Full Agenda


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Monday, October 14, 2024
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Welcome Cocktail
 
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Partner Event A- Film Screening-Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association
 
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
8:30 AM - 8:45 AM
Opening remarks and welcome

Opening remarks and welcome

8:30 AM - 8:45 AM
8:45 AM - 9:30 AM
ALU SOWC Wildlife Economy Investment Index (WEII)

Presentation and interactive session on the WEII and other SOWC work, including an exciting new initiative.
 

8:45 AM - 9:30 AM
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Plenary fireside chat: Conservation successes and what we need to do to change the narrative.

Where have there been conservation successes and what can we learn from them in order to ensure greater success moving forward, whilst aligning conservation and development. What are the main drivers of success in conservation?

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Recorded Interview

Tompkins Conservation: Lessons from South America, followed by reflections for Africa 

10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
10:45 AM - 11:15 AM
Networking coffee/tea break

Strike up conversations and exchange contact details to build connections, partnerships, and collaborations.

10:45 AM - 11:15 AM
11:15 AM - 11:30 AM
Ignite talk - Brewing conservation: a craft beer made with millet offers market-linked incentives for human wildlife coexistence in Botswana

A new, innovative business that supports a holistic, landscape approach to conservation, with the primary goal of offering market-linked incentives to small-scale farmers around the Okavango Delta for coexisting with elephants, while creating significant environmental, economic and social impact. 

11:15 AM - 11:30 AM
11:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Ignite talk - Sounds Right: NATURE, officially an artist?

Music and popular culture as levers for innovative conservation financing and behaviour change.

11:30 AM - 11:45 AM
11:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Ignite Talk - Making nature investable – at scale

Current funding for nature, biodiversity and conservation is wholly inadequate. It is naïve to think that the current funding pools can increase funding to the levels required. We need new pools of capital. The largest pools of capital are the capital markets. This presentation will consider these pools of capital and how they can be attracted into funding nature on a very large scale.

11:45 AM - 12:00 PM
12:00 PM - 1:15 PM
Investing in the Nature and Climate Economy: From Theory to Practice – Developing viable, scalable solutions that meet investor requirements.

Bridging the gap between conservation and entrepreneurship, evaluating innovative finance models, proof of concept and scalability and aligning investor expectations with conservation needs.

12:00 PM - 1:15 PM
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
Networking Lunch

Strike up conversations and exchange contact details to build connections, partnerships, and collaborations.

1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
2:15 PM - 2:20 PM
What if...Not the last resort, the only resort

Are local communities the only resort for ecosystem-scale conservation? This talk explores why empowering local communities is not just an option but the best strategy for preserving Africa's large landscapes. Through real-world examples and interactive audience engagement, we'll demonstrate how community-led models offer cost-effective, scalable solutions that protect biodiversity and enhance livelihoods.
 

2:15 PM - 2:20 PM
2:25 PM - 2:35 PM
What if we harnessed AI to solve conservation problems?

This talk will explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can revolutionize conservation.  We'll discuss why relying solely on traditional methods might not be enough to address today's complex environmental challenges.  AI is transforming various sectors, and conservation is no exception. From identifying endangered species, tracking wildlife populations and predicting habitat changes, together we will envision a future where AI plays a crucial role in ensuring a sustainable future for all.
 

2:25 PM - 2:35 PM
2:40 PM - 2:55 PM
What if... Interspecies Money

Can a nonhuman species pay for its own protection? In this talk we will unpack a world first: another species holding and spending money based on its AI inferred interests. Together with the Rwanda Ministries of Finance and Technology, the Rwanda Central Bank, and the Rwanda Development Board, Interspecies Money has empowered a family of Rwanda mountain gorillas to hold a secure digital identity and send mobile money payments. We believe this is the first step in a multigenerational, trillion dollar journey for many species to participate in the human market economy in order to improve their life outcomes. 

