Applying Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to restore mountain biodiversity and ecosystems in Africa

Author : Mohammed Sghir Taleb

Abstract : Africa mountains cover an estimated 3 million Km2. Approximately half of African countries have mountains higher than 2000 m. Africa mountains are home to significant richness in biodiversity and ecosystems (8 of the world’s 34 biodiversity hotspots are in Africa (including Morocco)). This richness is currently subject to many natural (climate change, erosion etc.) and anthropogenic (deforestation, overgrazing etc.) pressures. To overcome this problem of degradation and loss of biodiversity, many actions have been carried out in Africa taking into account Nature-based Solutions approach. Thus, Africa is applying Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) tools in mountain biodiversity and ecosystems for restoring ecosystem, conserving biodoiversity and ecosystem services and for combating desertification and mitigating the effects of climate change. This work will be focused on how Africa draw inspiration from nature to implement transformative change for the restauration, conservation and sustainable management of mountain biodiversity and ecosystem services for human well-being and to achieve the 2050 vision “Living in harmony with nature”.

Keywords : African mountains, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, Nature-based Solutions, climate change adaptation, ecosystem services, desertification control, sustainable mountain management, ecological resilience, and human well-being.

Conference Name : International Conference on Ecological Restoration and Sustainability Practices (ICERSP-26)

Conference Place : Manila, Philippines

Conference Date : 23rd Jun 2026