Throughout Africa, the continent’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage are increasingly endangered by challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss. A significant driver of biodiversity decline is the spread of invasive alien species, which threatens not only the diversity of ecosystems but also food security and livelihoods, particularly for vulnerable populations in Africa.

Recognizing these urgent challenges, the Regional Trialogue for Central and West Africa was held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on 11–13 June 2024. Organized by the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Network (BES-Net), this event aimed to translate global knowledge on biodiversity threats – such as IAS and the unsustainable use of wildlife – into actionable strategies. The Trialogue brought together over 55 key stakeholders, including policymakers, scientists, researchers and local community representatives from six countries in the region: Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Senegal and Togo – to collaborate and reflect on recent Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services assessments on IAS and on the sustainable use of wild species and turn these insights into concrete actions.