2:40 PM - 2:55 PM
2:55 PM - 4:10 PM
1A. Launching Africa’s first Finance Solution Inventory© targeted for conservation organised by the Sustainable Finance Coalition

Through contributions from a vast ecosystem of people and organisations, the Sustainable Finance Coalition are pleased to launch the online Finance Solution Inventory©. The Inventory is a growing knowledge-hub of key information pertaining to sustainable finance solutions, with knowledge products of tailor-made finance solutions at various stages of development in Africa. The Coalition will practically demonstrate how to use the Finance Solution Inventory. The purpose to assist conservation NGOs with the knowledge and steps required to find the right finance solutions for their context. The Inventory includes finance solutions from Insurance Products and Bonds to Environmental Tax Incentives and Nature Credits.  All contributing to closing the Finance for Nature gap through collective action

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2:55 PM - 4:10 PM
1B. Navigating sustainability: Data-driven impact with Baotree

Explore how Baotree is transforming sustainability tracking and impact measurement for camps, lodges and foundations through its intuitive platform. This session will include a demonstration of how Baotree’s technology and team turns complex sustainability challenges into manageable, measurable actions. Plus, engage with fellow attendees in a unique “Needs and Leads” networking activity to build connections and collaborations.

2:55 PM - 4:10 PM
1C. Wildlife and wealth: Crafting economies that benefit nature and deliver value to communities - Zambia National Community Resources Board Association (ZNCRBA)

To achieve sustainable conservation solutions, we must rethink the business of conservation. This session aims to engage attendees in exploring, with experts, how local communities can manage conservancies with modest budgets while ensuring that people and livelihoods remain central to conservation efforts.

 

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2:55 PM - 4:10 PM
4:10 PM - 4:40 PM
Networking coffee/tea break

Strike up conversations and exchange contact details to build connections, partnerships, and collaborations.

4:10 PM - 4:40 PM
4:40 PM - 6:00 PM
2A. What does quality and integrity look like in the African voluntary carbon market? - BIRA (ALU SOWC/Axum)

African carbon projects have the potential to deliver the best quality carbon credits in the world. How do we ensure this happens?
 

4:40 PM - 6:00 PM
2B. How agency, resources, governance, and capacity lead the way in building nature-based livelihoods in rural communities - Conserve Global

Discover the innovative and collaborative conservation business models that African communities are creating to safeguard nature and their own well-being. Hear the inspiring stories of community-private partnerships from Zambia, Mozambique and Namibia that are enhancing the income and agency of rural people in Africa. 

4:40 PM - 6:00 PM
2C. Next Gen Leaders & Future-Proofing Conservation: From Ideas to Action in Africa’s Wildlife Economy - ALU and University of Rwanda students

This session will spotlight the critical role of young people in reshaping Africa’s conservation landscape, moving from ideas and theory to actionable strategies. The session will explore how youth-driven innovations are advancing inclusive, sustainable solutions that empower communities and safeguard wildlife, ensuring long-term economic and conservation benefits.

4:40 PM - 6:00 PM
6:15 PM - 7:15 PM
Speed Dating Session
 
6:15 PM - 7:15 PM
6:15 PM - 8:00 PM
Partner Event B - What If Development Could Catalyze Community-driven Conservation? Organised by Mass Design

This session will explore how development can catalyze community-driven conservation. At MASS Africa Studio, we amplify African voices and culture to redefine prosperity by leveraging the built environment as a catalyst for creating transformative
spaces that prioritize both people and the environment.

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6:15 PM - 8:00 PM
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Partner Event C- Tehanu Sundowners. Organised by Interspecies Money. By Invitation-only
 
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
Arrival - Day 2
 
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Plenary fireside chat- From the ground up: Business models in community conservation

This fireside chat will delve into what drives success in community-led conservation, highlighting both achievements and obstacles. We will discuss how tailored approaches, capable leadership, and inclusive governance enable communities to benefit from conservation, fostering ownership and economic opportunity through the wildlife economy.

8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM
Ignite Talk - Reduce the risk, increase the successes- effective governance is essential

In the complex world of community-led conservation, effective governance is the key to reducing investment risks and ensuring success. This talk delves into how good governance at all levels empowers all stakeholders, aligning interests and fostering partnerships that attract investment and drive sustainable outcomes in conservation-driven social enterprises.
 

9:30 AM - 9:45 AM
9:45 AM - 10:00 AM
Ignite Talk - Unveiling the future of conservation: Non Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and digital innovation

Witness the innovation in pipeline of an NFT marketplace and gamification using Rwanda's centralized digital currency, all while supporting conservation and promoting sustainable ecotourism.

