Biodiversity, Biotechnology & Indigenous Knowledge

	Conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity Africa’s biodiversity holds an ernomous potential of transforming the continent’s agricultural and industrial systems to contribute to economic growth and poverty reduction. The unique species of plants and animals as well as ecosystems constitute the continent’s natural wealth. However, this diversity is underutilized and is being lost at alarming rates. Conserving and promoting sustainable use of biodiversity is one of the challenges that African countries have committed themselves to addressing.
	Safe development and application of biotechnology Life sciences and related advances in biotechnology are opening up new opportunities to increase food production, stem environmental degradation, fight such diseases as malaria, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, and add value to natural resources as well as promote industrialization in Africa. They can contribute to the reduction of poverty and improvement of the continent’s economic competitiveness.
	Securing and using Africa's indigenous knowledge base Africa has a relatively rich body of indigenous knowledge and related technologies. Indigenous knowledge and technologies play major roles in biodiversity conservation, sustainable use and prospecting. In addition, their contributions to increasing food production, fighting HIV/AIDS and other diseases, and stemming environmental degradation are considerable.