The 20th African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN-20) concluded on leaders working together to support Africa's efforts in conserving and restoring nature for the long-term. Marking the 40th anniversary of AMCEN, Africa’s foremost ministerial-level body promised to champion environmental protection; promote sustainable development that meets basic human needs; advance social and economic progress at all levels; and support food security through sustainable agricultural practices. At the gathering, the delegates shed light on the Ministerial Conference’s achievements over the past four decades, and also discussed offering policy recommendations for its future. Some of the main issues the talks focused on are an international plastics treaty, recognizing the necessity for the continent to collaborate with the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to establish a legally binding global framework addressing plastic pollution.

Firstly, they exposed the effects of increasing environmental issues facing the continent, which include climate change, environmental degradation, drought, and the loss of biodiversity and ecosystems. They pledged to combat deforestation, desertification, public health hazards, and pollution of land, air, and water.

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Additionally, they vowed to confront poverty and other challenges that threaten the achievement of sustainable development goals and jeopardize the lives and livelihoods of millions of Africans.

The ministers also pledged to safeguard crucial ecosystems like wetlands by enhancing governance and providing direct assistance to Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs).

 

Strong Resolve to Combat Plastic Pollution Crisis

The issue is complex and multifaceted. Firstly, the rapid growth of urban areas, combined with insufficient waste management systems, significantly contributes to the buildup of plastic waste. Additionally, cultural practices factor in, as single-use plastics like bags, bottles, and packaging have become ingrained in everyday life due to their low cost and convenience. There is also a lack of awareness or cultural focus on recycling and waste separation. Moreover, economic conditions are a major contributor to plastic pollution.

To tackle these cultural and economic issues, it is essential to implement culturally appropriate educational campaigns, create policies that encourage sustainable practices, invest in waste management infrastructure, and develop cost-effective alternatives to plastics.

Governments need to establish effective regulations that limit single-use plastics, promote recycling, and hold offenders accountable, ensuring clear guidelines and strict enforcement. Providing financial support for sustainable initiatives is also crucial for their long-term success and viability. Lastly, exchanging best practices and technologies among African countries and with international partners can help expedite progress.

At AMCEN, the ministers raised their voices to declare collaborative support for a strong global plastics treaty aimed at combating pollution throughout its entire lifecycle, emphasizing the urgent need to confront the worldwide plastic pollution crisis.

Hellen Dena, Leader of Greenpeace’s Pan African Plastic Project revealed that any diminishment of Africa’s strong stance would weaken the continent’s collective voice and environmental objectives, while negotiations are slated to reach a pivotal stage at the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee in Geneva this August.

She stressed that the crisis of plastic pollution is having a disproportionate impact on African communities. From the open incineration of waste and unlawful dumping in poorer areas to the health risks posed by microplastics and harmful chemicals, it is often the most marginalized who suffer the most from this crisis. AMCEN must withstand industry influence and continue advocating for limits on plastics production in the Global Plastics Treaty.

Directing Natural Resources to Stimulate Economic Growth

South Africa boasts a wealth of various minerals. Besides diamonds and gold, the nation also holds deposits of iron ore, platinum, manganese, chromium, copper, uranium, silver, beryllium, and titanium. It is the leading global producer of platinum and chromium, with significant mining operations located in Rustenburg and Steelpoort in the northeast, which are increasingly important for the economy.

The natural resource industry in Africa plays a vital role in shaping the continent’s built environment, or its constructed buildings and infrastructure. Many of Africa’s recent notable architectural milestones focus on sustainability and environmental considerations.

The continent is encountering numerous challenges concerning both the conservation and utilization of its resources. A major issue is the trade imbalance, which stems from the historical impacts of colonialism.

The leaders urged that utilizing Africa's natural resources sustainably could result in annual savings of up to $103 billion, stimulating economic growth to enable the region to meet the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The discussions centered on ensuring sustainable management of Africa’s natural resources. 

During AMCEN, senior officials are expected to explore methods to reverse these losses and reinvest the revenue into African economies to foster the continent’s development. AMCEN must ensure direct funding and acknowledge the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities who serve as the most effective stewards of our biodiversity, remarked Lamfu Yengong, Greenpeace Africa’s Lead Forest Campaigner. Additionally, African ministers are also anticipated to reach consensus on necessary actions to accelerate the region’s initiatives to address climate change. 

The ministers will particularly concentrate on the Africa Adaptation Initiative, which aims to equip African nations with tools to build resilience against climate change effects, and the Africa Renewable Energy Initiative, which seeks to enhance the continent’s renewable energy capacity by 2020.

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A Call for Increased Financial Backing

The statement also emphasized the need for increased financial backing for the GEF-managed Least Developed Countries Fund and the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, acknowledging their vital role in advancing global adaptation and nature objectives, including the New Collective Quantitative Goal and Target 19 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

In Nairobi, Fred Boltz, the GEF’s Head of Programming, highlighted that over the past 30 years, the GEF has allocated nearly one third of its resources to Africa, which amounts to more than $7.7 billion.

These investments have allowed African countries to achieve significant progress, such as establishing more than 160 new protected areas and enhancing the management of an additional 480, which together cover an area five times larger than Kenya, or over ten percent of the African continent.