The Heritage Institute
Educating for Humanity & the World We Want
The Heritage Institute serves educators and community members to connect, communicate and co-create the world we want through progressive education programs. A listing of upcoming events, workshops, curriculum and networking opportunities will be available around environmental sustainability, social justice and spiritual fulfillment topics. A complete cont ...learn more
GROUP DETAILS
Created: Nov 06, 2007
Updated: Nov 17, 2009
Membership: Open
Semi-Private
Organization Info [Edit]
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Network [Add] · [List] · [Visualize]
 |
About [Edit]
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.
