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Zambia has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing science, technology and innovation in support of environmental sustainability and inclusive development as the country prepares to host the 8th General Assembly of the African Network of Man and Biosphere Reserves (AfriMAB).
Zambia, in collaboration with UNESCO, will hold the General Assembly this month in Livingstone, according to Ministry of Technology and Science Principal Public Relations Officer, Illitonge Maboshe.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday, Maboshe said hosting the 8th AfriMAB General Assembly underscored Zambia’s leadership within the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme and its dedication to strengthening regional cooperation in biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural resource management.
She said the Assembly, held under the theme “Harnessing Africa’s natural resources through ecosystem-friendly technologies,” would bring together representatives from UNESCO, National MAB Committees, biosphere reserve managers, policymakers, researchers, development partners and other stakeholders from across the continent.
“AfriMAB was established in 1996 to strengthen regional cooperation among African countries participating in the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme,” Maboshe said.
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She noted that over the years the network had evolved into a key continental platform for dialogue, coordination and action to promote biosphere reserves as sites of innovation, research, learning, environmental conservation and sustainable socio-economic development.
Maboshe said the 2026 Assembly comes at a pivotal time following the launch of the Hangzhou MAB Strategic Action Plan.
“Deliberations will focus on promoting innovative and nature-based technologies for sustainable natural resource use within biosphere reserves, addressing governance and policy frameworks related to mining and quarrying activities,” she said.
Maboshe added that discussions would also explore restoration and mitigation measures in resource-use landscapes while strengthening community engagement, benefit-sharing mechanisms and socio-economic resilience.
She added that the Assembly would also provide a collaborative platform for aligning African biosphere reserves with continental and global development frameworks, including the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
“The Government of Zambia, in partnership with the Zambian National Commission for UNESCO, the UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa, and the UNESCO MAB Secretariat, looks forward to welcoming delegates to Livingstone for a productive and forward-looking Assembly,” she said.
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