Quantifying conservation efforts for accountability

The African Leadership University School of Wildlife Conservation recently unveiled the Wildlife Economic Investment Index at the Business of Conservation Conference in Kigali. This index aims to shine a light on the gaps and opportunities present for African nations to achieve sustainable economic growth while advancing their conservation efforts. CNBC Africa's Murungi Sarah sat down with Richard Vigne, the Executive Director of the ALU SOWC, to delve deeper into the significance of this index and its implications for the continent." The Wildlife Economic Investment Index is a groundbreaking tool that seeks to quantify the wildlife economy of Africa in a comprehensive manner, providing a roadmap for leveraging the continent's wildlife potential as a catalyst for economic development. According to Vigne, the index serves as a measurement tool to assess the current state of the wildlife economy from various perspectives and demonstrate the untapped potential if properly utilized. By identifying the key areas that need addressing, such as improving the investment climate and wildlife asset management, countries can unlock economic opportunities and thrive in the wildlife sector. One of the key takeaways from the index is the importance of governments using it to inform policy decisions and create a conducive environment for wildlife conservation businesses and organizations. Vigne emphasizes that the index offers valuable insights for countries to benchmark themselves against others and identify areas for improvement. For instance, Rwanda, while excelling in developing its wildlife economy, could focus on enhancing the quality of its wildlife asset to attract more investment and drive economic growth. In a comparative sense, countries like Somalia face significant challenges in making themselves investable due to governance issues and lack of data on their wildlife resources. On the other end of the spectrum, countries like South Africa and Mauritius, which rank higher on the index, have a more favorable environment for investment but still have room for improvement. Vigne stresses the need for ongoing efforts to enhance the investability of African nations in the global context, as there is always room for advancement and no country has achieved a perfect score yet. As the conversation around harnessing Africa's wildlife potential continues to evolve, the Wildlife Economic Investment Index stands out as a vital tool for accountability and strategic development. By leveraging the insights provided by the index, African countries can pave the way for sustainable economic growth while preserving their invaluable natural heritage.