AU honours Wangari Maathai's environmental conservation legacy with green economy initiative
The African Union is looking to Maathai's pioneering work in conservation as a roadmap for creating a sustainable future.
As the World marks World Wildlife Day, the African Union (AU), driven by the legacy of the late Kenyan environmentalist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai, is ramping up efforts to integrate sustainable environmental practices into its development agenda.
Through initiatives like the Green Recovery Action Plan and the Great Green Wall, the AU is committed to integrating sustainable environmental practices into its development agenda, ensuring a resilient and sustainable future for the continent's communities and ecosystems.
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"To address the twin effects of climate change and desertification, Africa is bracing itself to devote undiluted attention to integrate sustainable environmental management into the mainstream development policies at both regional and national levels," stated the African Union.
The AU's commitment to sustainable development is aligned with its vision of integrating environmental conservation into the continent's broader development agenda, as reflected in its key policy framework, Agenda 2063.
In a statement, the AU emphasised that "shifting to a green economy is a crucial aspect of Africa's development path. It provides alternative development strategies that align economic growth with environmental protection, social inclusion, and the well-being of people."
"The imperative for Africa to pursue the green economy model is clear, considering the fact that many African economies are heavily dependent on natural resources to fuel economic growth," the organisation stated.
The AU further stated that it is "actively working on strategies to combat the illegal trade in wild fauna and flora."
The Great Green Wall Initiative was also highlighted, with plans to restore 100 million hectares of land by 2030, benefiting over 425 million people in Africa's drylands.
The Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) was noted for its goal of reducing hunger and poverty, with African governments committing to allocate at least 10 per cent of their budgets to agriculture.
The AU pointed out the crucial role of institutions like the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-Nepad) and the African Risk Capacity (ARC) Group, which provide technical expertise, disaster preparedness, and capacity-building to support African nations in responding to climate challenges.
Maathai's legacy continues to guide Africa's green agenda, focusing on community-driven conservation and women's empowerment.
As the continent faces mounting environmental and economic challenges, the African Union is looking to Maathai's pioneering work in conservation as a roadmap for creating a sustainable future.
"We honour the life and legacy of Prof Wangari Maathai, a visionary leader, environmentalist, and the first African woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Her unwavering dedication to environmental conservation, sustainable development, and social justice continues to inspire generations," said the AU.
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