The regional workshop on the inter-linkages between biodiversity and human health for Africa was held in Maputo, Mozambique from 2 to 5 April 2013. The workshop was co-hosted by the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the World Health Organization (WHO), with the generous financial support of the Government of Japan and the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ). The meeting was opened by the Permanent Secretary of Mozambique on 2 April 2013. In total, 56 participants attended including government-nominated experts from 24 African countries representing Ministries of Environment and Ministries of Health. Several experts from national, regional and international organizations also contributed to the success of the workshop.

This workshop has provided a forum for Parties and experts from the health and biodiversity sectors to (i) discuss the implementation of the Strategic Plan, in particular as it relates to health issues (ii) discuss regional best practices in terms of incorporating biodiversity and health considerations in national and regional biodiversity conservation programmes, in national health plans (iii) strengthen capacity and identify further capacity needs for the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity (iv) identify possible joint activities to achieve health and biodiversity co-benefits for consideration in national biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs), national health strategies and (NPJAs) under the Libreville Declaration and (v) promote transboundary/regional cooperation and support networks on health and biodiversity issues and strategies.

The workshop was held in English, French and Portuguese.

• The official workshop documents, are available here.*

• Report of the Regional Workshop on Biodiversity and Health for the Africa Region (in English).

• Rapport de l'atelier régional sur les liens entre la santé humaine et la biodiversité pour l'Afrique (en Francais).
  *The workshop presentations are available here.*

Further updates will continue to be added to this website as they are made available.
For additional information about the workshop or its outcomes please direct any inquiries to: cristina.romanelli@cbd.int with copy to maierom@who.int.