The 16th General Assembly of the Consortium of African Funds for the Environment (CAFÉ) is officially underway in Bissau, bringing together conservation leaders, policymakers, experts, practitioners, and partners from across Africa and beyond.
The Assembly has been officially opened by H.E. Dr. Carlos Pinto Pereira, Minister of Environment and Climate Action, alongside H.E. Dr. Virgínia Pires, Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy, which underscores Guinea-Bissau’s commitment to protecting its rich coastal and marine ecosystems.
Opening remarks were also delivered by Ms. Charlotte Karibuhoye Said, Chairperson of the BioGuinea Foundation Board, on behalf of the host Fund, and Professor Théophile Zognou, President of CAFÉ. Representing the Assembly’s sponsors, Ms. Rosa Delgado Brito, World Bank Country Representative for Guinea-Bissau, delivered remarks on behalf of the World Bank, and Ms. Maurie Carr also delivered remarks representing the coalition of the Enduring Earth, The Nature Conservancy, and The Pew Charitable Trusts.
Under the theme “Coastal and Marine Landscapes – Integrating Ecosystems, People and Culture,” today’s programme features high-level panels and expert discussions exploring innovative approaches to biodiversity conservation, sustainable environmental financing, and the integration of people, nature and culture in protecting Africa’s vital coastal and marine landscapes.