Guidance for Conserving African Biodiversity in a Changing Climate

This synthesis team examines how climate change is shaping biodiversity conservation in Africa and identifies which conservation actions are most effective for reducing climate-related risks. By integrating scientific evidence, indigenous knowledge, and on-the-ground experience, the team focuses on producing guidance that supports decision-makers in strengthening the resilience of African ecosystems under accelerating climate pressures.

Across the continent, climate change is altering species distributions, increasing the frequency of extreme events, and intensifying threats such as drought, wildfire, and habitat degradation. Although a wide range of adaptation measures has already been implemented by governments, conservation agencies, and community partners, the effectiveness of many interventions remains unevenly documented. Decision-makers often lack accessible, context-specific evidence to guide investment, policy, and on-the-ground action. This gap limits the ability of conservation authorities, particularly in resource-constrained settings, to anticipate climate risks and apply the most suitable adaptation strategies.

The team will compile and synthesise global and African evidence on climate-related conservation interventions, drawing on standardised methods from the Conservation Evidence framework. This will be combined with a review of existing tools, approaches, and case studies currently used in African conservation. Working with partners and policy stakeholders, the team will co-design practical adaptation guidance tailored to African governance systems and capacities. Capacity building will be a core component, supported through training, webinars, and close engagement with early-career practitioners.

The project will deliver practitioner-ready guidance that supports effective, locally relevant climate adaptation across African conservation landscapes, helping decision-makers implement strategies that strengthen biodiversity resilience and reduce climate risks.

Project Team:

• Alan Lee – BirdLife South Africa, University of Cape Town & University of KwaZulu-Natal
• Gregor Schuurman – US National Park Service
• Wendy Foden – South African National Parks
• Charles Mpofu – Botswana Wild Bird Trust
• Emma Wright – South African National Parks
• William Sutherland – University of Cambridge
• Denise Okpala – The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission
• Fahiema Daniels – South African National Parks
• Geoffrey Wambugu – Wildlife Works Sanctuary
• Mitchell Eaton – US Geological Survey
• Nicola van Wilgen – South African National Parks
• Njeri Mwagiru – South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA)
• Rebecca Smith – University of Cambridge
• Simeon (Simmy) Bezeng Bezeng – Royal Society for the Protection of Birds; Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of South Africa (UNISA)