IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature

Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Committee of IUCN Members

01 August 2012 | Article

The first meeting of the IUCN Members’ for Eastern and Southern Africa convened in Nairobi, Kenya on October 22nd to 23rd 2009. The meeting was attended by Members from the two regions, representatives from the IUCN Commission, 2 (two) IUCN Councilors for Africa and technical staff from IUCN ESARO Secretariat attended the meeting and were instrumental in providing information to Members.

The main objective was a) to improve the understanding of the 2009 – 2012 ESARO Programme and ensure Members’ buy-in into the “One Programme Approach” of IUCN; b) to improve the understanding of the ESARO Constituency Engagement plans and the role of Members and Committees; c) to explore the potential of collaboration amongst Members on priority thematic areas; d) to review and adopt the Draft Constitution of the IUCN Regional Committee for Eastern and Southern Africa and elect office bearers; and e) to agree on the approach and strategy for the preparations for the 2012 IUCN World Conservation Congress.

There have been re-launching and formation of National Committees in the last four years and notably Kenya, Uganda and Malawi.

The most recent Regional Committee meeting was held in May 2012, South Africa, where a road-map was drafted for participating in the 2012 IUCN Congress in Jeju, Republic of Korea and also revitalized activities of the Regional Committee.

The activities of the National Committees in the region in accordance with the IUCN global programme are detailed in the attached report as well as featured on corresponding web pages.