Advancing the data-science-policy value chain through SANBI's regional engagement strategy

Abstract

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) has previously coordinated several conservation projects in other African countries linked to data mobilisation and biodiversity assessments, but these have been largely disconnected and risk undermining long-term impact. Currently, SANBI is conducting three major projects across the continent: the African Biodiversity Challenge (Ghana, Malawi, Namibia and Rwanda), Mapping Biodiversity Priorities (Botswana, Ethiopia and Malawi), and a Biodiversity Assessment for Spatial Prioritisation in Africa (BASPA) (Cameroon, Ethiopia, Gabon, Kenya and Mozambique). These projects span components relating to the data-science-policy value chain and provide opportunity for strategic coordination and synergy to create a critical mass of capacity in partner institutions. Such strategic coordination also extends to collaborating with other programmes of work operating on the continent (such as those being conducted by the Global Biodiversity Information Facility and United Nations – World Conservation Monitoring Centre). The ultimate goal is to create a continental community of practice through a network of strong science-policy hubs that can better cooperate in regional decision-making and global reporting through vehicles such as the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).