By Tom Kiptenai, GIS/Remote Sensing Specialist
The Vital Signs program of Conservation International, Africa Field Division, has developed a detailed map of the Eastern Afromontane biodiversity hotspot to support conservation and restoration efforts.
Using geographic information system and remote sensing, the program has produced the map depicting areas of the most biologically rich yet threatened areas in the region. The map indicates that the bulk of the hotspot falls within forest land, shrublands, grasslands and portions of land under cultivation.
However, despite its wealth in natural resources, the hotspot is characterized by intense and pervasive poverty, impeding sound, sustainable development as local people and governments adopt development models and initiatives that yield short-term, unsustainable gains.
Protection and restoration of forests, wetland, rangelands, water bodies and grasslands within the biodiversity hotspot would contribute significantly to tackling the climate crisis and biodiversity loss while energizing sustainable and inclusive development.
Download the full-sized map in pdf here (4.3 MB)
For more information, please email tkiptenai-kemboi@conservation.org