Blog by ACCESS Coalition

Women in Communities Zimbabwe (WICO), a member of the ACCESS Coalition, was represented by Rebecca Chirenga at the Regional Geospatial Forum for Inclusive Biodiversity Action in Nairobi, Kenya. Convening stakeholders from 24 countries across Eastern and Southern Africa, the forum explored how geospatial technologies can strengthen biodiversity conservation while empowering women, Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities (IPLCs), and youth to play a greater role in environmental decision-making.

Held under the theme “Creating Hope: From Maps to Impact – Advancing Biodiversity Action through Geospatial Innovation,” the forum showcased how Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, artificial intelligence, and Story Maps are transforming biodiversity monitoring, conservation planning, and evidence-based policy engagement. For WICO, the knowledge and practical experiences shared during the event offer valuable opportunities to strengthen community-led conservation initiatives in Zimbabwe.

Rebecca participated as a member of the CBD Women’s Caucus Zimbabwe, contributing to discussions on gender-responsive biodiversity conservation and the importance of ensuring women are at the centre of environmental governance. Her participation reflects ACCESS Coalition’s commitment to supporting locally led solutions that promote climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and inclusive development.

“The forum demonstrated that technology is most powerful when it is placed in the hands of communities. By equipping women, Indigenous Peoples, local communities and young people with geospatial tools, we can generate evidence that informs better policies, strengthens biodiversity conservation, and ensures that local voices are heard where decisions are made,” said Rebecca Chirenga, WICO Executive Director.

The forum featured technical sessions on community-led conservation, ecosystem restoration, climate-resilient livelihoods, sustainable natural resource management, and the application of geospatial technologies in biodiversity monitoring. Participants also explored practical solutions to human-wildlife conflict, including community-based early warning systems, improved land-use planning, and equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms that can reduce conflict while strengthening coexistence between people and wildlife.

A field visit to Ngong Forest and the National Tree Nursery provided participants with firsthand experience of successful ecosystem restoration. Rebecca joined fellow delegates in tree-planting activities and learned about Kenya’s large-scale reforestation programme, which produces approximately 2.5 million seedlings annually. The visit also demonstrated how renewable energy and conservation can work together to support sustainable development.

The conference reinforced the objectives of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, particularly its emphasis on accessible knowledge, inclusive participation, and gender equality in biodiversity action. It also highlighted practical opportunities for Zimbabwe to strengthen biodiversity planning through greater use of geospatial technologies, expand community-based monitoring systems, and enhance the leadership of women and youth in conservation.

Rebecca’s participation demonstrates how ACCESS Coalition members are helping connect communities with innovative knowledge and partnerships that strengthen environmental stewardship. As climate change and biodiversity loss continue to intersect, empowering local organizations with digital tools and evidence-based approaches will be essential to building resilient communities and creating a more sustainable future for both people and nature.