The Africa Conservation Forum of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has officially opened in Nairobi with a call to enhance efforts towards involving communities and young people in conservation programmes.About 700 delegates from across Africa including eight African Environment Ministers are attending the forum, themed 'African Solutions for Nature and People: Creating Transformative Responses to the Biodiversity and Climate Crisis in Africa'.In his opening address today, Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, emphasised the importance of placing local communities at the centre of conservation efforts.'For conservation to be truly effective and sustainable, we must ensure that local communities are not only involved but are also the primary beneficiaries,' Mutua said.He also called for the empowerment of youth to enable them benefit from conservation activities.Dr Mutua attributed the increasing problem of human-wildlife conflict in Kenya to inadequate resource s for conservation initiatives among other challenges.He called for innovative approaches and partnerships to bolster Africa's conservation efforts.'Kenya, with its rich biodiversity, is actively implementing the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, focusing on locally-led and appropriate solutions for nature and people,' he stated.The forum serves as a strategic platform to influence the global sustainability agenda, climate change policies, and biodiversity conservation efforts.Dr Mutua encouraged delegates to share information and knowledge, build partnerships, and connect key stakeholders from across Africa to address pressing environmental issues.The opening ceremony was attended by Salim Mvurya, Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Zakaria Njeru, Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Ms Sylvia Museiya, Principal Secretary, State Department for Wildlife, Razan Al Mubarak, President of IUCN and Dr Grethel Aguilar, Director General of IUCN among other dignitaries.During the three-day forum, participants will discuss urgent conservation challenges and explore transformative responses to the biodiversity and climate crises in Africa.The event aims to foster collaboration and innovative solutions to safeguard Africa's natural heritage for future generations.Source: Kenya News Agency