The Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) has collaborated with the European Union (EU) to launch the Biodiversity Outlook for Eastern and Southern Africa (BOESA). BOESA aims to strengthen access to biodiversity information and support evidence-based conservation and policy action. The publication was launched during a regional workshop in Nairobi from September 22 to 24, 2026. BOESA covers 24 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa.
BOESA brings together biodiversity information, regional perspectives, and practical experiences to enhance understanding of biodiversity in the region. The resource highlights the importance of accessible, credible, and locally relevant information in supporting conservation planning and decision-making. Sanne Willems, Regional Partnerships representative at the EU Delegation to Kenya, emphasized that collecting data alone is not enough unless it is translated into information that can support policy and action.
Willems noted that many programmes conduct valuable research but often lack the next step of translating it into policy and action. The programme aims to translate collected data into accessible information for young people and decision-makers while building the capacity of countries to take action based on the information. This initiative supports countries in achieving the 2030 targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
The launch of BOESA coincides with preparations for the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17), scheduled for October 19 to 30, 2026, in Yerevan, Armenia. COP17 will include the first global review of collective progress in implementing the KMGBF. Regional knowledge resources like BOESA are crucial for understanding progress, identifying gaps, and strengthening conservation efforts.
RCMRD Director General Dr Emmanuel Nkurunziza stated that BOESA demonstrates the importance of bringing together data, knowledge, and regional experiences to support informed decisions on biodiversity conservation. The publication aims to support policymakers, conservation practitioners, researchers, development partners, and communities in advancing nature-positive action across the region.
BOESA was developed under the RCoE-ESA initiative and reinforces RCMRD's efforts to apply geospatial information, Earth observation, and knowledge-sharing in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development. According to RCMRD, BOESA will provide a platform for shared learning, greater regional visibility, and stronger collaboration as countries intensify efforts to meet the 2030 biodiversity targets.
RCMRD is an intergovernmental organisation that promotes the use of geospatial information, Earth observation, and related technologies to support sustainable development and resource management in Eastern and Southern Africa. The organisation currently has 20 contracting member states, including Tanzania. BOESA is a valuable resource for the region, supporting conservation efforts and promoting sustainable development.
Key points
- RCMRD and EU launch BOESA to strengthen access to biodiversity information
- BOESA covers 24 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa
- The publication supports countries in achieving the 2030 targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF)
