African Consultation and Presentation of the Interim Report 

In March 2019, HM Treasury – the UK‘s economic and finance ministry – commissioned an Independent Review on the Economics of Biodiversity with the following objectives: to assess the economic benefits of biodiversity globally, assess the economic costs and risks of biodiversity loss, and identify a range of actions that can simultaneously enhance biodiversity and deliver economic prosperity. As part of the consultation process with stakeholders in Africa, Stockholm Environment Institute joins Kenya’s National Treasury, the African Development Bank and Professor Dasgupta and his team to host this virtual meeting on 22nd July 2020.

The Review is led by Professor Sir Partha Dasgupta and supported by an Advisory Panel drawn from public policy, science, economics, finance and business. The Interim Report, published in April 2020, sets out the approach taken by the Review, including central economic and scientific concepts that will underpin the final report to be published in autumn 2020, ahead of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

This meeting will gather perspectives on the Interim Report from a range of stakeholder groups including ministries of finance and planning, academics, private sector, civil society organizations and media representatives. The final report seeks to provide direction on what we must do differently to enhance our collective wealth and well-being, and that of our descendants.

Source: SEI / YouTube

Programme 

Time: 11:00 – 13:30 GMT [Nairobi 14:00 – 16:30 | London 12:00 – 14:30]

Consultation Facilitator: Mr. Peter Odhengo, Head, Climate Finance and Green Economy Unit, The National Treasury, Kenya

11:00 – 12:00 Session 1: Presentation and panel discussion

Moderated by Dr. Philip Osano, Ag. Director, Stockholm Environment Institute, Africa Centre

Introduction by Sandy Sheard, Deputy Director, Head of Economics of Biodiversity Review Team, Her Majesty’s Treasury, UK

Presentation on the “Dasgupta Review on Economics of Biodiversity: Interim Report”, Prof. Sir Partha Dasgupta

Discussion panelists:

  • Mr. Julius Muia (Ph.D), CBS Principal Secretary, National Treasury, Kenya
  • Ms. Wanjira Mathai, Vice President & Regional Director for Africa, World Resources Institute
  • Ms. Alice Ruhweza, Africa Regional Director, WWF International
  • Mr. Ruud Jansen, Executive Secretary, Gaborone Declaration for Sustainability in Africa
  • Mr. Richard Ngatia, President, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI)
  • Dr. Abebe Haile-Gabriel, Assistant Director General and Regional Representative for Africa, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

12:00 – 12:40     Session 2: Interactive Q&A Session

Moderated by Joe Ageyo, Royal Media Services, Kenya

Open Q&A session with the participants

12:40 – 13:20 Session 3: High level segment

Moderated by Sandy Sheard, Deputy Director, Head of Economics of Biodiversity Review Team, Her Majesty’s Treasury, UK

Statement by Hon. Ukur Yatani, Cabinet Secretary, National Treasury, Kenya

Statement by Hon. Frances Gatare, CEO and Cabinet Secretary, Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board, Rwanda

Statement by Hon. Kemi Badenoch, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, UK

13:20 – 13:30     Session 4: Closing

The Dasgupta Review Team

Closing statement by Mr. Peter Odhengo, Head, Climate Finance and Green Economy Unit, The National Treasury, Kenya