The 12th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP12) will be held in Punta del Este at the Conrad Resort, Uruguay, from 1 – 9 June 2015. Contracting Parties, or member states, will gather to assess the progress of the Convention and the sustainable use of wetlands … Continued

Unified & rising: african nations convene at kirstenbosch national botanical garden to liberate biodiversity data for sustainble development How can biodiversity information catalyse scientific research, enable evidence-based decision-making and spur sustainable development in Africa? What tools, resources and learning networks are available to build effective biodiversity information systems in Africa Download the press release here!

Maryke van Staden, a South African who has lived and worked in Europe for 15 years, coordinates ICLEI’s global low-carbon strategy. Building on a career in policy, security and sustainable energy spanning more than 20 years, she supports local governments around the globe in addressing climate change mitigation. Read more here.

On 6 June Mayor Parks Tau of long-time ICLEI member Johannesburg gave his State of City Address that covered how the City will offer more jobs to the unemployed youth as well as increase electrical sustainability. The Mayor had many exciting and big ideas that would improve the running of the city, some of which were … Continued

In a bold approach to change urban mobility patterns, the City of Johannesburg, South Africa, is giving their citizens a preview of a future urban transport system where walking, cycling and public transport become the preferred transport modes of choice. During the month-long EcoMobility World Festival, which kicked off on Sunday, street in the Sandton Central … Continued

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in South Africa partnered with the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) in implementing an Eco-Schools Water Project. The project was developed and rolled out under the auspices of the “Water for Life” Best Practices Award. The annual “Water for Life” Best Practices Award aims to … Continued

Welcome to ICLEI Africa’s first issue of 2015! This bumper edition includes a spread on the recent ICLEI World Congress held in Seoul, the Republic of Korea, and highlights the achievements made. It also focuses on the excellent work our energy colleagues are involved with. Download the newsletter here!

The town of Bafut, which is located in the Northwest Region of Cameroon, and more specifically in the Mezam Department, is run together by its traditional chief (the Fon of Bafut), and its elected local government. Bafut Council has recently become one of our highly recognized African members, as Honourable Mayor Abel Langsi was elected … Continued

In a pioneering effort the small urban settlement of Doornkop just north of Middelburg hosted the first Doornkop Renewable Energy Rural Expo. This event was organised by the local community, with support from the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality and ICLEI Africa. ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability – Africa has been working with the Steve Tshwete Local … Continued

With over 2,500 delegates, the ICLEI World Congress 2015 is the biggest forum discussing the development of urban sustainability in 2015 worldwide. It has offered ICLEI members and delegates the chance to highlight their achievements, to connect with partners, and to learn from each other. It has also served as a landmark occasion for local … Continued