President Duma Boko joined African leaders, philanthropists, and key stakeholders in New York City for the launch of the African Keynote Protected Area Partnership, a landmark conservation initiative aimed at safeguarding Africa’s rich biodiversity, vital ecosystems, and the millions of livelihoods they sustain.

In his closing remarks at the launch, President Boko announced that Botswana will host the Africa Biodiversity Summit from November 2–5, 2025, stating:

“I hope when we next meet, it will be at the biodiversity summit in Botswana. I look forward to welcoming all of you, and many more, to Gaborone.”

Co-hosted by the African Union (AU) and the Government of Botswana, the summit will convene under the theme: “Leveraging Africa’s Biodiversity for Prosperity.” The conference has already drawn global attention and support, including that of philanthropist and conservation champion Rob Walton.

During the summit week, Gaborone will become a hub for African leaders, conservation experts, and international delegates, all seeking innovative solutions and partnerships to strengthen biodiversity protection and sustainable resource management.

At the New York event, Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, Daniel Chapo of Mozambique, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia, and President Boko underscored conservation as both an ecological imperative and a driver of economic opportunity, positioning Africa as a global leader in sustainability and ecological preservation.

Highlighting Botswana’s leadership in conservation, President Boko noted:

“Botswana is proud to be at the forefront of global conservation efforts. We have already surpassed the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework target of conserving 30 percent of land, with over 40 percent of our territory dedicated to conservation.”

He further emphasized that effective conservation must be rooted in community stewardship, citing Botswana’s Community-Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) Programme:

“We have entrusted our communities not only to manage the land but also to benefit from tourism revenues, thereby improving livelihoods. This is not just conservation, it is transformation.”

(C) BW Presidency