in order to guarantee dedicated and sustainable financing.
### **The fair sharing of genetic resources**
Another crucial point of the negotiations concerns the fair sharing of economic benefits from the exploitation of African genetic resources. The countries of the continent are calling for the income generated by the use of these resources to be redistributed in a fair and equitable manner, without depending on voluntary contributions from developed states. This would ensure fair compensation for African knowledge and natural wealth.
### **Protecting biodiversity for a sustainable future**
Beyond international issues, Africa must first and foremost protect its biodiversity to ensure the well-being of its populations and the sustainability of its economies. African ecosystems provide essential services such as soil fertility, water availability and natural resources. Faced with the accelerated degradation of these ecosystems, it is urgent to act to preserve this invaluable natural capital.
In short, the Cali Biodiversity COP is a unique opportunity for Africa to make its voice heard and defend its interests in terms of biodiversity preservationBy protecting its natural treasures, the African continent not only contributes to safeguarding the planet, but also to ensuring a sustainable future for future generations.