9:45 AM - 10:00 AM
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Ignite Talk - Using Technology to Amplify African Conservation Leadership

How many African youth are prevented from pursuing conservation careers? How many NGOs struggle to quantify their efforts? And how many employers fail to recruit emerging local talent into the employment pipeline? Learn how Vumba supports youth, NGOs, and businesses to connect the next generation of conservation leaders to the greater wildlife economy. 

10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Plenary fireside chat: Using the ALU SOWC Wildlife Economy Investment Index (WEII) to grow investment in the wildlife economy

Discussions around the wildlife asset and its management and how to create a more enabling business environment, including what would be needed to develop a sovereign debt instrument related to the WEII
 

10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
11:15 AM - 11:45 AM
Networking coffee/tea break

Strike up conversations and exchange contact details to build connections, partnerships, and collaborations.

11:15 AM - 11:45 AM
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM
3A. The Building Blocks of viable finance solutions: Biodiversity credits and lessons from existing outcomes-based payments targeted toward conservation in Africa - Sustainable Finance Coalition

The session will cover the Building Blocks of Biodiversity Credits for successful replication and the opportunities for enhancing outcomes-based payments to better meet emerging biodiversity markets and sustainable financing of Africa’s landscapes.
 

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11:45 AM - 1:00 PM
3B. Are we neglecting investment in community governance for conservation? - ReGeCom, Mozambique

Good governance is vital for the success of community-led conservation initiatives, and global conservation efforts in general. This session will delve into the necessary investments and ongoing practices required to maintain effective governance, ensuring long-term success and community engagement.

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11:45 AM - 1:00 PM
3C. Nature as Asset: A Bold Approach to Funding Conservation Initiatives - |XAU Conservation

Only a paradigm shift can save us. This session will explore how innovative Nature Asset models can help NGOs secure capital from their existing work while offering high-net-worth individuals and corporations a chance to impact conservation at compound interest levels. Whether through biodiversity credits or other models, the value of ecosystem services is undeniable; it's about effectively measuring and harnessing that value. Join us to explore the most effective Nature Asset methodologies for safeguarding Africa’s biodiversity and learn how we can achieve significant returns for both land stewards and investors.
 

11:45 AM - 1:00 PM
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Networking Lunch

Strike up conversations and exchange contact details to build connections, partnerships, and collaborations.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
2:00 PM - 3:15 PM
4A. Carbon finance at scale - what opportunities are emerging? - Carbon Tanzania

With the voluntary carbon market within Africa showing early signs of exponential growth it is critical that scaling takes place with a community-led approach and greater levels of integrity. Join Carbon Tanzania, developer of award winning projects, to learn how equitable revenue sharing is benefiting participating communities and local governments in Tanzania. Then envision what additional opportunities for sustainable development, land and resource rights and conservation could arise when access to carbon finance is scaled.

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2:00 PM - 3:15 PM
4B. Decision and investment support toolkit for assessing and developing wildlife economies - AWF and ALU SOWC

This session will spotlight the critical importance of African countries adopting a structured and standardized approach to assessing and building wildlife economies through an innovative decision support toolkit. Through a dynamic discussion with experts, policymakers, and stakeholders, we aim to draw valuable feedback and insights to help refine the toolkit to ensure its fit for purpose.

2:00 PM - 3:15 PM
4C. Community income from conservation: African Parks’ experience of working with community micro-enterprises to build a conservation-compatible economy in Rwanda - African Parks

Rwanda has developed a successful model of cooperatives which supports various revenue-generating activities. As part of African Parks’ community development programme in Rwanda, the organisation partners with and supports 108 cooperatives with over 20 thousand members. The members are engaged in income-generating activities around the protected areas and different employment/service activities within Nyungwe and Akagera. Building on the work the park teams have done within this structure thus far, African Parks is now keen to apply the lessons learned across the other countries where it manages protected areas.

2:00 PM - 3:15 PM
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM
Networking coffee/tea break

Strike up conversations and exchange contact details to build connections, partnerships, and collaborations.

3:15 PM - 3:45 PM
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM
Plenary fireside chat: Discovering innovative conservation financing solutions to support long-term sustainability

Discussions related to green bonds, Project Financing for Permanence (PFP),  the carbon economy and other innovative solutions

3:45 PM - 4:45 PM
4:45 PM - 6:15 PM
Closing session
 
4:45 PM - 6:15 PM
6:15 PM - 8:00 PM
Closing Cocktail
 
6:15 PM - 8:00 PM