Africa’s Biodiversity Economy: Transforming Conservation Into Economic Growth and Sustainable Development with Edwin Tambara

Episode 173 with Edwin Tambara, Director of Global Leadership at the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF). Edwin shares AWF’s groundbreaking approach to the biodiversity economy, an innovative model that integrates conservation and economic development, driving both environmental preservation and community prosperity.

AWF has played a pivotal role in supporting Zimbabwe’s biodiversity economy, from nature-based tourism and wildlife conservation to the commercialisation of non-timber forest products. Through its work, AWF demonstrates that conservation can be a powerful driver of economic development, creating jobs, enhancing livelihoods, and attracting private investment. Edwin takes us through the challenges and successes of aligning conservation goals with economic agendas and how the African Wildlife Foundation is empowering local communities to become stewards of their natural resources.

This episode offers a fascinating look at how biodiversity is becoming a key asset for Africa's future, showcasing how conservation and sustainable development go hand in hand to create a thriving, green economy.

What We Discuss With Edwin

• The vision behind AWF’s Biodiversity Economies initiative and its role in driving sustainable economic growth in Africa.
• How AWF is working with the Zimbabwean government to integrate biodiversity into national economic planning and development.
• The impact of nature-based tourism and non-timber forest products on Zimbabwe’s economy and rural livelihoods.
• How AWF is overcoming challenges of aligning conservation with economic agendas, particularly in Zimbabwe’s remote regions.
• AWF’s approach to promoting private investment in biodiversity economies and attracting sustainable financing for conservation projects.

Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Expanding Financial Access: Building a Marketplace for Agrocommodity Trade and Export in Nigeria? Make sure to check it out!

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Twitter - @EdwinTambara

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