The Regional Centre of Excellence (RCoE) for Biodiversity, Forests and Seascape Ecosystem Management, hosted by the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD), has launched the Biodiversity Outlook for Eastern & Southern Africa (BOESA), a flagship regional platform bringing together geospatial intelligence, biodiversity data, scientific knowledge, stories and practical tools to support biodiversity conservation and sustainable development across Eastern and Southern Africa.
BOESA was unveiled on 31 July 2026 during a side event held alongside the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The event brought together experts and stakeholders to discuss how science, geospatial technologies, indigenous knowledge and inclusive participation can strengthen biodiversity action across the region. The discussions highlighted the importance of indigenous knowledge and local communities, the meaningful participation of women and youth in biodiversity decision-making, and the role of technical institutions in supporting countries to implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
A platform for biodiversity knowledge and action
BOESA is designed as a living regional platform that will continue to grow with new data, evidence, stories and tools. It brings together six key sections:
- Map Gallery – explores biodiversity through maps and geospatial information across the 24 countries covered and regional assessments
- 30×30 Tracker – tracks progress towards the global ambition to conserve and protect 30% of terrestrial, inland water, marine and coastal areas by 2030.
- News & Updates – sharing biodiversity developments from across the region.
- Case Studies – highlights experiences, approaches and lessons from biodiversity action.
- Adventure Hub – provides interactive ways to explore the region's biodiversity with short stories, targeting young people.
- Resources – provides practical information and tools, including the WDPA Validator, an AI-powered tool for validating protected area data, and the KMGBF Capacity Needs Assessment (CNA) Tool, which supports institutions in assessing and planning capacity development for KMGBF implementation.
BOESA brings together place, data and knowledge to show where biodiversity is changing, what is at stake, and how geospatial evidence can support better decisions for conservation and sustainable development. The platform provides countries, practitioners, researchers and partners with a shared space to explore biodiversity trends, access practical tools and strengthen evidence-based decision-making. The platform builds on RCMRD’s regional geospatial expertise and the RCoE’s work supporting countries in biodiversity monitoring, spatial planning, protected and conserved areas, ecosystem management and KMGBF implementation. Its launch represents an important milestone in strengthening access to biodiversity information and creating stronger connections between data, science, policy and action across the region.
From platform to publication
The launch of the BOESA marks the beginning of a broader regional initiative. The official BOESA book publication and launch is scheduled for 22 September 2026. The publication will provide a deeper regional outlook on biodiversity, bringing together evidence, geospatial analysis and perspectives from across Eastern and Southern Africa. More than a publication, BOESA is a platform for knowledge, action and collaboration, providing a growing regional resource for understanding biodiversity and supporting informed conservation decisions. Explore the BOESA Platform using this link: https://rcoe-boesa.rcmrd.org
