Event Resources

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Background

Chinese engagement in Africa has grown rapidly over the past decade and Chinese companies are now investing heavily in natural resources extraction, infrastructure construction and daily life in African nations. Many conservation organizations are now questioning how best to engage with new actors affecting conservation and biodiversity in sub-Saharan Africa. This meeting will address the following questions:

  • What is the scope of Chinese investment in African countries, and what is the impact on biodiversity?
  • Who are the key actors and stakeholders? How are Chinese companies and the Chinese government linked to extractive industries and impacts on biodiversity?
  • What challenges (including transparence and non-interference) are faced by conservation groups working with new actors in the region?
  • How can conservationists leverage opportunities for biodiversity conservation with non-traditional partners, including growing interest in corporate social responsibility?

Draft Agenda

9:30: Welcome and Introductions, Peter Veit, World Resources Institute

9:45: China Goes Global: New Actors and New Challenges in Africa, Deborah Brautigam, Ph.D., Associate Professor, School of International Service, American University, and author of The Dragon’s Gift: The Real Story of China in Africa

10:00: China for a Global SHIFT, Andrew Murphy, World Wildlife Fund, US

10:15: Ivory, China and the CITES Process, Crawford Allan, TRAFFIC-North America

10:30: Pioneering Partnership with Chinese Extractive Industries: WCS, WWF, USFWS, the Government of Gabon, and Sinopec in Loango National Park, James Deutsch, Wildlife Conservation Society

10:45: Respondents:

  • Athena Ronquillo-Ballesteros, International Financial Flows & Environment Project, World Resources Institute

  • William Liao, Vice President-China, Conservation International Rose Niu, World Wildlife Fund-US

  • Rowena Smuts, Mining Engagement Advisor, Conservation International Ellen Shaw, Forest Policy Advisor, OES Office of Ecology and Natural Resource Conservation, U.S. Department of State

11:15: Q&A and Discussion

12:30: Wrap up and Next Steps

Please contact Natalie Bailey, ABCG Coordinator, for further information or to RSVP: nbailey@abcg.org