A regional workshop entitled “Learning from Community Action to Realize the MDGs: Biodiversity and HIV/AIDS” took place from 13-18 July 2003 in Nairobi, Kenya.

The event was attended by more than 120 representatives of grassroots and community groups, NGOs, indigenous organizations and local government from 11 African countries. The workshop, which was organized by UNDP among others, aimed to increase understanding and awareness of the importance of local community action for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Participants discussed HIV/AIDs, food security, water and land management and sustainable development issues, and had the opportunity to visit five communities undertaking innovating work to help realize the MDGs.
The workshop’s outcomes include the Community Declaration, containing recommendations and a call for action to support community activities on the MDGs, and the learning exchange agreements, which would facilitate the exchange of knowledge and establish local community partnerships. More information is available at: http://www.undp.org/equatorinitiative/secondary/events/Kenya-Biodiversity.htm