Biodiversity and ecosystem services on the African continent – What is changing, and what are our options?
Year: 2020
Type: article
Abstract: Throughout the world, biodiversity and nature's contributions to people are under threat, with clear changes evident. Biodiversity and ecosystem services have particular value in Africa– yet they are negatively impacted by a range of drivers, including land use and climate change. In this communication, we show evidence of changing biodiversity and ecosystem services in Africa, as well as the current most significant drivers of change. We then consider five plausible futures for the African continent, each underlain by differing assumptions. In three out of the five futures under consideration, negative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services are likely to persist. Those two plausible futures prioritizing environment and sustainability, however, are shown as the most likely paths to achieving long term development objectives without compromising the continent's biodiversity and ecosystem services. Such a finding shows clearly that achievement of such objectives cannot be separated from full recognition of the value of such services.
Source: Environmental Development
Authors: E. Archer, L.E. Dziba, K.J. Mulongoy, M.A. Maoela, M. Walters, R. Biggs, M-C. Cormier Salem, F. DeClerck, M.C. Diaw, A.E. Dunham, P. Failler, C. Gordon, K.A. Harhash, R. Kasisi, F. Kizito, W.D. Nyingi, N. Oguge, B. Osman-Elasha, L.C. Stringer, L. Tito de Morais, A. Assogbadjo, B.N. Egoh, M.W. Halmy, K. Heubach, A. Mensah, L. Pereira, N. Sitas
Institutions: University of Pretoria, South African National Parks, Nelson Mandela University, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Stellenbosch University, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Patrimoines locaux, Environnement et Globalisation, Agropolis International, Rice University, University of Portsmouth, University of Ghana, Egyptian Ministry of Environment, Université de Montréal, International Center for Tropical Agriculture, Compagnie Industrielle d'Applications Thermiques (France), National Museums of Kenya, University of Nairobi, African Development Bank Group, University of Leeds, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Ifremer, Institut Universitaire Européen de la Mer, Laboratoire des Sciences de l'Environnement Marin, Université d'Abomey-Calavi, University of California, Irvine, Alexandria University, Palmengarten Frankfurt, University of London, City, University of London, City St George's, University of London
Language: English
Subfield: Global and Planetary Change
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDGs: Life on land, Climate action
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,900
Awards: G1733544638, G3280553113, G337136877
OpenAlex ID: W3082592895