African Ministers unite to combat land degradation and plastic pollution
Posted on September, 09 2024
Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire – September 8, 2024: The 10th Special Session of the Africa Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) concluded in Abidjan with a strong call for unity and cooperation among African nations to fight desertification, land degradation, and plastic pollution. Ministers recalled their commitment to a global, legally binding treaty on plastic pollution and emphasized the urgent need for cooperation to address the continent’s growing environmental challenges.
Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire – September 8, 2024: The 10th Special Session of the Africa Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) concluded in Abidjan with a strong call for unity and cooperation among African nations to fight desertification, land degradation, and plastic pollution. Ministers recalled their commitment to a global, legally binding treaty on plastic pollution and emphasized the urgent need for cooperation to address the continent’s growing environmental challenges.
At the conference, African environment ministers highlighted how these issues are worsening poverty, reducing agricultural productivity, and threatening wildlife.
Africa produces only 5% of the world’s plastic yet the continent is heavily impacted by the environmental and health consequences of plastic pollution. Ministers emphasized the need for a strong global treaty to address these issues, calling for measures such as phasing out harmful chemicals, promoting a circular economy, and establishing financial support mechanisms to help Africa transition to more sustainable practices.
“We are calling for a legally binding global treaty on plastic pollution, anchored in the Rio Principles, including the polluter pays principle and common but differentiated responsibilities,” stated the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) on plastic. "This treaty must ensure transparency, promote sustainable solutions, and provide financial and technical support for Africa’s future," the group stated.
WWF praised the ministers for their unified approach and firm commitment to tackling these urgent issues. "By prioritizing the fight against desertification, land degradation, and plastic pollution, African leaders are showing true leadership in addressing these pressing challenges," said Laurent Some, Head of Policy and Partnerships at WWF Africa. "This solidarity is essential for securing food security, protecting biodiversity, and ensuring a sustainable future for Africa's people and natural resources."
This special session of AMCEN sets the stage for a unified African voice ahead of critical global discussions at upcoming international environmental conferences, including the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD COP 16) in October in Cali, Columbia, Climate COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan in November, and the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP 16 in Riyad, Saudi Arabia in December. The outcomes of these conferences will help shape the future of the planet for generations to come.
Africa produces only 5% of the world’s plastic yet the continent is heavily impacted by the environmental and health consequences of plastic pollution. Ministers emphasized the need for a strong global treaty to address these issues, calling for measures such as phasing out harmful chemicals, promoting a circular economy, and establishing financial support mechanisms to help Africa transition to more sustainable practices.
“We are calling for a legally binding global treaty on plastic pollution, anchored in the Rio Principles, including the polluter pays principle and common but differentiated responsibilities,” stated the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) on plastic. "This treaty must ensure transparency, promote sustainable solutions, and provide financial and technical support for Africa’s future," the group stated.
WWF praised the ministers for their unified approach and firm commitment to tackling these urgent issues. "By prioritizing the fight against desertification, land degradation, and plastic pollution, African leaders are showing true leadership in addressing these pressing challenges," said Laurent Some, Head of Policy and Partnerships at WWF Africa. "This solidarity is essential for securing food security, protecting biodiversity, and ensuring a sustainable future for Africa's people and natural resources."
This special session of AMCEN sets the stage for a unified African voice ahead of critical global discussions at upcoming international environmental conferences, including the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD COP 16) in October in Cali, Columbia, Climate COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan in November, and the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP 16 in Riyad, Saudi Arabia in December. The outcomes of these conferences will help shape the future of the planet for generations to come.
AMCEN 2024
© Fidelis Pegue Manga / WWF International
AMCEN 2024
© Fidelis Pegue Manga / WWF International