Across East and Southern Africa, biodiversity loss, invasive alien species (IAS) and unsustainable use of wildlife are playing out like discordant notes in a delicate ecological symphony.

These challenges don’t exist in isolation; they are deeply intertwined with water, food, health and climate change. When IAS spread unchecked, they disrupt ecosystems, strain freshwater supplies, threaten agriculture, affect human health and destabilize local livelihoods.

But what if we could harmonize solutions rather than tackling these crises in silos? The series of groundbreaking assessments produced by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) on the sustainable use of wild species (2022), IAS (2023) and nexus among biodiversity, water, food and health (2024) shed a critical spotlight on the profound interlinkages of these thematic issues. Equally encouraging is the presence of many communities already nurturing this balance for generations, relying on wildlife for food, income and cultural traditions.  

How are biodiversity, water, food, health and climate change connected? Find out in this episode featuring insights from the IPBES Nexus Assessment Report.

The Trialogue also explored the theme of sustainable use of wildlife through a mix of panel discussions, interactive sessions and case studies. Country teams shared their experiences, uncovering governance models that work, gaps that persist and opportunities to scale up local successes. The role of Indigenous and local knowledge was front and centre, reinforcing the need for policies that weave diverse ways of knowing.

A particularly thought-provoking discussion centred on the IPBES Nexus response options – a set of integrated solutions that acknowledge the deep interconnections between five nexus elements: biodiversity, water, food, health and climate.

The participants analysed how response options such as restoring soil health, strengthening Indigenous food systems and enhancing cooperation for inclusive solutions could be applied to their national and regional contexts.

Bridging science and local solutions: Field visits and co-creation labs

The Trialogue balanced theory with real-world application, ensuring that discussions were grounded in concrete and scalable experiences. The participants took part in two field visits: one at the National Botanical Garden, where they explored ongoing efforts to manage IAS taken forward by the working group on IAS, and another at Dan Viljoen Game Park, where discussions focused on wildlife conservation. These visits provided practical insights into ecosystem management strategies, the role of local communities and opportunities for economic integration, sparking dialogue on alternative livelihoods, conservation incentives and transboundary cooperation.

Back in the conference room, the discussion shifted towards translating knowledge into action, with country teams working collaboratively to develop national actions aligned with the Global Biodiversity Framework and their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans. The need for regional collaboration emerged, sparking conversations on how to scale up national efforts into coordinated, cross-border initiatives across East and Southern Africa.

The Trialogue was also an opportunity to share and celebrate existing efforts and bright spot stores. The participants explored innovative community-led conservation projects, cutting-edge approaches to IAS management and technology-driven solutions. A standout feature presented by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization of Namibia was a virtual reality recreation of an Indigenous San hunting scene, highlighting the deep connection between Indigenous knowledge, sustainable wildlife use and cultural heritage. Presentations such as the one from Permaculture Paradise Institute in Malawi and East Africa Impact Center in Tanzania inspired discussions on how local action, coupled with scientific research, can enhance livelihoods and address multiple crises at once.

Outlining country commitments for biodiversity management

Before the Trialogue concluded, each country presented its action plan, highlighting key priorities:

Botswana focused on improving coordination across agencies, updating policies, and strengthening transboundary collaboration.

Malawi emphasized ecosystem restoration, IAS management in wetlands and inland fisheries, and securing cross-border cooperation.

Namibia prioritized institutional coordination, sustainable financing and ecosystem resilience, including restoration efforts and community-based natural resource management.

Tanzania committed to implementing its IAS Strategic Action Plan (2019–2029), focusing on awareness, capacity-building and research.

Uganda, in line with its recently updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, targeted wildlife restoration, human-wildlife conflict reduction and water quality improvement, emphasizing the importance of a One Health approach.

Zimbabwe prioritized ecosystem conservation, landscape restoration and better resource management, stressing data collection and policy alignment.

As these countries move forward in their work, the connections and conversations started in Windhoek will continue to shape efforts to manage IAS and promote sustainable wildlife use across the region.